Top things to do in Samoa - you don't want to miss this!
Samoa is one of those places where the photos barely do it justice. Here’s my personal roundup of the top things to do in Samoa to make sure your have an unforgettable experience!
1. Dive into To Sua Ocean Trench
To Sua Ocean Trench is hands-down one of the most Insta-worthy spots in Samoa. Imagine this: a giant swimming hole surrounded by tropical greenery, with a ladder that takes you down into its crystal-clear waters. No matter how long you stay in Samoa you want to add this to your list!
Pro Tip: Go later in the day to avoid the crowds. We had it all to ourselves around closing time. And don’t forget water shoes—the whole area and the ladder can be slippery.
2. Explore Lalomanu Beach
If your idea of heaven involves white sand, warm water, and relaxing under a palm tree, then Lalomanu Beach is where you need to be. This beach on the southeastern coast of Upolu is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and letting the world slow down a little. You can also stay in traditional Samoan beach fales (beach huts) right on the shore, and let me tell you, falling asleep to the sound of the waves is magical. We stayed at the Litia Sini Beachvolley resort and loved our time here.
3. Namu Island: A Slice of Tropical Seclusion
For those looking to escape to a quiet, untouched beach, Namu Island is the perfect daytrip. This small island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and swaying palm trees. People also call it Turtle island because there are so many turtles swimming in the area. A short boat ride from the mainland, Namu Island feels like a private paradise where you can relax, snorkel, or hike to the top of the island. It is also possible to sleep here in very primitive Fales. I did not, but if I had known about it before I went I definitely would have. The island was just so peaceful and beautiful. It’s not something you can book before. You just have to show up at the only kiosk at the beach and there is a person working there who will call the owner of the island (I think at least) and let him know that someone wants to go over. He will then come and pick you up in his boat. You can of course go there a day or to in advance to talk to them and make arrangements. We just showed up and it was no problem. And you get assigned a Fale when you get there to store your things and relax for as long as you want. When you are ready to head back you let him know. The boat ride is not long.
Pro tip: You can’t buy anything here so make sure to bring water and food even if you are not staying the night. There is a kiosk that sells snacks where you take the boat from.
4. Chasing Waterfalls: Samoa’s Majestic Cascades
Samoa is home to breathtaking waterfalls, each offering its unique allure. For some truly dramatic views, Sopo’aga Falls and Papapapaitai Falls are must-visit spots. Sopo’aga Falls offers a stunning view from a lookout point, set amidst lush vegetation that adds to the magic of the scene. This is also one of the few places around the area that offers a bathroom. So if you are driving around that is always nice to know. When you park there is a small donation box you can put some money in for your entrance. At least when we were there no one was working there.
Papapapaitai Falls is from what I understood on family owned land so when you get there you kind of drive and park by someone’s house. They were very nice and said that it is okay to go and see. When we were there, the kids were happy to have someone to show around and followed us to the lookout point and watched as we took pictures. At this fall you will have a beautiful lookout, but you can also wander further in and see the fall from the top. Exploring these falls is a must-do in Samoa and really shows some of Samoa’s raw natural beauty.
5. O Le Pupu-Pue National Park: A Rainforest Adventure
O Le Pupu-Pue National Park is Samoa’s first national park and one of the best spots for outdoor adventure. Located on the southern coast of Upolu island, it encompasses rainforests, coastal cliffs, and scenic trails. Here, you can embark on a hike through lush jungle, with the sounds of exotic birds and rustling leaves surrounding you. The park offers various trails, including a popular route to the Togitogiga Waterfall, which is also a great swimming spot. We did not go there, but chose to go to another highlight which is the coastal lava field, where dramatic volcanic rock formations meet the ocean. You can drive pretty far in to the park, when you think you can’t drive more, keep on driving. From the parking there is signs for a trail to the lava field. It was a beautiful walk I absolutely recommend.
6. Explore the captial Apia
Even though Apia dont hold the same natural beauty as the rest of Samoa it is still worth a visit to see some more of the local culture. It’s one of the smallest capitals in the world so you don’t need a lot of time, but here are some things you should see while you are there.
- The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
- The Samoan Cultural Village
- The Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Walk through the food markets
We only had a couple of hours in Apia and the weather was terrible so we did not get to do everything we wanted, but it was a very cute little town. But when going to Samoa, I don’t recommend spending much timer here since there is sooo much else to see and do all over the island.
Tips for visiting Samoa
- Best time to visit Its warm year-round, but the dry season (May to October) is your best bet for clear skies and sunshine.
- Currency The local currency is the Samoan Tala. While major hotels take credit cards, its very handy to have cash on your at all times.
- Transport Renting a car is the easiest way to get around. So if you want to see more than Apia you need a car!
- ATM in Apia Take out cash in Apia. There is no ATM anywhere else, which we learned the hard way. So learn from my mistake.
Hope this helps you plan your trip to Samoa!
Happy travels! 🌴