The crystal clear water of the Piula cave pool and its community ownership has captured the attention of New Zealand visitor Stephanie Samu.

The 29-year-old visited the scenic site recently and told the Samoa Observer that she is impressed with its beauty, and appreciates the fact that all fees collected from visitors goes back to the villagers who live nearby. 

“Piula cave was awesome, something I had never seen before, it was such a beautiful clear water. I love it when you go swimming here, you gave the money to the village and that is something unique  here,” she said.

The visit to the pool, which is located at the back of the Piula Theological College, was a “unique experience” for Stephanie as it is her first visit to the country. Her witnessing of the Samoan male tattoo tatau and how it is done traditionally was also a highlight for the visiting Kiwi.

Stephanie – who is married to a Samoan man and has two children – travelled to Samoa for her husband’s family reunion. They have already been on the island for eight days and have less than a week left before they fly back to New Zealand next week Tuesday.

And while the weather has been a challenge in recent weeks and can often get real hot, she said acclimatising has been difficult, but she is having fun. 

“It's been really good and it has been really hot, getting used to it is hard but its has been really nice,” she said. 

Her Husband Samu use to live here in Samoa before, and she is happy she got to see where he grew up and be shown areas and villages, which are special to him and his family. 

“My husband has lived here for a little bit and its nice to see places that are special to him and his family, and seeing the different villages he comes from has been nice,” she said.

Stephanie said life in Samoa is different from New Zealand and the people she has met are nice and friendly. 

“Getting to know the people and seeing the different way of life here, compared to back home, is great,” she added.