 Apia
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum – This was the mansion of the famous author and many of his belongings are on display here. It’s a 30-45 minute walk to his tomb at the top of Mount Vaea.
Papase’ea Sliding Rocks – 6km out of central Apia (take a bus or taxi) is this 5m rock slide down a waterfall into a deep, freshwater pool.
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve – One of the most popular swimming and snorkelling spots in the Apia area, this reserve is around the corner from the wharf, towards Vaiala Beach, and is home to a variety of tropical fish and coral.
Upolu Island
Piula Cave Pool – this underground freshwater pool on the north coast of Upolu is a great place for swimming, snorkelling and picnicking. There entry to the pool is through the gates of the Piula Methodist Theological College. It’s closed on Sundays.
Lalomanu Crater Walk – Behind the Lalomanu Hospital is the start of a short walk to an extinct volcanic crater, which is home to a large population of flying foxes. Ask for a guide at Lalomanu.
Le Pupu-pue National Park – is a 29sq km national park that runs from the top of Mt Fito to the southern coast. Wildlife includes over 50 species of birds, flying foxes and tropical wildflowers.
Savaii Island
Salelologa Market – This market near the wharf is where you’ll find a variety of fruits, vegetables, fish and handicrafts at reasonable prices.
Mu Pagoa Waterfall – These falls plummet into the sea within 100m of the bridge between the villages of Puleia and Gautavai.
Alofaaga Blowholes – One of the most spectacular natural attractions in Samoa, and some of the most impressive blowholes anywhere in the world, the Alofaaga Blowholes can be accessed from the village of Taga. A coastal track can be followed west for several hours to the ancient village of Fagaloa.
Saleaula Lava Fields – This was the site of a village that was destroyed by lava flow from Mt Matavanu between 1905 and 1911. It now looks something like a lunar landscape, scattered with the remains of homes and buildings.
Anuala Greent Turtle Conservation – The Auala women’s committee manages the turtle conservation program, and guides are available to show you the turtles before they’re released back into the wild.
 Snorkelling
There are some excellent snorkelling spots in Samoa. The water is warm and clear and fish and corals are abundant. Snorkelling is best done at high tide, and it’s important to remind the kids to avoid touching or damaging coral. Always ask permission before swimming or snorkelling if theres a village or beach fale nearby. Some good spots are the Palolo Deep Marine reserve, and the beaches between Safotu to Manasee and Lesolo Point and Tausiva on Savaii.
TOP TEN things to do.
- See the mighty blowholes of Alofaaga.
- Get a rush sliding off the flat rocks in a jungle pool at Papase’ea Sliding.
- Watch a game of kirikiti – Samoan cricket.
- Snorkel at Palolo Deep Marine Park.
- Take a kayak tour of the outer-islands and stop-off at a deserted beach.
- Photograph a magnificent waterfall.
- Tour the lava fields and walk around an extinct volcanic crater.
- Watch a traditional Samoan dance.
- Sit back and listen to some heavenly Sunday choir singing.
- Explore the historic buildings and monuments around Apia.
Events – Festivals and special events take place on every month of the year in Samoa. Some of the biggest and liveliest include:
Independence Day – In 1962, Samoa became the first Pacific island nation to gain independence, and this is celebrated on June 1 with a flag raising ceremony, music, dancing and fautasi (long boat) racing.
Teuila Festival – Held over 2 weeks during September, this is the biggest cultural event in Samoa featuring a choir-singing competition, fire-knife dancing, fautasi racing and folk dancing with each village proudly displaying it’s traditional costumes.
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