Samoa was first settled about 3,000 years ago by the early Polynesian voyagers from the South East Asia. According to archaeological evidence, Samoa is commonly believed to be the “cradle” of the Polynesian culture, as these early settlers first inhabited Samoa before spreading to other islands of Polynesia including Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand. However, Samoans have their own beliefs that their islands and the people are the creation of the god “Tagaloa”, which are more similar to the Biblical account about the origin of earth and people given in the book of Genesis. Traces of Lapita pottery found at Mulifanua on the western end of Upolu Island have been carbon-dated at about 1,000 BC, which suggested that the Polynesians had already settled on these islands around that time.

This has made archaeologists to ponder for decades over the origin, purpose and use of the many prehistoric structures which are scattered over the islands. One example of prehistoric structures is the Ancient Mound of ‘Pulemelei’ on the island of Savaii, which is believed to be the largest prehistoric man-made monument in the Pacific.

This huge structure, formed of rocks is the subject of archaeologists’ research as to its use and what is buried deep inside, which is a mystery like in other “star-shaped” mounds found throughout Samoa. Around the Pulemelei site, one would find remains of old village sites like foundations of houses and pathways, etc.

To see these prehistoric sites, please email us, and we will organize  a guided tour for you to these ancient monuments.