What is "lepea"

Lepea is a village on the island of Upolu in Samoa. The picturesque settlement of round Samoan houses built in a concentric pattern in large open grounds (malae) is situated 5mins drive west of the capital Apia on the north central coast of the island. It is part of the Tuamasaga electoral district. The village population is 721 (2006 Census).

A significant and high-ranking matai chief title from this village is Faumuina and the traditional residence for the title is in Lepea. The family title has been held by important national leaders in the country's history, including the first Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II (1921 - 1975) who lived in the village and whose state funeral was also held here. His father, also a paramount chief and a previous holder of the title was Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I, a leader of the country's pro-independence Mau movement. Both leaders also held the paramount chief titles Mata'afa as well as Fiame from Lotofaga.

The tiered stone tomb of another paramount chief and Mau leader, Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III is beside the main road in the village.