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Samoa✨ 9 best things to do in Samoa

Things to do in Samoa

1. Swim in To Sua Ocean TrenchClimb down a long wooden ladder into a giant natural swimming hole surrounded by tropical gardens.
2. Sleep in a beach faleFall asleep to the sound of waves in a traditional open-sided hut right on the sand.
3. Watch the Alofaaga BlowholesSee seawater erupt dozens of metres into the air through lava tubes on Savai'i.
4. Visit Robert Louis Stevenson's homeTour the writer's grand villa near Apia and hike up to his hilltop grave.
5. Slide at Papase'ea Sliding RocksWhoosh down smooth, natural rock slides into cool freshwater pools.
6. Explore Savai'i's lava fieldsWalk across the black lava flows that swallowed villages a century ago, leaving a church in ruins.
7. Snorkel with turtlesSwim with sea turtles in protected lagoons and marine areas around the islands.
8. Attend a fiafia nightEnjoy a feast and a show of Samoan dance, including the thrilling fire knife dance.
9. Taste umu-cooked foodTry dishes baked in an earth oven, such as palusami made with taro leaves and coconut cream.

Samoa🗺️ Where to visit in Samoa

Where to go in Samoa

• 
  ApiaUpolu · capitalThe small, friendly capital with markets, a seafront promenade and the Stevenson museum nearby.
• 
  Lalomanu BeachUpolu · beachA stunning stretch of white sand with clear lagoon water and beach fales.
• 
  To Sua Ocean TrenchUpolu · natural poolSamoa's most photographed natural attraction.
• 📍
  Savai'iIsland · nature & villagesThe larger, quieter island, full of lava fields, waterfalls and traditional villages.
• 📍
  Lano BeachSavai'i · beachA peaceful beach on Savai'i's east coast ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
• 📍
  Manono IslandSmall island · village lifeA car-free island where you can walk around villages and beaches.
• 📍
  Papase'ea Sliding RocksUpolu · natural slidesNatural rock slides in the forest near Apia.

Samoa🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Samoa

Best time to visit Samoa

Samoa is tropical and warm all year, with highs of around 29-31°C. The wet season brings heavy, often short downpours, and the southern and inland areas tend to be wetter.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Apia (approximate averages).

Samoa🎉 Festivals & events in Samoa

• September
  Teuila FestivalSamoa's biggest cultural festival, with dance, music, canoe races and fire knife performances in Apia.
• 1 June
  Independence DayParades, celebrations and traditional performances mark independence.
• October
  White Sunday (Lotu Tamaiti)Children dressed in white lead church services and are honoured with special feasts.
• October or November
  Palolo DayVillagers gather before dawn to catch palolo worms that rise from the reef once a year, a local delicacy.

Samoa🧭 Samoa itinerary ideas

How many days in Samoa?

Samoa🎒 Backpacking Samoa – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $50–80 a day

• Beach fales are the most affordable and authentic accommodation, and usually include breakfast and dinner.
• Colourful local buses are cheap and an experience in themselves, but run irregularly and rarely on Sundays.
• The ferry between Upolu and Savai'i is inexpensive and easy, so there is no need to fly.
• Buy fruit, bread and snacks at Apia's market and local shops to save money.
• Many villages charge a small custom fee to visit beaches, pools or waterfalls, so carry small change.

Samoa🛡️ Safety & money in Samoa

Emergency: 999

Samoa🛬 Getting to Samoa

Faleolo International Airport on Upolu has flights from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Hawaii. Small planes and ferries connect Samoa with American Samoa.

✈️ Cheap flights to Samoa: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Samoa💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Samoa

• Samoa moved west of the International Date Line in 2011, skipping a day entirely.
• The English word 'tattoo' is linked to the Samoan word 'tatau'.
• Samoa was the first Pacific island nation to gain independence in the twentieth century.
• Robert Louis Stevenson spent his final years in Samoa, where he was called 'Tusitala', teller of tales.
• Samoa's national sport is kirikiti, a local version of cricket played by large teams.

Samoa❓ Samoa travel FAQ

Samoa travel questions