Apia, on the north coast of Upolu and a leisurely drive east of the FaleoloInternationalAirport, is Samoa’s capital and the commercial and government centre. Blending old colonial buildings with more conventional modern construction, Apia is a busy water-front town with a charm and an atmosphere all of its own. This unpretentious South Pacific town and surroundings, offer the visitor much to see and do and can also act as a base for further travel to outlying areas.

Being the major service centre on the islands, it is here that you will find communication services, supermarkets, restaurants, rental cars, travel agencies, tourist information, etc., and most can be found along the main Beach Road. Many intriguing sights are within easy reach of the town centre including the bustling New Market, featuring island produce and handicrafts; the Fish Market; the Flea Market, with its apparel, home goods and handicrafts; the landmark Town Clock Tower and the historic MulinuuPeninsula with its many memorials, chiefly tombs and the unique Samoan-style Parliament House. Robert Louis Stevenson’s Museum and tomb, Papaseea Sliding Rocks and the Museum of Samoa, to name a few, are all fascinating and well worth a visit.

Several sports grounds and facilities cater for most sporting needs and highlight the sporting prowess of the Samoan people. The Apia Park National Stadium east of Apia and the new sports complex at Tuanaimato, are sites suitable for hosting international sporting events.

For golfing enthusiasts, the Royal Samoa Country Club Golf Course, the Faleata Golf Course, and the new Le Penina Golf Gourse next to Aggie Grey’s Lagoon, Beach Resort and Spa at Mulifanua all provide and exciting challenge amongst picturesque surroundings. Independence Celebration in Apia commence at the beginning of June and feature parades, traditional dancing, spectacular long boat (fautasi) races, and other sporting events. It is a colourful and a wonderful festival that is now held for only one day in June every year.

A flag raising ceremony at 9.00am each weekday in front of the GovernmentBuilding, is a great way to start the day as the Police Band plays a national anthem whilst traffic and pedestrians remain at a standstill.