Away With The Steiners

15 Things To Do In Samoa In Apia, Upolu And Savai’i. 

Sarah Steiner

Why travel to Samoa? It’s warm, friendly, tasty, tropical AND beautiful. Plus there are lots of unique things to do in Samoa that pretty much outline the PERFECT Pacific Island for adventure, relaxation, or just to find out more about life of a real-life tropical paradise!

It’s easy to get to Samoa with flights from Auckland, Australia and Fiji, and connections through Hawaii – there isn’t really a reason NOT to go!

Read on for tips about travel to Upolu and Savai’i plus all the best – and tastiest – things to do in Samoa.

About travel to Samoa

We spent five days in Samoa which actually felt great for a short break (and only four hours from Auckland) to relax and enough time to explore some of the most iconic sights and tastes I had been yearning for.

However, I would love to go back again and would say if you aren’t short on time then definitely visit for a week or more.

Samoa is made up of 12 islands; four of which are inhabited.

Upolu and Savai’i are the two main islands. They are surrounded by several smaller islands, including Manono and Apolima – the next largest two.

There is plenty to do on Upolu, and it is easy to get around, explore and find everything you need.

But I am also going to tell you how to get to Savai’i and why it is worth making the trip there too!

Here are all the best things to do and tips to plan your travel to Samoa.

Exploring the quiet island roads of Upolu is one of the best things to do in Samoa.
Exploring the quiet island roads of Upolu is one of the best things to do in Samoa.

Transportation for exploring Upolu

Have you even BEEN to Samoa if you didn’t cruise around Upolu with reggae tunes cranking and the tropical breeze blowing?!

Thats what we did.

It’s easy to hire a car and pick it up from the airport and the island roads that wrap around Upolu are just begging to be explored in the sunshine and at the pace of island life.

The islands are blessed with natural beauty; from beaches, to waterfalls and the lush vegetation that edges the villages and embraces ancient volcanoes.

We basically hopped in the car and headed for the other side of the island taking the Cross Island Road (which literally does as it says and takes you right across the island) and making our way back around the coastal route.

If you wanted to you could drive around the entire island in 4-5 hours, but you might not see much. I would definitely recommend giving yourself sufficient time to hop out and stop whenever you wish.

Beautiful church in Samoa.

Getting around Upolu

Definitely keep an eye out for the island buses that also use the roads.

If you’ve driven in the Pacific you will already know what I mean, and if not – well, you have that excitement to look forward to!

There are beautiful churches dotted everywhere around the island; you can spot them in the villages as you drive through and often can see the schools next door or attached to the church grounds themselves.

Some of the churches are historic for the island and somewhat ethereal in appearance.

By the time we had driven around I was getting good at recognising the different colours of denominations from afar, and looked forward to seeing each village centre as we approached.

10 Highlights and Things to do in Samoa – Upolu

In no particular order, here are 10 things to do in Samoa on Upolu Island that we reckon make it absolutely worth a visit! 

1. Fugalei Markets in Apia

And back in Apia, do NOT miss the Fugalei Markets for the biggest selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, niu coconuts and enormous sweet juicy pawpaws that will only set you back $1 USD!

We pretty much began at the fruit section and found a niu coconut to sip on whilst wandering around…

If you are there for a whole week and can visit on a Sunday then you are in extra luck. Sunday is ‘umu’ day and there is all kinds of extra steamed and ground-cooked delights!

Roadtripping around Samoa.

2. To Sua Ocean Trench – Things to do in Samoa

I know I’ll say the same thing about the Koko-Samoa, niu coconuts (and probably a kava ceremony) – but I don’t think a visit to Samoa would be complete without a swim in To-Sua Trench.

It’s one of the most iconic highlights of Samoa. And seriously. Do you think this could literally be one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the world?!

To Sua translates to mean ‘giant swimming hole’ and that is certainly apt. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the trench is just as it sounds – a deep swimming hole formed by an ancient lava eruption.

The climb down is steep but worth it for a swim in this beautiful Samoan treasure.

Tickets to visit To Sua Trench:

Waving back up from the water!

3. Giant Clam Sanctuary – Things to do in Samoa

One of the popular things to do in Samoa is to snorkel in the Giant Clam Sanctuary.  The sanctuary is located within a village marine protected area on Upolu Island’s south coast.

4. Lolimanu Beach – Things to do in Samoa

Lolimanu Beach is on the southern part of Upolu.  

It was voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 Beach Destinations of the World! 

It is a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach that is popular for a beach day out.  Or you can stay in one of the beach Fale (huts) right in the Lalimanu Beach district. 

5. Papase’ea Sliding Rocks – Things to do in Samoa

Papaseea Sliding Rocks are a natural attraction located in Samoa.  The rocks are naturally formed smooth rocks that make a natural waterslide into the Papase’ea Stream. 

The site is 6km from central Apia, well-signposted from the road past the Mormon Temple.

6. ‘Ava Ceremony

The ‘Ava ceremony is one of the most important customs of the Samoan islands.

It is a ritual in which a ceremonial beverage is shared to mark important occasions in Samoan society. Most often it includes speeches and oratory before the formal drinking of ‘Ava.

It is a special experience to be part of.

Part of my visit to Savai’i was to visit a preschool in one of the small villages. I felt honoured to have the village chief and several of the elders attend our visit and welcome us with an ‘ava ceremony.

These are the kind of experiences in travel that cannot be bought. Sitting on the floor to share in this ceremony is something I will treasure forever.

For sure one of the highlights of Samoa.

7. Papapapaitai Falls 

Papapapaitai Falls is one of the longest waterfalls in Samoa at 100m high, cascading into a deep gorge.

These spectacular falls plunge 500 feet into a volcanic crater, surrounded by a lush rain forest.

You can hike to Papapapaitai Falls.  Or about 14km from Apia on the main road there is a lookout and carpark with impressive views to the falls. 

8. Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Things to do in Samoa

The church is central to the Samoan way of life. 

Christianity arrived in the islands in 1830 by way of missionaries and the Christian faith integrated with Samoans’ beliefs in gods for the sun, earth, heavens, and sea. 

Anywhere in the South Pacific is in an iconic experience to attend a church service.  I recommend it as a great experience and one of the things to do in Samoa that truly showcases the culture and people of Samoa. 

Everyone is welcome to attend church services, which are often led by a beautiful choir singing. 

Even if you aren’t a practising Christian, it is a special opportunity to witness the sound of Samoa!

9. Piula Cave Pool – Things to do in Samoa

Along the Main East Coast Road – about 45mins from Apia – you will find Piula Cave Pool.  This bright blue green pool is located at the Piula Theological College in the Village of Lufilufi.

It is another gem on the island and one of the refreshing things to do in Samoa. 

10. Ride one of the Samoan Buses

Taking a colourful bus is one of the unique things to do in Samoa!  The Samoan buses are one of the country’s most unique features. 

The buses travel all over the island and almost every one is different.  

They are a fun, budget-friendly way to travel, offering a unique cultural experience. 

To catch one, simply wave it down (there are no formal stops), and when you’re ready to get off, pull the cord along the roof. 

5 Highlights and Things to do in Savai’i, Samoa

Here are 5 things to do in Savai’i, Samoa.

1. Take the ferry to Savai’i from Upolu, Samoa

If you have time on your itinerary, one of the most memorable things to do in Samoa is to take the ferry to the second largest island of Savai’i.

We loved the adventure of getting TO Savai’i!

The ferry is easy to use and operates daily.

Travelling time between these islands is an hour and 15 minutes. 

Boarding the ferry for Savai’i at the wharf in Apia.

Arriving in Savai’i from Upolu, Samoa

On arrival in Savai’i the Salelologa Market is really close to the main wharf and bus terminal.

This is the best place to find all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, crafts, gifts – everything you need to stock up for Savai’i and beyond. Grab some niu coconuts and enjoy the market experience!

The experience of exploring Savai’i is like heading back in time in the Pacific. There aren’t the seven-days-a-week shops and fast food options of Apia.

There are natural attractions and locals going about their lives on this tropical island paradise as they have done for generations.

If it works with your itinerary definitely squeeze in Savai’i. It will be a highlight in your travel to Samoa!

Buses waiting at the bus terminal in Salelologa on Savai’i.

2. Salelologa Market – Things to do in Savai’i, Samoa

Salelologa New Market is the main marketplace in Savai’i.  It is easy to find located near the main Salelologa Wharf and by the Savai’i bus terminal.  

There is a good range of clothing, souvenirs, artefacts, household goods, groceries and fruit & vegetables. 

3. Koko Samoa – Things to do in Savai’i, Samoa

I was lucky enough to stay with friends in the village of Sagone on Savai’i and feel blessed to have had such a unique and homely experience.

If you get the chance to visit Savai’i on your travel to Samoa then grab that opportunity too.

This was also the time I became officially the islands biggest temporary-staying fan of Koko Samoa!

Koko Samoa is served as a hot cocoa made from cocao beans, which come from the tree called cacao. Basically, its chocolate in its purest form!

The smell of the Koko-Samoa simmering away on the outdoor kitchen is honestly almost as good as savouring each mouthful in taste. Do NOT leave Savai’i or Samoa without trying a home-brewed or market made Koko Samoa…

You will thank me later!

Koko Samoa and taro with coconut cream – breakfast and morning tea for me!

4. Pa Sopo’ia Cave – Things to do in Savai’i, Samoa

The famous Pa Sopo’ia Cave on Savai’I is located off the beaten track.  But if you have time in Savai’i it is worth the trouble to find. 

5. Alofaaga Blowholes

The Alofaaga Blowholes, also known as the Taga Blowholes, are a natural feature on Savai’I that are worth going out of your way for.  

The blowholes are located in the district of Palauli, southwest of Salelologa wharf.  Though you can actually see them from the ferry as you arrive! 

It truly is spectacular to watch the force of the ocean coming up through the blowholes.  It’s amazing to see how high the blowholes go!

The colourful Salelologa Wharf on Savai’i in Samoa.

Samoan food and Kava to try in Samoa

Eating some of my favourite island foods in Samoa was right up there on my Samoan-bucket-list.

Like other Polynesian countries, Samoa has unique and different ways of cooking, presenting and eating dishes of the Pacific.

I know I have more to try (and that’s excellent).

But on this trip my favourites were:

I could go on! A lot of these you can find at the markets, or in the small roadside stalls or local restaurants.

It’s making me hungry even thinking of all these while writing – I definitely need to go back!

Fa’alifu taro and a fresh raw fish salad.

Accommodation and where to stay on Upolu, Samoa

If you want to be close to bars and restaurants it is best to stay in Apia.  But there are also many beach resorts and accommodation around the island of Upolu.

An authentic Samoan Fale stay can be found at many hotels and villas or in the traditional villages dotted throughout the islands. If you get the chance to stay in a Fale it is a great experience!

In Apia we stayed at the Apia Central Hotel on Savalalo Road.

Though there are a few other options in Apia and on Upolu to choose from:

Accommodation and where to stay on Savai’i, Samoa

We were lucky in Savai’i to stay at a Fale (house) in Sagone Village with friends.

But there are numerous options in Salelologa and the villages around Savai’i.

This was the view below from our Fale in Sagone Village.

You can see the main road of the island. But the photo can’t quite describe the welcoming smell of kitchen fires burning and that sound of pigs wandering and grunting – and roosters crowing!

The view from our Fale in Sagone Village on Savai’i.

Read more about travel in the South Pacific

More about travel to Samoa and planning for the Pacific and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

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