Woman aims to help motherland

By Talaia Mika 15 June 2024, 3:00PM

It may seem small but everything matters for 48-year-old Ama Kainano who started a trend of bringing a delegation of tourists to Samoa every year.

This is not only to boost Samoa's economy, and tourism but also to promote the Samoan culture.

She started two years ago when she was on her jam, training wellness and fitness for her foreign clients until she was asked about her identity and where she came from.

In an interview with this newspaper, she explained that coming back to Samoa was a dream come true and even more special knowing she is contributing to Samoa's economy and tourism. She said she will continue to do so as long as she can.

"Everything is promoting my culture and promoting my lovely country and everywhere I go in Australia, people ask me where I'm from and when I tell them, they're keen to come and that's why I'm bringing my business in between Samoa and Australia," she said.

"The purpose of this one, because in Australia, I train wellness, people how to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Samoa is such a great paradise so when we visit and experience the culture as well, it's something different to liven up cells of the body and a different way to insert happiness in everyone's lives.

"This is our third year and I do these programs once a year so we always come here in June and bring all my clients and these are the different groups.

Last year, she brought 27 tourists and the year before, she brought 47 and this year, she is bringing about 10 tourists.

She explained that it depends as well on her staff if they're available and the more available they'll be, the bigger the group will be in Samoa.

"It's amazing because I love and miss my country so I love to help in whatever I do or what career I could do in Australia. I love sharing my culture and share the beauty of Samoa by bringing my clients to Samoa.

"Bring tourism as well, most of them come here for the first time and they continue to come back to Samoa by themselves after that.


She brings people of different age groups. Last year, she brought people between 50 to 60 years and the year before, she brought the age group of 20s to 40s. This year the group is aged between 70 and 80.

Part of her clients' wellness fitness is relaxation and she took her clients to a waterfall in Samoa to connect with its nature and feel the different feelings from the water.

"It's a passion and I really like to help people with their health and add value to their lives and bringing this wellness here as well is nice to share the message to the Samoan people."

She was born and raised in Samoa, a true Samoan from Faleasiu. She moved to Australia when she had her three children.

Before she moved to Australia with her children, Ms. Kainano used to teach sports in schools and looked after organisations in Samoa for their health and wellness. She is a fitness professional coach in Australia running her own wellness and fitness business.

By Talaia Mika 15 June 2024, 3:00PM
Samoa Observer

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