10 Things NOT To Do in Samoa

The Samoan islands are surrounded by miles of pristine beaches, crystal blue ocean, and dazzling reef. But keep in mind that Samoa is a conservative country, and you should do your research ahead of time. Here’s our list of 10 things you should NOT in Samoa.

1. Don’t Stay Standing
When it’s time to get down to business, you’ll notice that Samoans all sit down on the floor to engage in discussion. It’s also considered rude to eat or drink while you’re standing.

2. Don’t Indulge in Kava
It’s customary to take part in the kava ceremony. This narcotic brew is made with the roots of a pepper plant, and the cup of liquid is passed around for everyone to sip and enjoy. Overindulging in the drink can decrease your reaction times and motor coordination.

3. Don’t forget to brush up on the Culture
Samoan Cultural Village and Knowledgeable guides will take you around through different exhibits where you’ll be given a fun history lesson. You’ll also be taught coconut weaving, watch an entertaining dance performance, and be treated to a traditional meal cooked over an earth oven.

4. Don’t Underestimate a Beach Fale
A fale is a hut on the beaches. You can actually rent one and wake up to the waves crashing right at your feet. These handmade structures range from simple to luxurious, but to get a true experience, you’ll definitely want to stay in the old school version made of wood and dried coconut fiber.

5. Don’t Leave the Water Without Your Lava Lava
After soaking up some sun on the beach, make sure to cover up with a lava lava afterward. It’s similar to a sarong, and it basically covers up your body so that you don’t offend the locals. And keep in mind, the lava lava is worn by both men and women.

6. Don’t Forget to Pay Taefu T Matafeo Store a Visit
Between Salelologa and the north coast, you’ll find a tiny establishment called Taefu T Matafeo Store. Inside, you can sip on some of the best espressos ever, while nibbling on homemade cakes. They also serve up light fare, including kimchi, and they have more than enough icy beer to go around.

7. Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…Just Joking
Samoa’s backdrop is rich with gorgeous tropical forests that are home to some of the most stunning waterfalls. On Upolu Island, you will find Sopoaga Waterfall at the foot of Lotofaga Village. At the base of the falls, you can also take part in an umu demonstration and coconut husking.

8. Don’t Be Surprised by Beach Fees
In Samoa, the majority of the beaches are owned by families and villages, and they charge visitors a small fee (from 5 to 20 tala) to swim, take photos on the beach, or even wander around the sand. If you’re staying at a resort, you won’t have to worry about this fee at all.

9. Don’t Visit the National Museum on Weekends
This museum should definitely be at the top of your itinerary, but make sure you stop by during the week, because they’re closed on weekends. You can send a special request to ask that they open their doors for you on a Saturday or Sunday, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll honor it.

10. Don’t Enter During Prayer
Prayer sessions can happen frequently, and if you find that you’ve arrived at someone’s home during a prayer, wait outside until it is finished. If you’re inside their home at the time the prayer’s set to take place, you’ll be expected to take part in the service as well.

[jackfanning]

I have different advice. Respect the people, their religion, and their customs, don't indulge in drugs or alcohol, stay away from the tourist traps, behave modestly, be kind to all you meet. This advice is universal, wherever you visit.

[historybuff]

We lived on American Samoa in the early 60's. I was 3 going on 4 at the time, but I still remember a lot about Samoa. Both of my parents taught public school there. My dad taught industrial arts. I don't remember what grade my mother taught. I went to an all boys Catholic school. We had a Samoan house keeper. Her name was Kalōpā (I think that's the correct spelling). I often spent weekends with her and her family in their village. While there my dad purchased a WW2 USN surplus Jeep for transportation. I have fond memories of Samoa. I our pastor was a Church of the Nazarene missionary named Garsee. Church services were held in a native built fale with woven mats on the floor. Everyone in the congregation sat on the floor during service. I'm in my 60's now and if I could I'd love to go back for visit.

[southseasprincess]

Samoa is a strict island with rules governed by the people themselves under the matais in each village. I love the culture, because there is nowhere else in the world where you see a lot of food, even without money, and the blessing of families pulling together in times of need when somebody dies, or have a title bestowed upon them as a matai. It is a culture to be respected, but an island and its people to be loved!!

[isaialeuila]

as a SAMOAN i just pa my aka (burst in laughter) at how he pronounced the samoan words. Also he missed the curfew time in samoa, and how you cant go out or do week day things on a sunday, because its strictly church only.

[rory]

shitttti i lived in samoa for 2 years and its was so awesome. it was the best cultural experience i have ever had

[raakone]

You forgot "don't go travelling on a than a handful of church busses, there's no public transport on Sundays, most villages don't like outsiders coming on Sundays (although sometimes people from neighboring villages come because they belong to a local church), don't be loud on a Sunday, many villages don't allow Sunday swimming, and some places even want all outsiders to leave on Saturday evening. Apart from parts of Apia and resorts, it's church and family that happens on Sundays.

[faimaliemaiava]

I’m a Samoan, and I respect my culture!!🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸

[MrAua-wvsk]

I’m Samoan and I’m telling you right now, DEFINITELY DON’T INTERRUPT DURING PRAYER. Also It’s full name is Ea Lava Lava, but you can just call it an Ea. (For all the people that barely know the Samoan culture)

[ahmedasghar]

A missed call from Samoa brought me here 👀

[abd]

I live in the Philippines and it amazes me Pacific Islands like Samoa 😊

[georgia]

The way he's pronouncing the samoan words has me laughing so hard

[vicboi]

I was in Samoa and no matter the population is like 200k people its such a lovely country!

[moles]

I'm an expat living in Samoa.... I can tell you this is not a great list... some items are correct, but clearly a list compiled by some one who couldn't point to Samoa on a map

[ktw]

VERY IMPORTANT-
Do *_NOT_* play or make noises on Sunday. Samoans are religious and believe that you should rest on Sunday, _the day of rest_

[sionatusiofo]

There's are some people who are aso fitu (type of church), they believe that Saturday is actually the sabbath, so they treat Saturday like a Sunday and Sunday like a Saturday . They're usually the people playing on Sunday

[avatar]

3# Don’t forget to brush up on culture. That should be a rule everywhere you to visit.

[TiktokUser_]

When Samoans don’t understand him because he says everything wrong.... 😂😂

[faatupuahching]

here are a few more for people who want more:


1. Please, if you are going out with a sei in you ear, please take it off when it gets dark, because it offends spirits.


2. Do not wear your hair down at night, it offends a spirit that goes by the name of the teine sa (or telesa)



3. If you go to a church, expect to literally lose your whole bank account lmaoo. Join a church, but dont be a member (unless its family)


4. Do NOT spread your legs open in front of people (especially the elderly). This is really offensive in our culture, and its something that is very commonly done by new tourists, that clearly didnt do their research.


5. If you go to an event (as in a family night). Do not ever try to walk to another table when a high chief, a pastor, a pastors wife, or a important guest is speaking. As it is also very offensive, and it gives the intention that you are very rude. If you do try, bend down, and walk, and quietly say "tulou" (excuse me).


6. Do not talk during prayer, or laugh. Its very rude.


And I'm going to speak a bit on this last one:


Dont get tattoos if you dont know the importance.


It might sound "stupid" to people, but those people look even stupider when they actually get the tattoo. Because you never learned the big importance behind our tribal tattoos.


Malu's are not just "a tattoo". They sometimes signal high rankings and standings, and if you get it and you are just a tourist, it honestly looks dumb. Our tattoos mean something in our culture, and if you are going to get one, please so your research, before saying "MaLuS LoOk aNd ArE sO nIcE FoR bOdY DeCor" cause that is first disrespect to our culture, our people, and our HISTORY.




Please do your research.


How do I know about Malu's? My mom actually has one, because her father was a high chief in a old church. So she probably nows all about them, more than I do lol.


Please comment for any questions about our culture, or spit random myths you heard, and me and our fellow Polynesians, Micronesians, etc, will kindly respond to them!

[none-tb]

Don't say no when a elderly tells you to eat more

[teharipatene]

It's good to know these things can save embarrassment and really just to be respectful as you would want tourists to be in our own country's lol