December 16, 2025
Apia is the relaxed low rise capital of Samoa, spread along a sheltered harbor on the north coast of Upolu. This island is the 2nd largest, behind Savai'i, of the 8 islands which make up the Independent State of Samoa (note: 4 of the remaining 6 islands are uninhabited.) Upolu has an international airport and port, unlike Savai'i, and it's population is roughly 39,000 of the total 220,000 in all of Samoa. The Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the most striking architecture in the harbor. I was excited we were finally in a port on a Sunday, to be able to part take in a Mass and it was so special. It's a gorgeous church inside and it was open air with a nice breeze. The mass was in English and the choir was really talented, with guitar instrumentals and the words projected onto a screen, so we could sing along! They did a lot of my favorite hymns and the people were super friendly. We really felt welcome and it did wonders for my soul!
This is part of the residents that attended Mass together - there were at least another 10 that didn't make it into photo!
The town was quiet and immaculate, tourism is their biggest business, but they only average 3 to 4 cruise ships in a month. The island is a string of villages, each with their own chiefs, leadership and rules. Several extended families make up one village, with between 50 to 150 people typically, per village. Crime is very low mainly because religion is so strongly followed here and family values are so strong. It is the rainy season here in the South Pacific, so the days are in the 80's, humid in the afternoons especially and rain showers and down pours happen frequently. I walked the harbor area with my buddy Sherrie on Saturday. Below are some the sites of Apia.
