Samoa is a laid-back South Pacific paradise, known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of its people.
Last year my family and I spent 10 unforgettable nights in Upolu, Samoa, and I’m finally getting around to writing about it!
With its year-round warm climate, crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and dramatic waterfalls, Samoa is a true tropical paradise. It's just under four hours flight time to Samoa from New Zealand, making it an easy destination for a relaxing holiday.
Samoa consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, along with several smaller islands. We only stayed on Upolu this time - the most populated island and the one you fly into.
Aside from soaking up the sun on Samoa’s stunning beaches, here are my top five things to do in Upolu:
1. To Sua Ocean Trench
You’ll need to climb down a 30-foot ladder to reach the stunning aqua-blue swimming hole that has caves leading to the ocean. It’s an absolute must-do in Samoa!
The entry fee is 20 Tala (around $12 NZD), which includes access to fales, changing rooms, toilets, and a small shop on-site, with beautiful kept lush gardens and a stunning ocean view.
2. Turtle and Giant Clam Sanctuary
The Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary on Upolu’s South Coast is a protected marine reserve and home to vibrant coral reefs and the awe-inspiring giant clams - seriously as large as a sofa-couch - they're amazing! The sanctuary is also a popular spot for turtles.
Swimming with turtles had been on my bucket list for the longest time, and in Samoa, I finally got the chance to swim with over ten of them!
Most resorts offer day trips to the sanctuary, and I highly recommend booking one rather than trying to find it on your own. An experienced local guide will swim with you and take you straight to the best spots to see the giant clams and help you spot turtles along the way.
The surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking - the crystal-clear turquoise water fringed with palm trees - it was truly an unforgettable experience and definitely another must-do in Samoa.
Top Tip: Take a GoPro/underwater camera!
Fiafia nights are the perfect way to soak up Samoan culture through traditional dance, music, and delicious local food.
These are held once or twice a week at most resorts, hotels, and cultural centres like The Samoa Cultural Village in Apia.
Performed by staff and village members, you'll be treated to a range of local songs and dances, many including a spectacular fire show. The food is ordinarily a buffet-style of a variety of local dishes including mains, sides and desserts.
It’s essentially dinner and a show but an unforgettable way to experience the culture of Samoa.
Top Tip: Find out when your resort's Fiafia nights are held as soon as you arrive and make a booking.
4. Chase them Waterfalls
Waterfall enthusiasts, unite! Upolu has some seriously beautiful waterfalls that you won’t want to miss. Most resorts and the Tourist Information Centre in Apia will have a map to give you that will include the location of these amazing waterfalls. Many resorts offer guided day trips to go waterfall chasing, or if you are renting a car you can go exploring on your own.
We hired a rental car just for the day directly from our resort and it was very easy to do, and not too badly priced. Waterfalls are located on village/family land so a small entry fee to each one is required. Here are a few waterfalls we went to and recommend:
Sopoaga Falls is an impressive 54-metre high waterfall. You view it from quite a distance on a wooden viewing platform and can view beautiful gardens. As a side-note drone footage is allowed here for no extra fee.
Fuipisia Waterfall is another beautiful waterfall in the south-east of Upolou. It is 55-metres high and set amidst lush jungle with a short 5-10 minutes walk to get to the viewing platform.
Another standout is the Papapapaitai Falls, where you’ll find an impressive waterfall dropping into a forested gorge. It's located 14 kms south of Apia, and standing over 100-metres tall, it's the tallest waterfall in Samoa.
Top Tip: Bring small cash with you for the entry fees.
From there, take a stroll around town to see a few of Apia’s highlights. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, originally built in 1884 and beautifully restored, is a stunning piece of architecture that’s hard to miss. Just down the road, the Apia Town Clock Tower is another iconic sight. There are also plenty of little shops, cafes, and restaurants to duck into along the way.
If you’re up for a short taxi ride (it’s a bit of a hike otherwise!), make time to visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Set in lush gardens at the author’s former home, the museum is beautifully kept and filled with fascinating historical artefacts from his life in Samoa.
Coming Soon: In my next blog post, I’ll be sharing our full Samoa family travel guide - all about visiting with a baby and a toddler. I’ll cover the best (and not-so-great) resorts for families, whether Samoa is affordable as a family holiday, and include plenty of practical tips for travelling with little ones, plus a few general travel insights too. Stay tuned!
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