7 Things To Do In Samoa The Definitive Guide To Your Holiday In Samoa

Welcome to paradise, heart of Hawaiki, birthplace of Polynesia. Samoa is a land of volcanic explosions, sapphire seas and lush rainforests. From the moment you touch down, you’re on island time. Give up your watch for days ruled by sunrises, midday naps and endless starry nights.

Dive into a waterfall

There are so many things to do in Samoa, they’re blessed with hundreds of waterfalls and iridescent pools. In the wet season, during November until April, the waters will be strong and clear, and the pools deep enough to dive in. Spend a day between the cooling waters and sun soaked fales.

The popular Togitogiga Waterfall was once a swimming hole for great Samoan Warriors. It’s most beautiful during the wet season, when the water becomes clear and calm. Float in the pool at the bottom of the falls, or enjoy a relaxing shoulder massage from the flowing water.

Fuipisia falls are spectacular. Falling 55m out of the jungle, you can hike up to these falls and spot a number of native birds along the way.

Close to Apia, kids (and the adults) will love the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Gentle waterfalls have formed natural slides in the rocks, one up to five meters in length. It’s easy to find and a must do during the wet season. It’s possible in the dry season to although not always guaranteed to be flowing.

On Savai’I, Afu Aau falls cascade from the depths of the rainforest into a natural plunge pool. Cool and deep Afu Aau is a popular escape from the heat. Leap from the cliffs like the local boys, or dip your toes in poolside.

Not all of Samoa’s waterfalls are hidden away under a canopy of lush forest.

The Mu Pagoa falls tumble into the open ocean, crashing on black sand and creating extraordinary panoramas unseen elsewhere. Expect to get caught up in local daily life here, as the river is safe and shallow enough for kids.

To Sua Ocean Trench doesn’t lie beneath a dreamlike waterfall, but it is easily the most instagramable swimming hole in Samoa. Set in the serenity of the rainforest, the trench is a volcanic pool filled by ocean tides. Not for the faint of heart, the entrance to the pool is down a steep, and sometimes slippery wooden ladder, but if you’re lucky, you may get the pool all to yourself.

Piula (Fatumea) Cave pool (Along the main east coast road, 45mins from apia, you will find piula cave pool located at the piula theological college in the village of lufilufi. It’s a beautiful crystal clear freshwater spring pool and cave that originated from an old lava tube. Explore the underwater cave that connects to a second cave. Day fales and toilet facilities available. Open mon-sat: 8am-4pm.

Swim with the fishes

The water around the islands is abundant with colourful fish, hundreds of turtles and rays, and no matter whether you’re on Upolu or Savai’i, there’s plenty to explore with a mask and snorkel. To truly make the most of Samoa’s incredible coastline, hire a car and drive around to the south coast.

Lalomanu Beach is about a 1.5-hour drive from Mulifanua and has some of the best snorkelling around. You won’t need to swim too far to see turtles and brightly coloured fish.

10 minutes by boat from Lalomanu Beach is Namua Island. There is no electricity, or food to purchase on the island so take a picnic with you and enjoy the magnificence of the untouched reef. It’ll cost you about $20 to get there. Nearby Fanuatapu Island and the coves around Aleipata coast are beautiful snorkelling locations, with turtles and eagle rays. The waters are quiet here; it’ll just be you and the turtles. If you’re willing to travel a little further, check out the bays of Matereva as well.

For access without a boat head to Palolo Deep Marine Reserve in Apia. You do have to swim a fair distance to reach the colourful corals and larger fish, but you’ll get up close to reef sharks – an experience not to missed, and perfectly safe. Find the drop-off, and continue swimming around its edge to the main reef for the best views. You can hire snorkelling gear at the reserve.

Remember the sea is the livelihood for many villagers, so while a small fee of 10 to 25 tala may inconvenience you it can sometimes be a village’s only income. Chatting with the locals will also keep you safe. They’ll point out any dangerous rips or other hazards.

Get up close with a turtle

You’re bound to meet a few local turtles while out paddling or snorkelling, but for just a few dollars you can swim with endangered green turtles in captivity before they’re tagged and released into the wild by the Fisheries Department. Villagers raise the infant turtles at the Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary on Savai’i, and once released the turtles will grow to 180kg.

The turtles are named green turtles not for their shell, but for their cartilage and fat. Some green turtles will have black shells. These curious creatures are herbivores and feed on the seagrass beds, keeping it short and manicured. They’re like the sheep of the sea.

At the Malua Turtle Feeding Site run by Malua Theological College you can feed turtles for free.

Go deeper

Samoa is a pleasant place to learn to dive – water temperatures lie between 26 and 29 degrees year round, and the visibility is near perfect.

Learn to dive in the shallow lagoons, or complete an open-water dive certificate for access to the world under the sea. Explore shipwrecks and get closer to some of the world’s most enchanting seascapes. Coral gardens, eagle rays, sea canyons and colourful marine life are just off the coast. You’ll find over 900 species of fish. Peak season is between July and September, when you might even spot a humpback.

A popular spot to dive is named The Rock. The abundance of fish here make you feel like you’ve dived into an aquarium. Clown fish dart among the anemones; schools of barracuda and tuna follow you about, plus you’ll find giant clams and coral.

Drift in the coral wonderland off Apolima Island. Unicorn fish, lobsters, turtles, reef sharks and blue fin trevally are more readily seen in these parts.

For incredible underwater photos dive to Juno, an iron shipwreck full of corals. Reef fish, parrotfish, turtles and snapper are only a five-minute boat ride from Savai’i. The maximum depth is 25 meters.

Take a hike

There are plenty of good trails throughout Samoa, with its lush rainforest, volcanoes and rugged coast. Midday heat can be problematic, so plan accordingly and take a lot of water, often there are no natural springs available.

Explore the old lava tube of Peapea Cave, it is easily accessible (April to November) in O Le Pupu-Pue National Park but still worth taking a guide as tourists often get lost. Named after the birds that sing from its depths, Peapea is set an hour into the rainforest. You’ll need good shoes and a headlamp to amble into the cave, as it is pitch black for about an hour until it opens up.

The lava fields around the Tafua Peninsula make for an active morning. Hiking around the base of the Tafua volcano rim takes about an hour from the base. Cape Mulinu’u has dramatic scenery with towering cliffs and secluded beaches.

The Falease’ela River Walk costs $50 but is an incredible way to experience the pristine beauty of Upolu. You’ll hike through riverbeds, and along the banks of Liua le Vai o Sina River. Your guides will likely leap from cliffs, and if you’re brave enough the pools beneath offer a respite from the heat.

Walk out to Lake Lanotoo National Park, Samoa’s largest lake, also known as Goldfish Lake. It’s set in the central Upolu highlands and surrounded by rainforest. The green lake is a volcanic crater and derives its nickname from the plenitude of goldfish introduced by German settlers. The walk will take around 5 hours return.

A canopy boardwalk has been established in the 1200 hectare Falealupo Rainforest Preserve. Overcome your fear of heights by walking across the 30 meter hanging bridge. There are plenty of options here for novices to adventurers including short walks to the Olemoe Falls and the Pulemelei Mound.

A two-day guided tour will take you to Samoa’s highest point. Mt Silisili touches the clouds at 1858m high. You can arrange a tour with locals from the nearby village of Aopo. Prepare properly and remember to take your own food and drink as well as supplies for your guide. The track can be slippery, so good footwear is essential, and as you climb higher the temperature begins to drop. A light jacket should be enough. The journey up passes through distinctive zones where you’ll find orange spongy moss and blueberry bushes. Stay on the track, even if it feels slightly precarious. It is the safest route up. You will arrive at Mata o le Afi, the remains of a volcano.

Matavanu’s Peak is another ambitious hike, but well worth the trip. Six hours from the road you’ll find an overgrown crater guarded by Da Craterman.

Walk into the lush Sataoa Mangroves forest for a not to be missed experience. The site has recently been declared a UNESCO conservation site and for 30 tala, you can spot flora and fauna along the trail before getting into an outrigger canoe.

Lava fields

The lava fields on Savai’i are easily the largest attraction on the island. A unique geological phenomenon, the Mt Matavanu eruption buried five villages throughout its three-year long eruption. Thanks to the slow flowing lava, no one was killed in the eruption.

The local church and a gravesite of the chief’s virgin daughter were unscathed in lava flow, and provide an eerie look into the past. Visiting the fields is free, but you’ll be asked for 5 tala to visit the gravesite. After looking at the church, walk down to the water where the lava finally came to rest.

To market, to market

Markets are a part of everyday life for Samoans, and in the centre of Apia you can find a variety of handicrafts and foods to haggle on.

Rise early Sunday morning for a chance to see the fish market in full swing. Freshly caught tuna, octopus and eels along with a huge variety of ‘what is that?’ are available at unbelievably low prices. Everything is fresh off the boat, and the locals love sharing their knowledge. Pluck up some courage and try something new.

The produce markets are also open Monday through Saturday and are best before sundown. There fruit selection is vast and there are plenty of samples to nibble on. Buy in season and experience truly tropical fruit, locally grown. A coconut is a refreshing way to cool down from the midday heat, just ask for a straw.

Traditional handicrafts can be found at the Apia flea markets that run every day but Sunday. Purchasing gifts here mean you are supporting the local economy. Try on a lava-lava (sarong) or take home some wooden carvings for loved ones. Prices are low, and the kava bowls and pandanus mats are uniquely Samoan. A recent blaze burnt down the old flea markets but quick construction has meant trading is underway again. Take small notes to purchase goods at any of the markets.