Destinations

Samoa

Location: South Pacific Ocean
Coordinates: 13.7590° S, 172.1046° W

Main gateway: Faleolo International Airport (APW),
near Apia on Upolu Island

Direct flights from: Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Nadi (Fiji),
and Honolulu

Best for: Nature lovers, cultural travellers, slow travel,
beach escapes, and water adventures

Ideal time to go: May to October (dry season with cooler temperatures and less humidity)

Languages spoken: Samoan (Gagana Samoa), English

Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Beach Destinations of the World, Lalomanu Beach on the south coast of Upolu is lined with beach fales and has magnificent views of the smaller outer islands. Photography: Mvaligursky.

The timeless heart of Polynesia

By Emily Clarke

Samoa is a place that stays with you. Draped in lush rainforests, fringed by coral reefs, and shaped by ancient volcanic peaks, this island nation in the heart of Polynesia offers more than just postcard beauty, it invites you into a way of life. From the rhythm of the ‘fiafia’ (celebration) nights to the calm of a seaside ‘fale’ (traditional open-air hut), Samoa is guided by ‘fa’a Samoa’ (the Samoan way), a deep respect for community, nature, and tradition that pulses through daily life. Whether you're plunging into freshwater swimming holes, exploring lava caves, or watching the sunrise from Lalomanu Beach, you'll feel like you're part of something timeless.

Dating back more than 3,000 years, Fa’a Samoa is reflected throughout the island’s culture and customs. Here, you won’t just be welcomed, you’ll be embraced. From the first bite of smoky Umu-cooked food to the rhythmic pulse of traditional dance and song, Samoa doesn’t just show you its culture, it sweeps you up in it. The traditional Umu, a method of cooking in an above-ground earth oven, produces meals that are hearty and full of flavour. Dance is integral to Samoan culture, ranging from the elegant siva to the energetic fa’ataupati (the Samoan Slap Dance), and the dramatic siva afi, a fire knife dance that ignites the night.

Fire Dancing on Matareva Beach, Samoa. Photography: Spacifica Travel.

Visitors arriving at the international airport on Upolu, the most populated island and home to the bustling capital of Apia, are immersed in a world of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and coastal villages. While Upolu is the main hub for accommodation and activities, regular ferries provide easy access to Savai’i – a more secluded haven. Adventurous travellers can venture further to the smaller islands of Apolima, Manono, Nu'ulopa and Namu'a, accessible by water taxi or kayak, each offering its own slice of serenity and charm. From the thatched-roof fales and roaming village animals to the pristine lagoons and jungle-clad mountains, Samoa is a destination where the wonders of nature and the strength of tradition create a truly unforgettable experience.

Nu'utele Island consists of a volcanic tuff ring, and lies 1.3 km off the eastern end of U

Nu’utele Island consists of a volcanic tuff ring and lies 1.3 kilometres off the eastern end of Upolu island, Samoa. Photography: Radoslav Cajkovic.

Walks

One of the best ways to experience the Islands of Samoa is on foot, and there are several trails through the unique landscape to be explored.

Mt Silisili guided hike: Located in the central region of Savai’i, Mt Silisili is the highest point in the Samoan archipelago. This walk takes in some breathtaking scenery and requires 2–3 days of time, and guided hikes can be arranged with the pulenu’u (leader) of Aopo, the nearest village.

Mt Fiamoe: This spectacular 938 metre high volcanic peak on the main island is accessible via a 1.5km trail. The trek to the top is worth is, with views over the north and south coasts of Upolu.

Tafua Crater: This easy to moderate one-to-two-hour walk takes you to Mt Vaea and the site of local legend Robert Louis Stevenson’s tomb.

Falease’ela River Walk: This half-day hike is a wet and wild adventure through the riverbed and banks of the Liua le Vai o Sina River, located in Falease’ela in Lefaga Bay.

Sopoaga Tropical Waterfall, Upolu Island, Western Samoa. Photography: Radoslav Cajkovic.

Waterfalls

The Samoa Islands are known for having picturesque waterfalls, some of which should only be viewed from a distance, but there are others that you can experience up close with a refreshing swim and picnic.

Sopoaga Waterfall: In the southern part of Upolu is Lotofaga village and the majestic Sopoaga Waterfall, considered to be one of Samoa’s tallest at about 32 metres, and the views are breathtaking.

Togitogiga Waterfall: Located in the village of Saleilua, this waterfall is a popular swimming and picnic spot. Legend has it that the fall was used as a swimming area for the great warriors of Samoa in the past.

Papapapaitai Falls: A must stop and see on the island of Upolu, the 100m high Papapapaitai Waterfall is one of the most photographed falls in Samoa.

Afu Aau Falls: Also known as the Olemoe Falls, this waterfall in south-eastern Savai'i plunges from the rainforest deep into a fresh-water swimming pool.

Falefa Falls: Located on Upolo, these may be smaller than many of the other waterfalls but well worth a visit for the stunning views from Falefa Bridge. Not too far from here is another hidden gem, Sauniatu Waterfall.

Mu Pagoa Waterfall: This one-of-a-kind waterfall drops straight into the ocean from an open river that flows underneath the Puleia bridge in Savai’i.

The To Sua Ocean Trench, Upolu island, Samoa, South Pacific. Photography: Mvaligursky.

Natural wonders

Samoa is a land of geographical wonders created over thousands of years that together create an island paradise like no other.

To Sua Ocean Trench: This unique historical site is in the village of Lotofaga on Upolu. This 30m deep swimming hole is accessible via a long ladder where a long platform sits for easy access in the pool. Inside is a cave that leads to the open sea and is recommended for skilled divers.

Saleaula lava fields: Saleaula Lava Field offers a fascinating glimpse at the destruction wrought by the 1905 eruption of Mt Matavanu. Half buried churches and lava mounds can still be found as you walk over this fascinating geological expanse.

Alofaaga blowholes: Located in the village of Taga on southwest Savai'i, these blowholes propel a roaring jet of water hundreds of feet up into the air. Be sure to watch when locals throw coconuts into the holes, which are blasted into the air!

Pa Sopo’ia Cave: Legend has it this cave is an ancient pathway where the ancestors' spirits travel to reach the Devil’s Haden at Cape Mulinu’u, the final meeting place before they enter the Spirit World known to Samoans as Pulotu.

Lalomanu Beach: Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 Beach Destinations of the World, Lalomanu Beach on the south coast of Upolu is lined with beach fales and has magnificent views of the smaller outer islands.

Piula Cave Pool: About 45 minutes from the capital Apia, the Piula Cave Pool in the village of Lufilufi is a beautiful crystal-clear freshwater spring pool and cave that originated from an old lava tube.

Samoa is made for travellers who want to slow down, look inward, and connect outward. It’s incredibly welcoming, with locals known for their warmth, hospitality, and pride in sharing their culture – a destination where you will be met with genuine interest and kindness. It's a place that encourages presence over pace, and where your solo journey can turn into unforgettable experiences shared with new friends.

To begin planning your Samoan adventure, feel free to explore your options for immersing yourself in the local culture and becoming a valued and genuinely welcomed member of Spacifica Travel’s ‘Samoan family’.

Emily Clarke is a passionate solo traveller and The Solo Traveller’s Tourism Collaborations Lead.