The Big Island ( Hawaii) vs Samoa

Hello there,

I am a 30 year old female from the UK planning a little trip that will take place on summer 2011 ( June to August) . It is my first time backpacking on my own and I am a bit concerned about safety.

Most of my trip is planned already , but I am struggling to decide with the first leg of the trip. Initially I looked at going to Honolulu, to then realise how much americanised it is. So opted out to stay and explore The Big Island instead. But it looks rather expensive and not too easy to travel around unless you have a car.

All that I expect from the experience in the pacific islands is to get involved with the culture, get to know the way the locals work the land and interact with the environment. Looking at getting involved with some environmental/ecological projects while in there. Not a hardcore diver/snorkeler, more into hiking , volcanoes, kayaking, etc..
Definitely I want to be away from mad tourist, I don't mind the quiet traveller with whom to quick back with a couple of beers and a nice chat.

So I have started reading and researching about Samoa. It seems my kind of place, more appropriate than TBI for me, but as I said before I am concerned about my safety, as a female travelling alone is always in more danger than a male. Heard about rabid dogs lurking about at night, fales manager;s stealing from you, kids throwing rocks at tourist . etc... All the bad press I have read are pretty old (2007) . I just wonder if things have changed in the last years.

Any help will be appreciated!!

M. x x

My info is dated, because I haven't been to Samoa since 2003. But I do want to say that I went as a single female traveler when I was in my mid-20s and had a fabulous two weeks. It, too, was my first trip backpacking alone (I left my spouse behind, because he couldn't get the time off) and I was quite nervous. But I had a spectacular time. You have plenty of time for exploring both islands, and could probably visit little manono as well.

The dogs are a major concern (search for old posts on this--they have gotten worse since I was there). I found taking the cheap taxis at night alleviated that problem. I met other travelers whom I split car rentals with. It is generally easy to meet travelers if you stay at the fales that have meals included with the stay. There were many British medical students and several European dental students doing summer internships. They had an interesting perspective because they were seeing patients. I met maybe one other American on the trip.

I will let more recent travelers talk about price, but compared to other S. Pacific islands (and certainly compared to Hawaii), it was a bargain.

I also want to mention that as a single female traveler, Samoans would really watch out for me. When I was on the bus, usually one of the women would ask me where I was going, and make sure someone would let me know when to get off the bus. I remember at Virgin Cove, one of the employees took me on a walk through the mangroves and introduced me to the chief of the neighboring village. I was treated very well.

As for crime, my understanding is that theft is still the major concern. Again, see the back threads. I felt very safe with regard to assault or the like.

The Big Island of Hawaii is very interesting with its active volcanoes but yes you would need to rent a car to get around.
You have more chance of interacting with the locals in Samoa.
We have not had problems with the dogs there but unfortunately a friend recently got badly bitten.
Probably less likely to have problems with crime in Samoa than Hawaii.

I wouldn't consider Samoa dangerous. I didn't go out walking at night much (there's nothing to walk to...), but never had any serious dog issues there. In American Samoa I had to throw rocks and swing sticks to keep some away.

Samoa is far more third world than Hawaii - lots of people begging, trying to take advantage of you, litter, etc. Even a bloody airport security guard was trying to sell me CDs and then make a donation to his church while I waited for a flight. I didn't come away with a positive image of Samoans, although some of them at the fale resorts were pleasant. Despite the dogs, I felt far, far more comfortable in American Samoa where the friendliness seemed more genuine and wasn't just because you're a caucasian and must have money to give them.

9/10 days is a good length of time. I liked the tsunami ravaged areas the most, like around Lalomanu. To Sua Ocean Trench is the one spot worth checking out. It's beautiful, and unlike other places, the price doesn't vary depend on whoever's collecting the money. The blowholes on Savaii are also a must.

Strange that you would choose Samoa considering your interests above ( hiking, volcanoes, kayaking).

Re: #3's post - I pretty much agree with what he/she says and need to point out to you that Samoa (not American Samoa) is the only Pacific island that I've visited that has the problems/attitude mentioned in his second paragraph.

If you want kayaking then Palau's your place though it is pretty Americanized being an ex-territory. You could head up to Kayangel and "get to know the way the locals work the land and interact with the environment."

Or you might consider Uiha on in Tonga. It's a pretty traditional island and you may well be the only tourist visiting. Or Pangai with more tourists around since you want a bit of socializing. The locals are friendly in Tonga, its a safe place and a unique culture.

Haven't been to Vanuatu but that's where I would go for a volcano.

New Britain in PNG has over a dozen active volcanoes, great hiking and locals I found FAR friendlier than in Samoa.
But then PNG has a rep for poor security, though almost all first-hand experiences posted here are overwhelmingly postive - your decision.

Vanuatu would certainly be a good bet to combine safety, volcanoes, VERY friendly locals and perhaps the most traditional cultures left in the Pacific.
But it is (along with PNG) more expensive than Samoa.

I imagine Hawaii would be great for scenery, volcanoes and hiking, but much less so for "culture" (as most tourists expect it in the Pacific islands).

I must agree that all the Hawaiian Islands are very americanized (except Niihau which is privately owned by the Robinsons). However, the Big Island is the most culturally rich of all the Hawaiian islands (Oahu would be the least). Dont worry about the stray dogs. They are all over the Pacific islands (not just Samoa and or HAwaii). I'd worry more on the natural alarm clocks: the rooster! But they too are everywhere on the islands! :)

We have been to both and would recommend Samoa over the big island based on: richER culture, better beaches, better diving, better local ambiance and overall cost. TBI has one major advantage, witnessing the live lava flows. If you are into luxury resorts, spas, organized tours, then TBI is for you. If you really want "to get away from it all" mission, the Samoa would the choice of the two.

In other words, if you wish you had been to Hawaii 50-80yrs ago, then go visit Samoa.