Faleolo Airport, Sāmoa: Our descending Fiji Airways flight from Honolulu International Airport approached Sāmoa’s international Airport at dawn.
The vast Pacific Ocean made our progress slow as in snail speed although the Boeing 737-800 series jet was moving at a speed of over 500 miles-an-hour.
We’ve been flying for six hours, and we were anxious to get out of our seats. But lo-and-behold, the announcement from the cabin crew over the loudspeaker was a surprise, “Transit passengers, please remain in your seats.”
Remain seated? I was anticipating hitting the ground and stay around a bit. It’s been at least 20 years since my last stopover in Apia. I just left Hawaii where I spent a week frolicking with relatives upon returning to my “Paradise” home in the Pacific, destination Tonga. Fiji Airways made a point to stopover in Sāmoa for an hour, but I would’ve liked to stay a little longer and play tourist, and spend some money in the local economy.
Sāmoa Port-of-Call Begs Better Marketing Strategy
My first port-of-call at Apia was way back upon returning to Tonga from Fiji by boat, in 1970s. The MV Tofua served Tonga, Sāmoa, Fiji, and Niuē linking through Auckland. Hence, travelers from Australia, the U.S., and Europe were routed to Auckland for the final leg of their journey on the MV Tōfua, a Tongan registered vessel.
We anchored at Apia harbor for two days, during which we toured the popular tourist attractions. There were more tourist attractions on the Big Island of Savai’i, but we did not have time to visit there. Likewise, two Australian ladies who boarded our flight at Faleolo Airport this time − they sat next to me on the flight − who told of a similar situation; five days were not enough to see everything they wished to see on Upolu, including a visit to Savai’i.
These ladies also echoed the sentiments of many of their Australian fellow travelers, they said. Accordingly, they agreed unanimously that side trips should’ve been availed to them if they wanted. In other words, that they felt some travel packages are too restrictive. They felt that the opportunity to alter their tour packages should’ve been offered. They spent two free days of which they could be visiting Savai’i Island, for an example.
Fiji Airport Looks Tired
For the final leg of my trip through Nandi International Airport to Tonga, it was disappointing, to say the least. I had higher expectations based on past experiences. Once Nandi International Airport terminal was the pride of the Western Pacific. Now it looks run down; building interiors are old and needed new renovations badly; and airport personnel were less friendly. The welcoming string band looked like they’re drunk from drinking kava the night before.
I did not feel welcome to Fiji as a South Pacific Islander returning home. After going through customs, we were forced to go through security checkin again. Why do we need to do this? We boarded Fiji Airways in Honolulu and Apia, and we’re still considered of “sterile” status.
Chasing the tourist dollar may perhaps has taken over priority over Pacific Islanders. I watched Fijian custom agents selecting white people to process from the queue while the rest of us Pacific Islanders waited our turns. It seems that the colonial days in the Pacific are here to stay.
(Written by Sione A. Mokofisi, a Tongan published writer. He’s the Director of English-Journalism & Business Management at Tonga International Academy, Havelu, Tongatapu. Contact E-mail: s1mokofisi@yahoo.com) The views expressed here are of the author and not of this website.