Apia

Apia began as a small village of 304 people in the 1800s, from which Samoa's capital took its name. Today, Apia Village still exists within the larger city, which has expanded to include many surrounding villages. Following fa'a Samoa, it maintains its own matai (chiefs) and fa'alupega (genealogy and greetings). The modern city was established in the 1850s and became Samoa's capital in 1959. High chief Seumanutafa Pogai led until his death in 1898. In 1889, Apia Harbour was the scene of a naval standoff between German, US, and British ships that refused to leave despite an approaching typhoon. All but the British cruiser Calliope were wrecked, and nearly 200 lives were lost.

Savai'i

Savai'i is the largest and highest island in Samoa and the wider Samoan Islands, and the sixth largest in Polynesia after New Zealand's main islands and Hawaii and Maui. Though bigger than Upolu, it is less populated, with 43,958 residents (2016 census), about 24 percent of Samoa's population. Traditionally called Salafai, the island's main township and ferry terminal is Salelologa, located on its eastern end. A single tar-sealed highway and local bus routes connect most villages.