Tropical Cyclone Evan is making its presence felt as it sweeps through the Pacific Islands, hitting Samoa and Fiji with winds of up to 185km/h, leaving a trail of debris behind it.

A number of residents near Apia have evacuated their open fales to seek safety in evacuation sites and enclosed homes, as Cyclone Evans hits.

A tropical cyclone is expected to hit Samoa at midday today with wind speeds predicted to reach over 80km/h.

The uncle of a boy shot dead in Samoa has spoken of the family's grief as arrangements are made for the bubbly 5-year-old's funeral.

The mother of a 5-year-old shot dead in Samoa is struggling to believe her son has died, shot at the hands of his 8-year-old cousin.

A 5-year-old New Zealand boy has been shot dead while fighting over a gun with his cousin in Samoa.

Sinalei Resort is better than ever after being rebuilt, says Chloe Johnson.

The island of Savai'i is home to fewer than 44,000 people and has so far escaped commercial development, making it an ideal place to sample traditional Samoan culture and to see fascinating natural landmarks such as the Alofa'aga Taga blowholes.

Chloe Johnson savours the local craft, music and natural wonders of Savai'i Island.

Sometimes the best part of going somewhere, is the getting there, writes Dan Ahwa, won over by by Samoa's one-of-a-kind buses.

Despite it being the rainy season, Wynne Gray got the most out his beachfront escape.

Dan Ahwa meets a village celebrity who is keeping an ancient Samoan art alive.

What it's like to get a matai title - and the relevance of it today.