About Upolu, Samoa

The gateway to Samoa, Upolu is home to the international airport, the capital city, Apia, and the bulk of the country’s population.

Upolu’s coast is surrounded by white sand beaches and blue lagoons. One of Samoa’s most pristine beaches, Lalomanu Beach on the southeastern tip of the island with its translucent lagoon, is a protected marine reserve, teeming with a magnitude of tropical fish species and marine life.

Just a little further north, head off to Namua Island and swim with the endangered green turtle in its natural ocean environment. South of Lalomanu there’s even more fauna to explore, including the seabird nesting grounds on Nuutele Island. From behind the hospital at Lalomanu you can take a short guided walk to an extinct volcanic crater, which happens to be home to a whole army of flying foxes.

Upolu’s interior exudes a very special and mystic charm. There are numerous tracks that lead deep through lush rainforests to a number or rivers and dramatically beautiful waterfalls.

O Le Pupu-Pui National Park contains Samoa’s highest mountain, Mt. Fito at 1100 metres as well as Togitogiga Falls and some good hiking trails. Papapapai-Tai Falls, with a 100 metre drop makes these very spectacular falls. The Papase’ea Sliding Rocks are just six kilometres southwest of Apia. Soft vegetation under the water makes it possible to easily slide down the falls into the natural pool below. The idyllic To Sua Ocean Trench attracts those keen to enjoy a surreal swim in a giant swimming hole.

Samoa’s capital, Apia is home to 38,000 inhabitants. Situated on a natural harbour, just 40 kilometres from Faleolo International Airport, Apia is the perfect place to acclimatise to island life, pick up some souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and proud history of Samoa.

The colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Apia’s Fugalei Street, is a good place to stock up on fresh fruit like pawpaws or a bunch of sweet little ladyfinger bananas. About a 10-minute walk from the food market is the flea market, the perfect souvenir haunt where you’ll find everything from clubs and kava bowls to lava lavas (the Samoan sarong), baskets, jewellery and authentic Samoan music.

The famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, famed for classic books such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, spent his final years in Samoa. He was known by the local people as Tusitala, Samoan for ‘teller of tales’. His beautiful mansion Vailima has been converted into a museum set within lush gardens and is open to the public.

Visitors can also visit his grave located at the top of Mt. Vaea, along a trail named by the locals as “The Road of the Loving Heart”.

The locals are famously hospitable and the city is easily explored by foot. Apia has a great nightlife, everything from busy pubs, nightclubs to cultural shows and excellent restaurants, where you can sing, dance and enjoy fresh Samoan cuisine.

In addition to hotels in Apia there are some good resorts, guest houses and fales on the island.

Where to Stay

Return To Paradise Resort and Spa
Return to Paradise Beach has it all, a beautiful lagoon, sparkling white sandy beaches, diverse marine life, colourful coral, mineral pools, private forests, spectacular gardens, and banyan trees that tower over the... View More »
Samoana Boutique Hotel
Discover exceptional value for money and comfort at Samoana Boutique Hotel. Catering for groups, families and couples alike, the hotel offers five Family Units, four Standard Rooms, four Superior Units and ten De... View More »
Taumeasina Island Resort
Taumeasina Island Resort brings unparalleled security and hospitality to all guests and prides itself on providing authentic and inspiring Samoan experiences during your stay. This South Pacific tropical paradise... View More »
Aga Reef Resort
Discover an intimate resort, nestled between a spectacular mountain backdrop and the perfect blue waters of the South Pacific. South Pacific island paradise Set on the secluded south-eastern coast of Upolu, Aga ... View More »
Amanaki Hotel
Situated on the peninsula in Apia Harbour, Amanaki Hotel is the capital’s best value for money hotel. Amanaki, meaning ‘hope’ or ‘good expectations’ in Tokelauan, is a famiily owned hotel that pays trib... View More »
Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa Samoa
Discover a South Pacific paradise at Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa on Upolu’s southern coast. A relaxing, beachfront resort, Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa truly embodies all that is unique and won... View More »

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