Falelatai: Newspaper History and Landscape

Falelatai brings together a distinctive episode in Samoan media history and striking landscape features in the village and its wider surroundings. In December 1839, Samoa’s first newspaper appeared here; Mafafa Fort and the wetlands of the shared district offer other perspectives on the region.

A place in Samoan newspaper history

In December 1839, the London Missionary Society (LMS) published O le Sulu Samoa (Sulu), Samoa’s first newspaper, in Falelatai. This connects Falelatai to a specific moment in press history: a particular publication, a publishing organisation, and a month and year are all part of this event. If you would also like to explore cultural history on a trip to Samoa, the newspaper offers a clear point of reference—rooted in Falelatai, rather than simply in a general account of the islands.

Mafafa Fort and the shape of the terrain

Mafafa Fort is located in Falelatai on Upolu, between the villages of Falelatai and Lefaga on the island’s southwest coast. The fort is situated on a flattened hill; four main ridges descend from its highest point.

Wetlands in the wider area

The wider landscape offers a different picture, too. The shared Falelatai and Samatau Faipule District includes low-lying areas with several slow-flowing streams that form numerous inland wetlands.

Samoa as a wider travel horizon

Those wishing to include other aspects of Samoa beyond Falelatai will also find other cultural attractions. The Samoa Cultural Village is on Beach Road in central Apia. At Sopoaga Waterfall, there is an area for demonstrations of umu preparation and coconut husking. This gives you a cultural venue in the city centre and demonstrations at a waterfall as two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.

At the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks in Se’ese’e in the Faleata District, there are two sliding areas: one for children and one for adults. The drive from Apia takes about 15 minutes and may vary depending on conditions.

The To-Sua Ocean Trench in Lotofaga on Upolu offers a different view of water and terrain. It is 30 metres deep; a long ladder leads to a platform in the water-filled basin. A cave leads to the open sea, and diving there is recommended for experienced divers. Together, these places in Samoa offer a range of experiences—from culture and demonstrations to a striking waterscape and a diving recommendation with a clear qualification.

Decide what to prioritise when choosing accommodation

When choosing your holiday rental, it helps to decide what to prioritise first. If Falelatai—with its newspaper history, Mafafa Fort, and the landscape of the shared district—is your main focus, you can narrow your search to a stay in Falelatai. If you would rather focus on the Samoa Cultural Village, Papase’ea, or the To-Sua Ocean Trench, choose accommodation that suits the destinations that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Fausaga, Salamumu, Saanapu-Uta, Apia

To the main travel overview: Samoa.