Must-see attractions in 'Upolu

  • To Sua ocean trench in Upolu, Samoa, South Pacific, Pacific

    To Sua Ocean Trench

    'Upolu

    This outrageously photogenic spot is a Samoan icon; skip it to your everlasting regret. Though the first thing you'll see upon entering the grounds is To…

  • Maketi fou (new market) scenE

    Maketi Fou

    Apia

    Abuzz with local merchants, shoppers, loiterers and men slamming it down over games of mu (Samoan checkers), this 24-hour market is a must-see shopping…

  • Papase’ea Sliding Rocks

    'Upolu

    Kids and adults have a brilliant time skimming down these natural slides – actually small waterfalls – into blessedly cool waterholes; you'll hear happy…

  • Samoa Cultural Village

    Apia

    Though this 'village' is open every weekday, it's the interactive sessions that are an absolute must. Knowledgable and extremely affable hosts take…

  • Sopoaga Falls in Samoa

    Sopo’aga Falls

    'Upolu

    The 54m-high Sopo’aga Falls empty themselves into an enormous gorge close to where the Main South Coast Rd meets Le Mafa Pass Rd. The well-signposted…

  • O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park

    'Upolu

    The name of this 29-sq-km national park means ‘from the coast to the mountaintop’. There are some superb (if rough) hikes to be had here. A trail (six…

  • Uafato Conservation Area

    'Upolu

    The 14 sq km of wild and rugged terrain that comprise the Uafato Conservation Area boast untouched rainforest that marches down from Upolu’s northeastern…

  • Aleipata Beaches & Reefs

    'Upolu

    At the southeastern end of Upolu, Aleipata district has a reef system that’s making a good comeback after being pummelled by the 2009 tsunami. It already…

  • Mt Vaea National Reserve

    'Upolu

    Robert Louis Stevenson's final resting place is adjacent to the museum that bears his name. Follow the signs for the path – known as the 'Road of Loving…

  • Lake Lanoto’o National Park

    'Upolu

    The pea-green crater of Lake Lanoto’o is about as removed from human habitation as you can get on Upolu. Its remote central-highlands location and…

  • Aganoa Black Sand Beach

    'Upolu

    This gorgeous beach is a beautiful spot for a paddle or a picnic. The water is deep enough for swimming but there’s no reef to protect you – the…

  • EFKS Museum

    'Upolu

    About halfway between the international airport and Apia, this museum – run by the Congregational Christian Church – is Samoa's largest. While the…

  • Bahá’í House of Worship

    'Upolu

    The architecturally interesting Bahá’í House of Worship is one of only eight such structures in the world; all are different except for being domed – this…

  • Piula Cave Pool

    'Upolu

    Secreted beneath the campus of Piula Methodist Theological College, Piula Cave Pool consists of two blue-green, fish-filled freshwater grottoes, only…

  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral

    Apia

    Looming over the harbour, this lofty cathedral is breathtakingly beautiful. Originally constructed in 1884, the building was recently rebuilt at an…

  • Vanya Taule'alo Gallery

    Apia

    This small but special gallery showcases the works of Samoan and other Pacific Island artists: prints, paintings, woodcarvings, jewellery, and other…

  • Lalomanu Crater

    'Upolu

    A short but steep walk (10 to 15 minutes) leads to this extinct crater, blanketed in jungle overgrowth. Home to a huge colony of flying foxes, and with…

  • Government House

    Apia

    While Government House isn't a thrilling landmark in itself (though the giant, modern rendition of a fale roof atop it is cause for a snapshot), it's…

  • Papapapai-tai Falls

    'Upolu

    About 14km south of Apia is the lookout for Papapapai-tai Falls, a 100m waterfall that plunges into a forested gorge; they're one of the longest falls in…

  • Togitogiga Waterfalls

    'Upolu

    A glorious spot for a splash, this series of gentle waterfalls are separated by blessedly cool waterholes. It's best to visit in the wet season. To get…

  • Mormon Temple

    Apia

    One of the most impressive buildings in Samoa is this massive temple taking up 1736 sq metres on the western approach to town. Completed in 2005 after a…

  • Grave of 99 Stones

    'Upolu

    Translated from the Samoan, the name actually means 'Grave of the Missing Stone’ and is dedicated to high chief Vaovasa, who was killed after an…

  • Flea Market

    Apia

    Down on the waterfront, this steamy labyrinth is packed with small stalls selling craftwork, clothing and souvenirs. Don’t bother to test your bargaining…

  • Fish Market

    Apia

    A scramble takes place here at the crack of dawn every Sunday to snag the freshest catches for the post-church to’ona’i (Sunday lunch). Unsurprisingly,…

  • Falemata'aga

    Apia

    The German-era school building houses an enchanting collection of artefacts and displays focusing on four themes: history, culture, Pacific and…

  • Vaiala Beach

    Apia

    The closest beach to Apia town, immediately east of the harbour. The currents can be strong, so take care and avoid the area marked by buoys where there’s…

  • Matareva

    'Upolu

    You'll find a series of delightful coves with shallow snorkelling areas and lots of rock pools.

  • Grave of Afutiti

    'Upolu

    Resting spot of chief Afutiti, who was buried standing up to keep watch over Manono island.

  • Ofa Waterfall

    'Upolu

    This waterfall is reached via an overnight hike into the O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park.

  • Vaiula Beach

    'Upolu

    There's decent surfing to be had at this pretty beach, accessed from Tafatafa village.

  • Salamumu

    'Upolu

    This village is home to a beautiful set of beaches reached by a potholed 5.5km track.

  • Star Mound

    'Upolu

    Ancient star mound on Manono island.

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