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Samoan Americans are
Americans Americans are the Citizenship of the United States, citizens and United States nationality law, nationals of the United States, United States of America.; ; Although direct citizens and nationals make up the majority of Americans, many Multi ...
of Samoan origin, including those who emigrated from the
Independent State of Samoa Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa; sm, Sāmoa, and until 1997 known as Western Samoa, is a Polynesian island country consisting of two main islands ( Savai'i and Upolu); two smaller, inhabited islands ( Manono and Apolima); a ...
or
American Samoa American Samoa ( sm, Amerika Sāmoa, ; also ' or ') is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the island country of Samoa. Its location is centered on . It is east of the International ...
to the United States. Samoan Americans are
Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe the original p ...
s in the United States Census, and are the second largest
Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe the original p ...
group in the U.S., after
Native Hawaiians Native Hawaiians (also known as Indigenous Hawaiians, Kānaka Maoli, Aboriginal Hawaiians, First Hawaiians, or simply Hawaiians) ( haw, kānaka, , , and ), are the indigenous ethnic group of Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii ...
.
American Samoa American Samoa ( sm, Amerika Sāmoa, ; also ' or ') is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the island country of Samoa. Its location is centered on . It is east of the International ...
has been an
unincorporated territory Territories of the United States are sub-national administrative divisions overseen by the federal government of the United States. The various American territories differ from the U.S. states and tribal reservations as they are not sove ...
of the United States since 1900, and Samoa, formally known as the Independent State of Samoa and known as Western Samoa until 1997, is an independent nation that gained its independence from
New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...
in 1962. American Samoa (which is under the jurisdiction of the United States of America) and Samoa together make up the
Samoan Islands The Samoan Islands ( sm, Motu o Sāmoa) are an archipelago covering in the central South Pacific, forming part of Polynesia and of the wider region of Oceania. Administratively, the archipelago comprises all of the Independent State of Samoa a ...
, an
archipelago An archipelago ( ), sometimes called an island group or island chain, is a chain, cluster, or collection of islands, or sometimes a sea containing a small number of scattered islands. Examples of archipelagos include: the Indonesian Archi ...
that covers 1,170 sq mi (3,030 km2). Like Hawaiian Americans, the Samoans arrived in the mainland in the 19th century as fishermen and later worked as agricultural laborers and factory workers. As per 2019 U.S. Census estimates, there are over 200,000 people of Samoan descent living in the United States, including those of partial ancestry, which is roughly the population of the Independent State of Samoa, as of 2019.
Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu (; ) is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, which is in the Pacific Ocean. It is an unincorporated county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu, situated along the southeast coast of the island o ...
, has the largest Samoan population of 8,500 making up over 2% of the city's population, while
Long Beach, California Long Beach is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is the 42nd-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 466,742 as of 2020. A charter city, Long Beach is the seventh-most populous city in California. Incorporate ...
, has the largest population in the mainland United States: one percent of the city's population, or 4,513 people, as of 2010. There are also Samoan communities throughout the state of
California California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...
. Other states with cities and towns with significant communities are
Alaska Alaska ( ; russian: Аляска, Alyaska; ale, Alax̂sxax̂; ; ems, Alas'kaaq; Yup'ik: ''Alaskaq''; tli, Anáaski) is a state located in the Western United States on the northwest extremity of North America. A semi-exclave of the U.S., ...
,
Nevada Nevada ( ; ) is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, Western region of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. N ...
,
Texas Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2 ...
,
Utah Utah ( , ) is a state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. Utah is a landlocked U.S. state bordered to its east by Colorado, to its northeast by Wyoming, to its north by Idaho, to its south by Arizona, and to it ...
, and
Washington Washington commonly refers to: * Washington (state), United States * Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States ** A metonym for the federal government of the United States ** Washington metropolitan area, the metropolitan area centered o ...
.


History

Migration from Samoan Islands to the United States began in the 19th century. A small group of Samoans were part of the first Mormon Polynesian colony in the U.S., which was founded in Utah in 1889 and consisted of Samoans, Hawaiian natives,
Tahitians The Tahitians ( ty, Māohi; french: Tahitiens) are the Polynesian ethnic group indigenous to Tahiti and thirteen other Society Islands in French Polynesia. The numbers may also include the modern population in these islands of mixed Polynesia ...
, and Maori people. Page 116.
American Samoa American Samoa ( sm, Amerika Sāmoa, ; also ' or ') is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the island country of Samoa. Its location is centered on . It is east of the International ...
officially became a U.S. territory in 1900 with the
Treaty of Cession of Tutuila The Treaty of Cession of Tutuila, also known as the Deed of Cession of Tutuila, was a treaty between several chiefs of the island of Tutuila and the United States signed on April 17, 1900, whereby the chiefs swore allegiance to, and ceded the isl ...
and in 1904 with the
Treaty of Cession of Manu'a The Treaty of Cession of Manuʻa, also known as the Deed of Cession of Manuʻa, was a treaty between Tui Manuʻa Elisala and the United States signed on 16 July 1904 that ceded the islands of Manuʻa to the United States, which now forms part of A ...
. In the 1920s a small group of Mormons from American Samoa emigrated to the modern United States. They were brought by American Mormons to
Laie Laie ( haw, Lāie, ) is a census-designated place (CDP) located in the Koolauloa District on the island of Oahu () in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States. In Hawaiian, means " leaf" ( is a climbing screwpine: ''Freycinetia arborea''). The p ...
,
Hawaii Hawaii ( ; haw, Hawaii or ) is a state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean about from the U.S. mainland. It is the only U.S. state outside North America, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only stat ...
to assist in building the Mormon Temple of this place.. Page 22. Chapter: ''Pacific Islander and Pacific Islander Americans, 1940-present'', written by Matthew Kester. Page 1177. The community grew over the decade and in 1929 there were already 125 American Samoans living in Laie, but the Samoan migration to Hawaii fell in the following years. It was probably due to the crash of 29, the loss of an important rice field for the community, and the
Second World War World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
. In the second half of the 1940s about 300 mostly military families of American Samoans emigrated to the United States specifically to Hawaii. From work ''Samoan Saints: the Samoans in the mormon village of Laie, Hawaii''. In 1951, nearly 1,000 American Samoans linked with the army (i.e. military personnel and their relatives. Chapter 7. ''From Village to City: Samoan migration to California'', written by Graig R. James. Pages 120-121.) migrated to the Honolulu's American bases by accepting an invitation from the US Navy (which had left its bases in the
Pago Pago Pago Pago ( ; Samoan: )Harris, Ann G. and Esther Tuttle (2004). ''Geology of National Parks''. Kendall Hunt. Page 604. . is the territorial capital of American Samoa. It is in Maoputasi County on Tutuila, which is American Samoa's main island. ...
city, as American Samoa began to be administered by the
U.S. Department of the Interior The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) is one of the executive departments of the U.S. federal government headquartered at the Main Interior Building, located at 1849 C Street NW in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for the man ...
) so that the Marines could continue working for the Navy. However, many of them later migrated to California (in 1952). In 1952 the natives of American Samoa become U.S. nationals, although not American citizens, through the
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (), also known as the McCarran–Walter Act, codified under Title 8 of the United States Code (), governs immigration to and citizenship in the United States. It came into effect on June 27, 1952. Before ...
.
, 12,354 people from Independent Samoa lived in the U.S. in 2013.


California

63,000 people of Samoan origin reside in
California California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...
, meaning almost one-third of the Samoan population in the U.S. lives in California. 0.2% of California's population is of Samoan descent. The number of those who identify as Samoan alone is 36,443. The percentages and numbers of Samoan people residing in cities listed below vary from 2015 to 2018, according to the "5-Year Estimates Detailed Tables" from the
U.S. Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau (USCB), officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy. The Census Bureau is part of the ...
.


Southern California

Carson Carson may refer to: People *Carson (surname), people with the surname *Carson (given name), people with the given name Places ;In the United States * Carson, California, a city * Carson Township, Fayette County, Illinois *Carson, Iowa, a city * ...
(1.8-2.2%),
Compton Compton may refer to: Places Canada * Compton (electoral district), a former Quebec federal electoral district * Compton (provincial electoral district), a former Quebec provincial electoral district now part of Mégantic-Compton * Compton, Que ...
(0.3-0.5%), and
Long Beach Long Beach is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is the 42nd-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 466,742 as of 2020. A charter city, Long Beach is the seventh-most populous city in California. Incorporate ...
(0.7-0.8%), and
Paramount Paramount (from the word ''paramount'' meaning "above all others") may refer to: Entertainment and music companies * Paramount Global, also known simply as Paramount, an American mass media company formerly known as ViacomCBS. The following busin ...
(0.7-1%) in
Los Angeles County Los Angeles County, officially the County of Los Angeles, and sometimes abbreviated as L.A. County, is the most populous county in the United States and in the U.S. state of California, with 9,861,224 residents estimated as of 2022. It is the ...
, Oceanside (0.5-0.6%) in
San Diego County San Diego County (), officially the County of San Diego, is a county in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,298,634, making it California's second-most populous county and the fi ...
, and Twentynine Palms (0.9-1.1%) in
San Bernardino County San Bernardino County (), officially the County of San Bernardino, is a county located in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California, and is located within the Inland Empire area. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population was 2,181, ...
have among the highest concentration of Samoans in Southern California, which include those of partial ancestry. Also in
San Diego San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the List of United States cities by population, eigh ...
, the very first Samoan church in the entire United States, was founded in 1955 by Rev. Suitonu Galea'i. From there, multiple Samoan churches throughout California branched from the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of San Diego. Garden Grove in
Orange County Orange County most commonly refers to: *Orange County, California, part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area Orange County may also refer to: U.S. counties *Orange County, Florida, containing Orlando *Orange County, Indiana *Orange County, New ...
has a Samoan community, as well as a church located off Century Boulevard. There are Samoan communities enumerating several hundred in
Moreno Valley Moreno Valley is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, and is part of the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario metropolitan area. It is the second-largest city in Riverside County by population and one of the Inland Empire's po ...
(300 to 500) and
San Bernardino San Bernardino (; Spanish language, Spanish for Bernardino of Siena, "Saint Bernardino") is a city and county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States. Located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the city had a ...
(400), at least 0.2% of the city’s populations.


Northern California

The
public housing Public housing is a form of housing tenure in which the property is usually owned by a government authority, either central or local. Although the common goal of public housing is to provide affordable housing, the details, terminology, def ...
communities in the Bayview-Hunters Point,
Potrero Hill Potrero Hill is a residential neighborhood in San Francisco, California. It is known for its views of the San Francisco Bay and city skyline, its proximity to many destination spots, its sunny weather, and having two freeways and a Caltrain stat ...
, and
Visitacion Valley Visitacion Valley (; Spanish: ''Valle de la Visitación''), colloquially referred to as Viz Valley, is a neighborhood located in the southeastern quadrant of San Francisco, California. Visitacion Valley is roughly defined by McLaren Park and Gle ...
neighborhoods in
San Francisco San Francisco (; Spanish language, Spanish for "Francis of Assisi, Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the List of Ca ...
are home to much of the city’s Samoan community. As per the 2015-18 estimates, San Francisco is 0.2-0.3% Samoan (1,807-2,262 residents). The 2018 estimate of the number of Samoans in San Francisco is a decrease from the 2000 reported number of Samoans, which was 2,311 (which did not account for people who reported to be part Samoan). In the
East Bay Area The East Bay is the eastern region of the San Francisco Bay Area and includes cities along the eastern shores of the San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay. The region has grown to include inland communities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties ...
,
San Leandro San Leandro (Spanish for " St. Leander") is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It is located in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area; between Oakland to the northwest, and Ashland, Castro Valley, and Hayward to the sout ...
is home to a sizable Samoan community (0.4%-0.6%), as well as in
Daly City Daly City () is the second most populous city in San Mateo County, California, United States, with population of 104,901 according to the 2020 census. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and immediately south of San Francisco (sharing its ...
(0.4-0.9%),
East Palo Alto East Palo Alto (abbreviated E.P.A.) is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of East Palo Alto was 30,034. It is situated on the San Francisco Peninsula, roughly halfway between the cities of ...
(1.2-1.3%), and Hayward (0.6%-0.9%). In Daly City, Samoan restaurants and businesses are located off Geneva Avenue. In 1972, the First Samoan Congregational Church of San Jose was founded by Rev. Felix T. and Molly T. Ava Molifua, affiliated with Northern California UCC. San Jose has over 3,000 Samoans in residence (0.3%). In the Central Valley and inland California, where compared to the Bay Area has a slightly smaller percentage of Samoans, higher populations are commonly found in the areas of
Modesto Modesto () is the county seat and largest city of Stanislaus County, California, United States. With a population of 218,464 at the 2020 census, it is the 19th largest city in the state of California and forms part of the Sacramento-Stockton ...
(0.2%),
Sacramento ) , image_map = Sacramento County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Sacramento Highlighted.svg , mapsize = 250x200px , map_caption = Location within Sacramento ...
, and Stockton. The city of Sacramento has over 1,800 to 2,200 Samoans, about 0.4% of its population. In
Central California Central California is generally thought of as the middle third of the state, north of Southern California, which includes Los Angeles, and south of Northern California, which includes San Francisco. It includes the northern portion of the S ...
, Samoan Americans are concentrated in
Monterey County Monterey County ( ), officially the County of Monterey, is a county located on the Pacific coast in the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 census, its population was 439,035. The county's largest city and county seat is Salinas. Montere ...
, which was home to a
U.S. Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cl ...
base,
Fort Ord Fort Ord is a former United States Army post on Monterey Bay of the Pacific Ocean coast in California, which closed in 1994 due to Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) action. Most of the fort's land now makes up the Fort Ord National Monument, m ...
, which closed in 1994. The populations are concentrated in
Marina A marina (from Spanish , Portuguese and Italian : ''marina'', "coast" or "shore") is a dock or basin with moorings and supplies for yachts and small boats. A marina differs from a port in that a marina does not handle large passenger ships o ...
(0.8-1%) and Seaside (0.4%-0.9%).


Other Western U.S.


Oregon and Washington

The
Seattle Seattle ( ) is a seaport city on the West Coast of the United States. It is the seat of King County, Washington. With a 2020 population of 737,015, it is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest regio ...
Tacoma,
Washington Washington commonly refers to: * Washington (state), United States * Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States ** A metonym for the federal government of the United States ** Washington metropolitan area, the metropolitan area centered o ...
area is also home to a sizable Samoan community, especially in the cities of
Kent Kent is a county in South East England and one of the home counties. It borders Greater London to the north-west, Surrey to the west and East Sussex to the south-west, and Essex to the north across the estuary of the River Thames; it faces ...
(1.5%), Renton (1%),
Federal Way Federal Way is a city in King County, Washington, United States. One of the most recently incorporated cities in the county, its population was 101,030 at the 2020 census. Federal Way is the tenth-largest city in Washington and the fifth-larges ...
(1.6%), SeaTac (2.9%), and
White Center White Center is a census-designated place (CDP) in King County, Washington, United States. It lies between West Seattle and Burien. The population was 16,631 at the 2020 census. White Center is sometimes referred to by the nickname "Rat City" ...
(3.2%). Seattle has 1,500 Samoans, 0.2% of the city's population. The First Samoan Christian Congregational Church in the
Washington state Washington (), officially the State of Washington, is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. Named for George Washington—the first U.S. president—the state was formed from the western part of the Washington ...
was established in 1964 in southeast Seattle, where Samoans settled in the Pacific Northwest. The south Seattle neighborhoods of Columbia City and Rainier Valley have had sizeable Samoan communities since the 1960s and 1970s. Nearly 6,000 people of their descendants reside in
Pierce County, Washington Pierce County is a county in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 921,130, up from 795,225 in 2010, making it the second-most populous county in Washington, behind King County, and the 60th-most populous ...
, making up 0.7% of the county's population. Tacoma is home to 1,800 Samoans, making up nearly one percent of the city's population.
The Dalles, Oregon The Dalles is the largest city of Wasco County, Oregon, United States. The population was 16,010 at the 2020 census, and it is the largest city on the Oregon side of the Columbia River between the Portland Metropolitan Area, and Hermiston ...
has a Samoan community of nearly 200 Samoan people, making up 1.3% of the city's population.


Utah and other western U.S.

Utah Utah ( , ) is a state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. Utah is a landlocked U.S. state bordered to its east by Colorado, to its northeast by Wyoming, to its north by Idaho, to its south by Arizona, and to it ...
statewide is 0.6% Samoan including those with some non-Samoan ancestry, and 0.3% are those who identify as Samoan alone. Utah has a history of Samoan immigration dating back to the late 1800s, due to them taking up
Mormonism Mormonism is the religious tradition and theology of the Latter Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity started by Joseph Smith in Western New York in the 1820s and 1830s. As a label, Mormonism has been applied to various aspects of t ...
which was preached and influenced to them by missionairies who had come to
Polynesia Polynesia () "many" and νῆσος () "island"), to, Polinisia; mi, Porinihia; haw, Polenekia; fj, Polinisia; sm, Polenisia; rar, Porinetia; ty, Pōrīnetia; tvl, Polenisia; tkl, Polenihia (, ) is a subregion of Oceania, made up of ...
n islands. Utah's Mormon community had housing and services for some Polynesian immigrants, which also included
Tongans Tongans, a Polynesian group, represent more than 98% of the inhabitants of Tonga. The rest are European (the majority are British), mixed European, and other Pacific Islanders. There also are several hundred Chinese. Almost two-thirds of the pop ...
and Maori.
Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Lake City (often shortened to Salt Lake and abbreviated as SLC) is the Capital (political), capital and List of cities and towns in Utah, most populous city of Utah, United States. It is the county seat, seat of Salt Lake County, Utah, Sal ...
is home to 1,500 Samoan-origin people, 0.7% of the city's population.
Salt Lake County Salt Lake County is located in the U.S. state of Utah. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 1,185,238, making it the most populous county in Utah. Its county seat and largest city is Salt Lake City, the state capital. The coun ...
cities such as Kearns (2%), Taylorsville (1.5%), and
West Valley City West Valley City is a city in Salt Lake County, Utah, Salt Lake County and a suburb of Salt Lake City in the U.S. state of Utah. The population was 140,230 at the 2020 United States Census, 2020 census, making it the List of cities and towns in ...
(1.8%) having above average proportions of Samoan people for Utah. There is a sizable Samoan community in
Utah County Utah County is the second-most populous county in the U.S. state of Utah. The county seat and largest city is Provo, which is the state's third-largest city, and the largest outside of Salt Lake County. As of the 2020 United States Census, the ...
, specifically Provo, which is at least 0.3% Samoan. There is a Samoan community in
Colorado Springs, Colorado Colorado Springs is a home rule municipality in, and the county seat of, El Paso County, Colorado, United States. It is the largest city in El Paso County, with a population of 478,961 at the 2020 United States Census, a 15.02% increase since ...
of 430 people (0.1%), and
Lawton, Oklahoma Lawton is a city in and the county seat of Comanche County, in the U.S. state of Oklahoma Oklahoma (; Choctaw language, Choctaw: ; chr, ᎣᎧᎳᎰᎹ, ''Okalahoma'' ) is a U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Ce ...
(0.3%), in which
Comanche County, Oklahoma Comanche County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2010 census, the population was 124,098, making it the fourth-most populous county in Oklahoma. Its county seat is Lawton. The county was created in 1901 as part of ...
is at least 0.6% Pacific Islander (2010), mainly Samoan.
Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...
is home to over 1,500 Samoans, 0.2% of the city's population.


Alaska and Hawaii

Outside the mainland U.S., many Samoan Americans have settled in
Hawaii Hawaii ( ; haw, Hawaii or ) is a state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean about from the U.S. mainland. It is the only U.S. state outside North America, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only stat ...
and
Alaska Alaska ( ; russian: Аляска, Alyaska; ale, Alax̂sxax̂; ; ems, Alas'kaaq; Yup'ik: ''Alaskaq''; tli, Anáaski) is a state located in the Western United States on the northwest extremity of North America. A semi-exclave of the U.S., ...
. About 2.8% of Hawaiian residents are of Samoan descent, with 1.3% having full Samoan ancestry. Many live on the island of
Oahu Oahu () (Hawaiian language, Hawaiian: ''Oʻahu'' ()), also known as "The Gathering place#Island of Oʻahu as The Gathering Place, Gathering Place", is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is home to roughly one million people—over t ...
. Linapuni Street, especially the Kuhio Park Terrace apartments in
Honolulu Honolulu (; ) is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, which is in the Pacific Ocean. It is an unincorporated county seat of the consolidated City and County of Honolulu, situated along the southeast coast of the island ...
, has the highest concentration of Samoans of any residential area in Hawaii, at 37% of residents. Central Palolo has the highest percentage of any Hawaiian tract, with 4% having a Samoan background. The Oahu town of
Laie Laie ( haw, Lāie, ) is a census-designated place (CDP) located in the Koolauloa District on the island of Oahu () in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States. In Hawaiian, means " leaf" ( is a climbing screwpine: ''Freycinetia arborea''). The p ...
has 1,380 Samoan Americans, about 21% of the town, one of the highest concentration of Samoan Americas of any town or city in the U.S. Two percent of people in the city of
Anchorage, Alaska Anchorage () is the largest city in the U.S. state of Alaska by population. With a population of 291,247 in 2020, it contains nearly 40% of the state's population. The Anchorage metropolitan area, which includes Anchorage and the neighboring Ma ...
are of Samoan descent, with nearly 6,000 living in the city. Alaska has a relatively high proportion of them, comprising about 0.8% of the state's population.


Midwest and South

In the
Midwest The Midwestern United States, also referred to as the Midwest or the American Midwest, is one of four Census Bureau Region, census regions of the United States Census Bureau (also known as "Region 2"). It occupies the northern central part of ...
, a significant Samoan community is in
Independence Independence is a condition of a person, nation, country, or state in which residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty, over its territory. The opposite of independence is the statu ...
,
Missouri Missouri is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. Ranking List of U.S. states and territories by area, 21st in land area, it is bordered by eight states (tied for the most with Tennessee ...
, where around 1,000 Samoan people reside (0.9% of the city). In nearby
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City (abbreviated KC or KCMO) is the largest city in Missouri by population and area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 508,090 in 2020, making it the 36th most-populous city in the United States. It is the central ...
there lives 340 Samoans, which is 0.1% of the city's population. In the
Eastern United States The Eastern United States, commonly referred to as the American East, Eastern America, or simply the East, is the region of the United States to the east of the Mississippi River. In some cases the term may refer to a smaller area or the East C ...
and
Southeastern United States The Southeastern United States, also referred to as the American Southeast or simply the Southeast, is a geographical region of the United States. It is located broadly on the eastern portion of the southern United States and the southern por ...
, Samoan communities exist in
Fayetteville, North Carolina Fayetteville () is a city in and the county seat of Cumberland County, North Carolina, United States. It is best known as the home of Fort Bragg, a major U.S. Army installation northwest of the city. Fayetteville has received the All-America C ...
and
Clarksville, Tennessee Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States. It is the fifth-largest city in the state behind Nashville, Memphis, Tennessee, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. The city had a population of 166,722 as of the 202 ...
. There are 365 Samoan-origin people in
Prince William County, Virginia Prince William County is located on the Potomac River in the U.S. state of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population sits at 482,204, making it Virginia's second-most populous county. Its county seat is the independent city of Manassas ...
, and a Samoan church in
Alexandria Alexandria ( or ; ar, ٱلْإِسْكَنْدَرِيَّةُ ; grc-gre, Αλεξάνδρεια, Alexándria) is the second largest city in Egypt, and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Founded in by Alexander the Great, Alexandria ...
. There is a community of Samoans in
Liberty County, Georgia Liberty County is a county in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population is 65,256. The county seat is Hinesville. Liberty County is part of the Hinesville, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included ...
. In
Texas Texas (, ; Spanish language, Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2 ...
, there is a Samoan community prominent in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of
Euless Euless ( ) is a city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States, and a suburb of Dallas and Fort Worth. Euless is part of the Mid-Cities region between Dallas and Fort Worth. In 2020 Census, the population of Euless was 61,032. The population of t ...
(0.5%), and a Samoan church in the city of Killeen (0.3%).


Military

Significant numbers of Samoan Americans serve in the
U.S. Military The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. The armed forces consists of six service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The president of the United States is the ...
.
American Samoa American Samoa ( sm, Amerika Sāmoa, ; also ' or ') is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the island country of Samoa. Its location is centered on . It is east of the International ...
has the highest rate of military enlistment of any state or territory.


Sports

American football American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with ...
is the most popular sport in American Samoa. Per capita, the
Samoan Islands The Samoan Islands ( sm, Motu o Sāmoa) are an archipelago covering in the central South Pacific, forming part of Polynesia and of the wider region of Oceania. Administratively, the archipelago comprises all of the Independent State of Samoa a ...
have produced the highest number of
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
players. In 2010, it was estimated that a boy born to Samoan parents is 56 times more likely to get into the NFL than any other boy in America.


Notable people


Entertainment

*
Queen Muhammad Ali Queen Muhammad Ali (Queen Melé Le'iato Tuiasosopo Muhammad Ali) is an American Samoan award-winning film director, photographer, graphic design artist, multimedia activist, lecturer, television producer, humanitarian, writer, visual anthropolog ...
, film director *
Cooper Andrews Andrew Lawrence Cooper (born March 10, 1985), known professionally as Cooper Andrews, is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Jerry in '' The Walking Dead''. Early life Andrews was born in Smithtown, New York on Long Island. His ...
, actor *
Nephi Hannemann Nephi Hannemann (February 6, 1945 – March 31, 2018) was an actor and singer of Samoan, German and English descent who appeared numerous times on '' Hawaii Five-O'' and ''One West Waikiki''. Biography Nephi Hannemann was born in American Samoa ...
, actor *
Dwayne Johnson Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor and former professional wrestler. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he was integral to the developm ...
, actor, professional wrestler * Mark Kanemura, dancer *
Tony Meredith Tony Meredith is an American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer and United States Professional Latin Champion. Biography Tony Meredith, who is of Mexican and Samoan descent, was born in San Diego, California, US, discovered ballroom da ...
, dancer, choreographer *
Josefa Moe John "Josefa" Moe (May 1, 1933 – November 3, 2006) was an entertainer and artist. Biography Early life Moe was born "on the road" in Jubbulpore, India to Samoan father Pulu and Filipino/ Hawaiian mother Louisa, then musical stars touring w ...
, entertainer, celebrity *
Tanoai Reed Tanoai Reed (born February 10, 1974) is an American stuntman and actor. He is the cousin and stunt double of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Reed was born in Honolulu, Hawaii of Samoan and Norwegian, Swedish, Irish descent. After the separation of ...
, stunt performer, actor


Music

*
Alex Aiono Martin Alexander Aiono (; born February 16, 1996) is an American singer, record producer, and actor from Phoenix, Arizona. Aiono is known for his videos on YouTube, which have amassed over 1 billion views, and his social media presence with upwa ...
, singer, YouTuber *
Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. is an American hip hop band from Carson, California, consisting of the American Samoa Devoux brothers Paul (died 2020), Ted (died 2018), Donald, Roscoe, Danny (died 2022), David and Vincent. It is noted for its use of a liv ...
, hip hop group *
Drew Deezy Drew Deezy is a Samoan American rapper from San Jose, California. He has become a prominent rapper on the West Coast, as well as the New Zealand markets with hit singles such as "I Don't See Nothing Wrong". In 2010, Drew signed with 454 Life ...
, rapper *
Cheryl Deserée Cheryl Deserée Vaimoso is an American singer-songwriter and model of Samoan, English, and Irish descent. She is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Early life Deserée was raised in San Jacinto and Hemet, California Hemet is a city in the San ...
, singer-songwriter *
Dinah Jane Dinah Jane Milika Ilaisaane Hansen (; born June 22, 1997) is an American singer and a member of girl group Fifth Harmony. In October 2017, she featured in RedOne's single " Boom Boom" with Daddy Yankee and French Montana. After the group's hia ...
, singer; member of
Fifth Harmony Fifth Harmony, often shortened to 5H, was an American girl group based in Miami, composed of Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and previously Camila Cabello until her departure from the group in December 2016. The group signe ...
*
Taimane Gardner Taimane Tauiliili Bobby Gardner, (born February 13, 1989) who often performs under the mononym Taimane, is an American ukulele virtuoso and composer. In 2019, she won a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award, for Favorite Entertainer of the Year. In 2019, ...
, ukulele player, composer * Maryanne Ito, soul singer * Bunny Michael, musician, rapper *
Mavis Rivers Mavis Chloe Rivers (19 May 1929 – 29 May 1992) was a Samoan and New Zealand jazz singer. She was born in Apia, Samoa, as one of thirteen children to a musical family. In 1954, she moved to the United States. She married Glicerio Reyes "David" ...
, jazz singer *
Tedashii Tedashii Lavoy Anderson (born March 8, 1977), known simply as Tedashii, is an American Christian hip hop artist and member of the hip-hop troupe, 116 Clique. He also hosted the NGEN Radio show "Serium". Tedashii has released five solo albums, ...
, Christian hip hop artist *
Tenelle Tenelle Christine Luafalemana (born July 21, 1988) is an American Samoan singer-songwriter from Carson, California. She represented American Samoa in the American Song Contest where she placed 6th in the Grand Final. Early life Tenelle grew u ...
, singer-songwriter


Politics, law and government

*
Tulsi Gabbard Tulsi Gabbard (; born April 12, 1981) is an American politician, United States Army Reserve officer and political commentator who served as the U.S. representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. Gabbard was the firs ...
, politician; U.S. Representative for
Hawaii's 2nd congressional district Hawaii's 2nd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is currently represented by Kai Kahele, who succeeded Tulsi Gabbard following the 2020 election. The district encompasses all rural and most suburba ...
(2013–2021) *
Mike Gabbard Gerald Michael Gabbard (born January 15, 1948) is a Samoan Americans, Samoan American politician, serving as the Hawaii State Senate, Hawaii State Senator for District 21 from the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic party, since 2006. Ga ...
, politician, member of the
Hawaii State Senate The Hawaii Senate is the upper house of the Hawaii State Legislature. It consists of twenty-five members elected from an equal number of constituent districts across the islands and is led by the President of the Senate, elected from the member ...
*
Mufi Hannemann Muliufi Francis Hannemann (born July 16, 1954) is an American politician, businessman, and non-profit executive. He was elected twice as Mayor of Honolulu in 2004 and 2008. Hannemann has served as a special assistant in Washington, D.C., with t ...
, politician; 12th
Mayor of Honolulu The mayor of Honolulu is the chief executive officer of the City and County of Honolulu. An office established in 1900 and modified in 1907, the mayor of Honolulu is elected by universal suffrage of residents of Honolulu to no more than two four ...
(2005–2010) *
Bode Uale Bode Uale was the first family court judge appointed in the United States who was of Samoan descent. Uale currently serves as the lead judge of the Honolulu Family Court's Domestic Division. He was raised in Laie, Hawaii and graduated in 1979 fr ...
, Hawaii state court judge


Sports

; American football *
Al Afalava Al Mitchell Afalava (born January 20, 1987) is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. He played in college ...
*
C. J. Ah You Charles "C. J." Ah You, Jr. (born July 7, 1982) is an American football coach and former defensive end. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft and spent most of his career with the St. Louis Rams. He pl ...
*
Harland Ah You Harland Ah You (born February 26, 1972) is a former gridiron football defensive lineman who played 10 games with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League in 1998. He played college football at Brigham Young University and attended K ...
*
Tui Alailefaleula Tuiaualuma "Tui" Alailefaleula (born November 5, 1982) is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL. He played college football for the Washington Huskies, where he played on the offensive line, and was signed as an undrafted free ag ...
* Clifton Alapa *
Tyson Alualu Tyson Asi Alualu ( ; born May 12, 1987) is an American football nose tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college ...
* Brad Anae *
Robert Anae Robert Anae (born December 21, 1958) is an American football coach and former player who is current serving as the offensive coordinator (OC) for NC State since December 2022. Prior to NC State, he was the OC at the University of Virginia and Bri ...
*
Charley Ane Charles Teetai Ane Jr. (January 25, 1931 – May 9, 2007) was an American football offensive lineman who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Detroit Lions. He played college football at the University of Southern California. ...
* Charlie Ane * Donovan Arp *
Devin Asiasi Devin Timothy Soane Asiasi (born August 14, 1997) is an American football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at UCLA Bruins football, UCLA. He was drafted by the New England Patr ...
* Isaac Asiata * Matt Asiata *
Sal Aunese Siasau "Sal" Aunese (May 8, 1968 – September 23, 1989) was a college football player who played for the University of Colorado. Aunese was from Oceanside, California in San Diego County and was of Samoan He died at age 21 from stomach can ...
*
Kahlil Bell Kahlil Edward Bell (born December 10, 1986) is a former American football running back. He played college football at UCLA. Bell was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He was also played for the Chicago Bears, N ...
*
Kendrick Bourne Kendrick L. Bourne (born August 4, 1995) is an American football wide receiver for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Eastern Washington Eagles football, Eastern Washington. He also play ...
*
Inoke Breckterfield Inoke Breckterfield e-NO-kay(born April 25, 1977) is an American football coach who is currently the defensive line coach at the University of Washington. He played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Toronto Argonauts (1999–2000) an ...
* Algie Brown *
DeForest Buckner DeForest George Buckner (born March 17, 1994) is an American football defensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oregon, and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the ...
*
Colby Cameron Colby Cameron (born April 5, 1990) is an American football quarterback who played for the Fujitsu Frontiers of the X-League. He played college football at Louisiana Tech University. Early years Cameron was born in Newbury Park, California, to St ...
*
Jordan Cameron Jordan Cravens Cameron (born August 7, 1988) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at USC and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Cameron also played for the Miami Dolphi ...
* Suʻa Cravens * Scott Crichton * Hershel Dennis * Luther Elliss *
Justin Ena Justin Peato Ena (born November 20, 1977) is an American football coach and former linebacker who is currently the linebackers coach at Brigham Young University football. He played college football at BYU and in the National Football League fo ...
* DeQuin Evans * Nuʻu Faʻaola * Jonathan Fanene * Eletise Fiatoa *
Malcom Floyd Malcom Maiuu Floyd (born September 8, 1981) is a former American professional football player who was a wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). He played his entire NFL career with San Diego after sign ...
*
Fou Fonoti Fouimalo "Fou" Fonoti (born November 15, 1991) is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. Fonoti first enrolled at Cerritos College before transferring to Michigan State University. He has also been a member of the ...
*
Toniu Fonoti Toniuolevaiavea Satele Fonoti (born November 26, 1981) is a Samoan-born former player of American college and professional football who was a guard in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons during the early 2000s. He played coll ...
*
Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (; born March 4, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for t ...
* Setema Gali *
Randall Goforth Randall Jordan Goforth (born January 27, 1994) is a former American football cornerback. He played college football at UCLA. College career As a freshman in 2012, Goforth played in all 14 games and started in five. He finished the year with 39 t ...
*
Micah Hannemann Micah Hannemann (born August 15, 1994) is a former American football safety. He played college football at Brigham Young. He is the brother of professional baseball player Jacob Hannemann. Professional career Cleveland Browns Hannemann was sign ...
*
Wayne Hunter Wayne Hunter (born July 2, 1981) is a former American football offensive tackle. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, he played college football at Hawaii after transferring from Cal. Hunter has also play ...
*
Nate Ilaoa Nathan Filipo Ilaoa (born April 4, 1983) is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii. Ilaoa has also been a member of th ...
*
Junior Ioane Junior Burton Ioane (born July 21, 1977) is a former American football defensive tackle. He attended Arizona State University, and played with the Oakland Raiders during his rookie year in 2000-2003. Ioane also played for the Houston Texans f ...
* Sale Isaia *
Senio Kelemete Senio Kelemete (born May 10, 1990) is an American football offensive guard who is currently a free agent. He attended the University of Washington from 2008 to 2011. Kelemete has also played with the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Ho ...
*
Pat Kesi Pat Kesi (born September 10, 1973) is a former American football offensive linemen. He played college ball at Washington. His hometown is Las Vegas, Nevada. College career While attending Washington, Kesi received the nickname "Calves" due to ...
* Hauʻoli Kikaha *
Glen Kozlowski Glen Kozlowski (born December 31, 1962) is a former professional American football wide receiver. He played six seasons in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears. College Kozlowski, who wore number 7, was a standout wide rece ...
* Mike Kozlowski * Jake Kuresa *
Shawn Lauvao Shawn Sisifo Lauvao (born October 26, 1987) is a former American football guard. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State. College career Lauvao started his l ...
* Kili Lefotu *
Sefo Liufau Iosefo Sua Liufau (born October 29, 1994) is a former American football quarterback . He played college football at Colorado. Early years Liufau attended Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma, Washington. During his career he led the team to ...
*
Joe Lobendahn Joseph Lobendahn (born February 15, 1983) is a Canadian football linebacker of Samoans, Samoan descent who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was signed by the club after being released by the C ...
* Al Lolotai * Malaefou MacKenzie * Kaluka Maiava *
Damien Mama Damien Mama (born June 27, 1995) is an American football guard. He played college football at USC. Early years Mama attended St. John Bosco High School, where he was a two-way player at offensive tackle and defensive tackle. As a senior, he ...
*
Frank Manumaleuga Frank Toto'a Manumaleuna (May 9, 1956 – June 1, 2022) was an American football linebacker who played three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 1979 ...
*
Brandon Manumaleuna Brandon Michael Manumaleuna (; born January 4, 1980) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at Arizona and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Manumaleuna has also been a m ...
*
Vince Manuwai Vincent Keoni Manuwai (July 12, 1980 – November 4, 2018) was an American football guard. He was drafted in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played college football for the University of Hawaii Warriors. E ...
*
Marcus Mariota Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota (born October 30, 1993) is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted second overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft. Mariota pl ...
*
Jeremiah Masoli Jeremiah Taeatafa Masoli (born August 24, 1988) is an American professional Canadian football quarterback for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL as an undrafted free a ...
* Hercules Mataʻafa *
Fred Matua Fred Matua (January 14, 1984 – August 5, 2012) was an American football guard. After playing college football for Southern California, he was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was a member of the Lions ...
* Rey Maualuga * Josh Mauga *
Itula Mili Itula Mili (born April 20, 1973) is a former American football tight end. Mili played college football for Brigham Young University (BYU). He played with the Seattle Seahawks for 10 seasons. High school Mili attended Kahuku High School and live ...
*
Roy Miller Roy is a masculine given name and a family surname with varied origin. In Anglo-Norman England, the name derived from the Norman ''roy'', meaning "king", while its Old French cognate, ''rey'' or ''roy'' (modern ''roi''), likewise gave rise to ...
*
Edwin Mulitalo Edwin Moliki Mulitalo (; born September 1, 1974) is an American football coach and former player. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona. Mulitalo earned a Super Bo ...
*
Louis Murphy Louis Morris Murphy Jr. (born May 11, 1987) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football for the University of Florida, where he was a member of two BCS National Championship teams. The Oakland Raiders drafted him i ...
*
Kai Nacua Kaimana Nacua (born March 3, 1995) is an American football free safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at BYU Professional career Cleveland Browns Nacua was signed by the Cleveland Brow ...
* Jim Nicholson *
Ken Niumatalolo Kenneth Va'a Niumatalolo (born May 8, 1965) is an American football coach and former player. He is the former head coach of the Naval Academy from 2007 to 2022, accumulating the most wins in program history. Niumatalolo played college football at ...
*
Al Noga AL, Al, Ål or al may stand for: Arts and entertainment Fictional characters * Al (''Aladdin'') or Aladdin, the main character in Disney's ''Aladdin'' media * Al (''EastEnders''), a minor character in the British soap opera * Al (''Fullmetal ...
* Niko Noga * Pete Noga * Chris Owusu * Tenny Palepoi *
Joe Paopao Joe Paopao (born June 30, 1955) is a former professional Canadian football quarterback and coach in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Paopao played 11 seasons in the CFL and was a member of the BC Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Ottaw ...
* David Parry * Saul Patu * Domata Peko *
Kyle Peko Kyle Peko (born July 23, 1993) is an American football defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Cerritos College and Oregon State. Professional career Denver Broncos On Ma ...
* Tupe Peko * Ropati Pitoitua *
Kennedy Polamalu Kennedy Polamalu (born November 22, 1963) is an American football coach and former player who currently is the running backs coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He most recently served as the running backs coach ...
*
Troy Polamalu Troy Aumua Polamalu (; born Troy Benjamin Aumua; April 19, 1981) is an American former football strong safety who played his entire 12-year career for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football ...
*
Pulu Poumele Pulu Talo Poumele (January 31, 1972 – June 4, 2016) was an American football coach and offensive tackle who played in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Early and personal life Born in Oceanside, ...
*
Jeremiah Poutasi Cedrick Jeremiah Poutasi (born August 7, 1994) is an American football guard for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Utah. Early years Poutasi attended Desert Pines High School in L ...
*
Tavita Pritchard Tavita Pritchard (born February 20, 1987) is an American football coach who is the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders. He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal, where he was also an assistant coach from 2010 to 2022. H ...
*
Mike Purcell Michael Purcell (born April 20, 1991) is an American football nose tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wyoming, and was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent ...
*
Keilani Ricketts Keilani Johanna Ricketts Tumanuvao (born September 1, 1991) is an American softball pitcher for the Oklahoma City Spark of the Women's Professional Fastpitch (WPF). She played college softball at Oklahoma from 2010 to 2013, where she was the s ...
* Jason Rivers *
Blaine Saipaia Blaine Saipaia (born August 25, 1978) is a former American football offensive lineman. He was originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Colorado State. After retiring from ...
*
Dan Saleaumua Raymond Daniel Saleaumua (born November 25, 1964) is a Samoan American former American football player in the National Football League. He played professionally for the Detroit Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks. Early life ...
*
Dru Samia Dru Samia III (born August 22, 1997) is an American football offensive guard for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oklahoma. College career A four-star offensive tackle recruit, Samia chose O ...
* Brashton Satele *
Samson Satele Samson H. Satele (born November 29, 1984) is a former American football center. He played college football at Hawaii and was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Satele also played for the Oakland Raiders an ...
*
Brian Schwenke Brian Max Schwenke Jr. ( ; born March 22, 1991) is a former American football player. He played college football at California and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Early years Schwenke was born in ...
*
Kona Schwenke Kona McKay Schwenke (May 11, 1992 – April 22, 2018) was an American football defensive tackle who played college football at Notre Dame. Early years Kona Schwenke was born to McKay and Angela Schwenke. Schwenke attended Kahuku High School in ...
*
Ian Seau Ian Seau (; ; born December 4, 1992) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end. He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack. Early years Seau was born to Mary Seau in Oceanside, California. He atten ...
*
Junior Seau Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr. (; ; January 19, 1969May 2, 2012) was an American professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL), mostly with the San Diego Chargers. Known for his passionate play, he was a ...
* Mike Sellers *
Isaac Seumalo Isaac Seumalo (born October 29, 1993) is an American football guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oregon State. High school career A native of Corvallis, Oregon, Seumalo atte ...
* Danny Shelton *
Sealver Siliga Tupaimoefitpo "Sealver" Siliga (born April 26, 1990) is a former American football defensive tackle. He played college football at Utah. College career Siliga grew up in a Samoan American family of 13 in West Jordan, Utah and graduated from C ...
*
Mana Silva Keanemana "Mana" Silva (born August 17, 1988) is a former American football Free Safety in the National Football League for the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent i ...
*
JuJu Smith-Schuster John Sherman "JuJu" Smith-Schuster ( Smith; born November 22, 1996) is an American football wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at USC, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh ...
*
Brian Soi Brian Soi (born May 3, 1985) is a former American football defensive tackle. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Utah State. Soi has also been a member of the New York Giants a ...
* Paul Soliai * Vic Soʻoto * Xavier Suʻa-Filo * Nicky Sualua * Frank Summers * Alameda Taʻamu * Ed Taʻamu *
Tua Tagovailoa Tuanigamanuolepola Tagovailoa ( ; born March 2, 1998) is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama, where he was the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Foo ...
* Nuʻu Tafisi * Kelly Talavou *
Lofa Tatupu Mosiula Mea'alofa "Lofa" Tatupu (born November 15, 1982) is a former American football linebacker who played six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was an assistant linebackers coach with the Seattle Seahawks. He played college ...
* Vai Taua * Will Taʻufoʻou * Junior Tautalatasi * Terry Tautolo * Sae Tautu * J. R. Tavai * Daniel Teʻo-Nesheim * Manti Teʻo * Martin Tevaseu * Jack Thompson (American football), Jack Thompson * D. J. Tialavea * John Timu (American football), John Timu * Pisa Tinoisamoa * Albert Toeaina * Pago Togafau * Levine Toilolo * Mao Tosi * Charles Tuaau * Esera Tuaolo * Natu Tuatagaloa * Marques Tuiasosopo * Peter Tuiasosopo * Lavasier Tuinei * Mark Tuinei * Van Tuinei * Joe Tuipala * Willie Tuitama * Maugaula Tuitele * Andria Tupola * Mike Ulufale * Morris Unutoa * Jeremiah Valoaga * Lenny Vandermade * Larry Warford * Albert Wilson (American football), Albert Wilson ; Athletics * Jeremy Dodson, sprints * Gary Fanelli, long-distance * Anthony Leiato, shot put ; Baseball * Benny Agbayani * Isiah Kiner-Falefa * Sean Manaea ; Basketball * Rashaun Broadus * James Johnson (basketball, born 1987), James Johnson * Dion Prewster * Wally Rank * Peyton Siva * Mekeli Wesley * Wendell White (basketball), Wendell White ; Mixed martial arts * Andre Fili * Kendall Grove * Max Holloway * Raquel Paʻaluhi ; Professional wrestling * Afa Anoaʻi * Afa Anoaʻi Jr. * Lloyd Anoaʻi * Vanessa Borne * Deuce (wrestler), Deuce * Emily Dole * Sam Fatu * Nia Jax *
Dwayne Johnson Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972), also known by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor and former professional wrestler. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, he was integral to the developm ...
* Sean Maluta * Roman Reigns * Rikishi (wrestler), Rikishi * Rosey (wrestler), Rosey * Samoa Joe * Samu (wrestler), Samu * Tamina Snuka * Umaga (wrestler), Umaga * The Usos * Yokozuna (wrestler), Yokozuna ; Rugby * Thretton Palamo, union * Psalm Wooching, union ; Swimming * Virginia Farmer * Stewart Glenister * Robin Leamy (swimmer), Robin Leamy ; Other * Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, volleyball * Mariah Bullock, soccer * Tony Finau, golf * Konishiki Yasokichi, sumo * Greg Louganis, diving * Garrett Muagututia, volleyball * Fua Logo Tavui, sailing


Other

* Matt Keikoan, poker player * Alema Leota, Robin Hood * Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, writer, literature professor


See also

* Samoan Australians * Samoan New Zealanders * Samoa - United States relations *
Native Hawaiians Native Hawaiians (also known as Indigenous Hawaiians, Kānaka Maoli, Aboriginal Hawaiians, First Hawaiians, or simply Hawaiians) ( haw, kānaka, , , and ), are the indigenous ethnic group of Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii ...


References


External links

{{Authority control American people of Samoan descent Oceanian American Pacific Islands American Polynesian American