Samoa

The Samoan Islands are a Polynesian paradise with incredible natural features. Located far out in the South Pacific, they may be hard to get to, but the long journey there is worthwhile. Samoa consists of four populated islands: the larger Upolu and Savai'i islands and the little Manono and Apolima islands, all of which are home to pristine beaches and deep rainforests. Unlike other tropical destinations, Samoa remains relatively uncompromised by mass tourism. So even the most well-known of Samoa's sights are not usually overrun by tourists.

Good to Know

• Getting There: Samoa's Faleolo International Airport has connecting flights to many major cities in Oceania and Honolulu, and Fiji. The airport is located about 40 minutes outside of Apia on Upolu Island.
• Getting Around: Even the larger Samoan Islands are still tiny. So while a hire car is the most flexible option (and may be necessary, depending on how ambitious you are with your itinerary!), simply using public buses is a great alternative! Take a look at the (rough) bus schedule to your next destination the night before, and you should be fine. Taxis are somewhat affordable, so you can also fall back on those if needed. Another great addition to using buses is renting a bike to explore nearby places while staying active!
• Travelling Between Islands: Upolu and Savai'i, Samoa's main islands, are connected by a public ferry, which typically runs twice a day and takes a little over an hour. To reach the smaller islands between Savai'i and Upolu, rent a small boat with a private company.
• Where to Stay: Depending on your flight connection, staying on Upolu may mean less hassle on arrival and departure day, as you won't have to rely on the ferries. Upolu is also a bit more built-up than the quieter Savai'i, with more resorts and the liveliness of Samoa's capital Apia. Accommodations on both islands are available in a wide price range. If you're on a budget, you can stay in a Beach Fale: a small bungalow on the beach. And if you are okay with spending a bit more, choose one of the many beautiful resorts. Since you should ideally explore both islands equally, why not stay on both islands for a few days each?
• When to Visit: Avoid the wet season between November and March. In addition, visit early or late in the dry season if you want to avoid peak season.
• How Long to Visit: For a good mix between exploring the islands and resting under the tropical sun on the beach, we recommend staying between 10 and 14 days.
• Note: Be aware that you will have to pay a small entry fee at almost any sight in Samoa.

Highlights

Savai'i

Caves and Lava Fields

Much of Savai'i was formed by a volcanic eruption, leaving tubes of hardened lava and even a large lava field: the Saleaula Lava Field. This field is the result of the eruption of Mount Matavanu in 1905, which destroyed multiple villages. What's left today is the hardened lava that you walk upon and the remnants of a stone church. You will also have the chance to explore lava tubes on Savai'i, such as Paia Dwarfs Cave, and others mentioned in the Points of Interest.

Alofaaga Blowholes

Another reminder of the island's volcanic geology is the Alofaage Blowholes in Taga. Here, hardening lava has created tubes that lead from the cliffs into the ocean - resulting in these Blowholes. Incoming waves forcefully push their way through the tubes resulting in geyser-like explosions of seawater, often tens of meters or multiple hundred feet high. It's best to watch this spectacle at a distance to avoid slipping on the wet rock.

Falealupo Canopy Walk

Savai'i is home to the largest continuous rainforest in the South Pacific. To experience the full magnificence of this jungle without cutting your path through the thicket, visit Falealupo Rainforest Preserve. Then, climb the ladder to walk the Canopy Walk, a suspension walkway hanging in the tree tops. Once you've crossed, you can climb even higher to a lookout platform supported by a Banyan tree and overlook the thick canopy of the rainforest.

Waterfalls

The jungle has mesmerizing waterfalls that are the perfect place to cool off from the burning tropical sun. Visit Afu Aau Falls on Savai'i, where a tall waterfall plunges into a pool below, alongside multiple tiny waterfalls that complete the scenery. The falls are just a short walk away from a parking lot with some basic amenities, yet once you have arrived, you will still feel as though you're deep in the rainforest. Also on Savai'i are Mu Pagoa Falls, where a river empties directly into the open ocean.

Beaches

The South Pacific is probably most well-known for its picturesque beaches, and Savai'i is no exception. You can find the best spots along the island's coast in the Points of Interests.

Upolu

To Sua Ocean Trench

Samoa's most iconic sight is the To Sua Ocean Trench, a 30 m (100 ft) deep, turquoise swimming hole resembling a Cenote. Unlike Cenotes, however, So Tua is filled with saltwater. The pool is replenished by the ocean, to which it is connected through a short underground tube. To swim in So Tua, you can either climb down a wooden ladder (although it may not feel like it, it is sturdy!) or take the plunge and jump in from the mossy rim of the hole. Depending on the tide, the current can get quite strong; thus, ropes float in the water, which you can hold on to. The water is comfortably warm and crystal clear, allowing you to see down to the sandy floor and catch a glimpse of the colorful swarms of fish. Be sure to explore the area around So Tua, too, as there is an excellent viewpoint over the ocean nearby.

Samoa Cultural Village

This village in Apia aims to show tourists more of the Samoan Culture. You will learn the basics of Samoan traditions, such as how to cook traditional meals or about tatau, the Samoan way of tattooing. A visit to the Samoan Cultural Village should be on any travel itinerary!

Waterfalls

As with Savai'i, the interior of Upolu is mountainous and covered in thick rainforests, with waterfalls sprinkled throughout. And Upolu Island offers even more waterfalls than Savai'i, including Papapapaitai (Tiavi) Waterfall. The water rushes down a 100 m (330 ft) drop into a canyon surrounded by jungle as far as the eye can see. You can view the waterfall at length from the scenic lookout from the opposite end of the canyon. Unfortunately, viewing the waterfall from the falling point is not possible at Papapapaitai - but at Fuipisia Waterfall it is! At the height of 55 m (180 ft), the view from the drop-off point is both stunning and exhilarating, so don't miss out on this one. If you dare, you can even swim in the pool that forms right before the drop! There are even more waterfalls on Upolu, which shall just shortly be mentioned here: Sopoaga Falls is another tall and magnificent jungle fall that is worth seeing, while Togitogiga, Falefa, and Sauniatu Falls are smaller and plunge into nice little swimming holes below.

Beaches

At the eastern end of Upolu, you'll find Lalomanu Beach, which is often considered the most beautiful beach in the South Pacific. If you want to snorkel, Lalomanu is among your best options. Other great places to snorkel are the Savia Giant Clam Sanctuary and Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. You can find more amazing beaches in the Points of Interest.