This paper aims to understand the characteristics of the tsunami disaster in the Samoan Islands by analyzing the field survey data as well as numerical simulation results. The field survey was performed about one month after the disaster to clarify the tsunami wave height and to understand the reality of the disaster according to the residents. As a result, the followings are concluded. 1) Tsunami height exceeded 5m in a wide area of Upole and Tutuila Islands. 2) In areas that have a wide coral reef, people saw the wave breaking on top of it and quickly became aware of the approaching tsunami. 3) Tsunami education contributed the residents' reaction on the evacuation. 4) Social characteristics especially existence of Matai (the chief of the village) influenced the residents' decision making after the tsunami disaster.