Satupa'itea

Satupa'itea is an administrative district along the southeast coast of Savai'i Island, comprising four sub-villages: Moasula, Pitonuʻu, Satufia, and Vaega. The area spans across terrain at roughly 600 meters (2,000 feet) elevation.

The area was shaped in the 19th century when English missionary George Brown arrived in 1860 to establish the first Methodist mission station. This marked the beginning of Methodist presence in Samoa and changed the religious direction of the region.

The district maintains the paramount chiefly title of Tonumaipeʻa, which plays an important role in the governance of the Alataua sub-region. This traditional authority continues to shape social life and decision-making today.

As one of eleven political districts in Samoa, the area is best reached from the main towns or larger settlements on the island. Visitors should know that this is a rural region where basic services may be limited.

The area was the birthplace of Methodist theological training in Samoa in 1863, before this educational mission later moved to Upolu Island. This early academic role helped establish a religious and intellectual foundation that would spread across the entire nation.

Location: Samoa

Elevation above the sea: 596 m

Shares border with: Vaisigano, Gaga'ifomauga, Palauli, Gaga'emauga

GPS coordinates: -13.63333,-172.63333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00