From the perfume of fresh coconut oil and roasting coffee drifting through Apia Market to the salt-and-limestone tang of the south coast surf at Lalomanu, Samoa hits the senses in layered, generous ways.

Sun-warmed pandanus leaves rustle as women weave mats in village fale and hand-painted siapo (tapa cloth) dries in the shade like fabrics and fibers that smell faintly of earth and ash, and carry motifs of waves, taro leaves and the malu tattoo curves.

Walking the stalls at Maketi Fou in Apia or the sprawling Salelologa market in Savai’i, you’ll hear vendors call out the provenance of each item: siapo stamped by experienced painters in Upolu, kava tanoa carved from local vesi or mango, and jars of locally pressed coconut oil from village producers.

Samoan souvenirs are rich with meaning and made from the islands’ materials like pandanus, mulberry bark, coconut fibre and native woods, all rooted in fa’a Samoa traditions.
Here’s what to buy in Samoa to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Siapo (Samoan Tapa Cloth)

Why pick this up:
Siapo is a living art form: hand-beaten mulberry bark transformed into painted panels that carry traditional motifs and family stories. It’s a dramatic, lightweight wall hanging or table cover that captures Samoan design sensibilities.

What to look for:
Seek hand-painted siapo with natural dyes and irregular brush strokes — these show a human touch. Check the underside for layered bark texture and ask the vendor which village or artist made it, as motifs can be region-specific.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 150–1,200

Where to find it:
Apia Market (Maketi Fou), artisan stalls in Vailima and Salelologa Market on Savai’i.

2. ‘Ie Toga (Fine Woven Mat)

Why pick this up:
The ‘ie toga is more than a mat — it’s ceremonial currency used in weddings and chiefly exchanges, packed with cultural value. Owning a small or medium fine mat is like carrying a piece of Samoan social history.

What to look for:
Look for tight, even pandanus weaving with dyed border patterns and neatly finished edges; the finer the weave, the more time it took to make. Ask if it’s a hand-dyed pandanus (fala) and whether the seller is from an island known for fine weaving.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 500–3,000

Where to find it:
Village weaving centres, Salelologa Market, and weekend craft fairs in Upolu.

3. Kava Tanoa (Ceremonial Kava Bowl)

Why pick this up:
A carved tanoa speaks to Samoan ceremonial life and makes an eye-catching decorative piece or serving bowl. It’s often carved from a single block of native wood and used at ‘ava ceremonies.

What to look for:
Prefer solid, hand-carved bowls with visible tool marks and natural wood grain; traditional tanoa have multiple small depressions inside the bowl. Confirm the wood type — mango and vesi are common and durable.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 80–400

Where to find it:
Carving stalls in Apia, craft sellers in Savai’i, and museum shops such as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum gift shop.

4. Lava-lava (Samoan Wrap Skirt)

Why pick this up:
The lava-lava is wearable island comfort — bright, practical and a true everyday Samoan garment. It’s perfect as a beach cover-up or casual sarong with patterns inspired by local flora.

What to look for:
Choose cotton or rayon with bold prints of hibiscus, taro or geometric siapo-inspired designs; stitched hems and reinforced ties indicate better quality. Look for locally printed or hand-dyed pieces rather than cheap imported knockoffs.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 30–150

Where to find it:
Apia’s waterfront stalls, Salelologa Market, and souvenir shops near tourist beaches like Lalomanu.

5. Pandanus Weave (Baskets, Fans & Mats)

Why pick this up:
Pandanus weaving is everywhere in Samoa — functional baskets, sun fans and small mats that show meticulous handwork. These items are lightweight, packable, and make practical souvenirs.

What to look for:
Tight, uniform strips and natural pandanus coloration or natural-dye borders are signs of genuine craft. Ask about the dye source and check for brittle plastic-like fibres that indicate machine-made goods.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 20–400

Where to find it:
Village craft stalls, Apia Market, and Sunday village markets across Upolu and Savai’i.

6. Coconut-based Products (Oil, Carved Shells, Sennit Rope)

Why pick this up:
Coconut is the backbone of Samoan craft and cuisine: cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, carved coconut-shell bowls and sennit (afa) rope are local staples. They’re tactile items that smell faintly of the islands.

What to look for:
For oil, check for clear labeling of “cold-pressed” or “village-produced” and a recent production date. For carved shells and sennit, inspect finishing (smooth edges, secure bindings) and prefer natural shell luster over glued beads.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 10–120

Where to find it:
Village co-op stalls, Apia Market, and roadside vendors near plantations.

7. Ula (Shell & Seed Necklaces) and Floral Leis

Why pick this up:
Ula necklaces and woven flower leis are iconic wearable souvenirs that echo island ceremonies and everyday adornment. They capture the coastal colors of Samoa and make thoughtful gifts.

What to look for:
Natural shells, carved seeds and hand-tied construction indicate authenticity; avoid bright plastic chains or perfectly identical beads that signal mass production. Fresh or dried flower leis are perishable — buy these to enjoy locally.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 15–150

Where to find it:
Beachfront vendors, Apia Market, craft stalls at tourist villages and market days in Savai’i.

8. Hand-carved Wooden Utensils & Bowls

Why pick this up:
Wooden serving spoons, salad bowls and mini tanoa make practical decorative pieces and highlight Samoan carving skills. Each piece shows the grain of local woods like mango and vesi.

What to look for:
Solid wood with a smooth finish, no painted veneer, and tool-mark evidence for hand work. Ask if the wood is sustainably sourced and avoid coral or restricted timber.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 30–500

Where to find it:
Carvers around Apia, craft markets in Savai’i, and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum shop.

9. Siapo Prints & Contemporary Samoan Art

Why pick this up:
Contemporary prints and small canvases reinterpret siapo motifs and landscape views — they’re a modern way to take home Samoan visual culture. Local artists often blend traditional patterns with current themes.

What to look for:
Signed prints or limited editions from known Samoan artists, and clear artist-attribution labels. Original paintings or hand-printed siapo reproductions are preferable to mass-produced posters.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 40–600

Where to find it:
Gallery shows in Apia, craft stalls at Salelologa, museum shops and occasional pop-up markets.

10. Locally Roasted Coffee & Cacao Products

Why pick this up:
Small-batch coffee from Upolu and artisanal cacao bars capture the islands’ flavor profile and make compact culinary souvenirs. They’re easy to pack and support local growers.

What to look for:
Choose locally roasted beans with roast date labels and cacao bars that list Samoan cacao or single-origin sourcing. Avoid unlabeled bulk bags — ask the seller about the farm or cooperative.

Price bracket (2025):
WST 20–150

Where to find it:
Apia specialty stalls, Salelologa market vendors, and gift shops near tourist lodges.

Tip: If you buy large siapo panels or ‘ie toga, ask vendors at Apia Market or Salelologa about protective rolls or shipping options — many are used to packing and mailing larger pieces for tourists 📦

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Shopping in Samoa is woven into village life and ceremonial exchange. The ‘ie toga, siapo and kava bowl aren’t mere souvenirs but items with social importance, often given at weddings, funerals and chiefly events so sellers will happily explain an item’s ceremonial role.

Apia’s Maketi Fou and Salelologa on Savai’i are the busiest hubs, while island village markets and church fairs rotate with traditional schedules; many artisans work out of family fale where you can watch weaving and painting take place.

Bargaining exists but is more restrained than in some markets; it’s common to ask for a small discount on multiple items or to negotiate shipping, but polite conversation and respect for the maker’s work go a long way.

Expect to find museum-quality pieces at places like the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum gift shop and contemporary art at pop-up stalls near beaches and cultural centres.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Look for materials native to Samoa: siapo is made from beaten mulberry bark and displays brush-stroked motifs, pandanus weaving has a fibrous underside and natural dye variations, and hand-carved wood shows tool marks and natural grain.

Ask vendors where the item was made, village provenance is a strong sign of authenticity. Beware of plastic-based imitations, perfectly uniform “handmade” items (which often indicate machine production), and goods labeled vaguely as “Pacific” without island attribution.

For foodstuffs, check for producer names, harvest or roast dates, and seals where applicable; local oil and coffee should list small-batch or village production.

When in doubt, ask to meet the artisan or request a short demonstration, authentic sellers usually welcome the opportunity to share their craft.

Where to Shop in Samoa

• Apia Market (Maketi Fou) — the central market for crafts, fresh food and textiles.
• Salelologa Market (Savai’i) — Savai’i’s main market with weaving and carving stalls.
• Robert Louis Stevenson Museum shop (Vailima) and local museum gift shops for curated, museum-quality pieces.
• Village craft stalls and weaving centres in Upolu and Savai’i — often where the best ‘ie toga and siapo are sold.
• Faleolo International Airport shops for last-minute packaged goods and locally labeled food items.
• Weekend and Sunday village markets, and occasional pop-up artisan bazaars near popular beaches like Lalomanu.

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Samoa expensive?
A: Prices vary widely — small woven items and shell necklaces are inexpensive, while fine ‘ie toga mats and large siapo panels can be costly due to hours of handcrafting.

Q: Is bargaining common in Samoa?
A: Light bargaining is acceptable at open markets, especially if buying multiple items, but approach negotiations politely and respect the artisan’s work.

Q: How do I know if food items meet customs rules?
A: Packaged, sealed coffee, chocolate and oils labeled by a local producer are usually fine; fresh fruits, seeds and some plant materials are restricted — check your home country’s import rules before traveling.

Explore Samoa’s markets and workshops with curiosity and respect — you’ll return with meaningful pieces and stories that reflect the islands’ craftsmanship and communal traditions, including truly special Samoan souvenirs.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!