Samoa might be the most naturally beautiful island I visited in the entire Pacific. That’s a bold claim given some of the competition – the pacific is stunning. But it’s the one I always think about when people ask. The To Sua Ocean Trench lives up to every photo you’ve seen of it. Lalomanu Beach is genuinely as stunning as it sounds, with great food. And Apia, the capital, has just enough going on to be interesting without trying too hard.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Upolu Island, Samoa.
Getting to Samoa
The main airport is Faleolo International Airport, around an hour from Apia. Most visitors fly in from Auckland, Sydney, or Fiji. Fiji Airways, Qantas, Air New Zealand operate the main routes. There are no direct flights from Asia. And obviously none from Europe or the US…!
There are also no direct flights between Tonga and Samoa. You have to connect via Fiji, Australia, or New Zealand. Fiji is the cheapest and most common option and gives more flexibility. See my Tonga and Samoa combined itinerary for the full routing.
Arriving late at night: Many flights from Fiji arrive at around 2am. Autobots Travel Samoa runs reliable shuttle services from all major arriving flights. Find them on Facebook (their website is unreliable), message ahead to confirm you want a seat and give your hotel name. The driver meets you on arrival, you pay 26 WST ($10) direct. Worth booking in advance just for the peace of mind – when you land at 2am it is chaotic and there is not always a reliable alternative.
Where to stay in Samoa
The Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel in central Apia is the best all-round option. Well-located, good facilities, lively bar and restaurant, and more affordable than you’d expect from the brand. I wish I’d stayed here instead of where I did.
Olivia’s Accommodation is a cheap and very basic guesthouse that will accommodate late-night arrivals if you warn them in advance. It’s fine for what it is. But if budget allows, the Sheraton is worth the upgrade.
Taumeasina Island Resort is fancy. Right on the beach, beautiful villas, private pools. This is high end, and has the price tag to match. But if you want white sand pacific beaches and more remote, this is your go-to.
Getting around Samoa
Car hire is the best option if you’re travelling in a group. You can go at your own pace and stop wherever you want. Autobots can arrange this, some hotels can also arrange rental cars. There are options at the airport but not at 2am…
Organised day tours are the easier option if you’re solo or don’t want the hassle of driving on unfamiliar roads. Most tours cover the same highlights – To Sua, Lalomanu Beach, Piula Cave Pool, Sopo’aga Waterfall. I recommend the Surf and Turf Tours option on GetYourGuide.
Book in advance. These tours sell out. Organising last minute while sleep deprived will cost you more and get you less. I speak from first hand experience from not booking Surf and Turf in time and going with a pricey option in desperation…
What to do in Apia
Apia town centre is compact and easy to walk around. It’s not a destination in itself, but it’s a pleasant base and worth a few hours.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral – a grand Catholic cathedral right in the centre of Apia. Beautiful architecture and worth a look.
Apia Flea Market – good for souvenirs, local crafts, and people watching. Closed Sundays but open from 6am on weekdays.
Taumeasina Island Resort – a 10–15 minute walk from central Apia. You can wander onto the beach and use it without being a guest. Beautiful white sand, calm water, and a very welcome escape from the town.
A note on Sundays: Unlike many Pacific islands, Samoa does not shut down on Sundays. Restaurants, bars, and shops are open – a very pleasant surprise if you’ve been warned otherwise.
What to do in Samoa: the island highlights
To Sua Ocean Trench
The most iconic sight in Samoa and it genuinely lives up to the photos. To Sua is a natural swimming hole formed by a giant circular pit that connects to the ocean via an underwater cave. The water is an impossible shade of blue that you’ll think has been edited until you’re standing above it and realising it really does look like that.
You descend via a ladder into the water below. It’s cold, clear, and surrounded by tropical gardens. Entry is 20 WST – bring cash. Go in the morning before tour groups arrive. And beware of currents – I was pulled around quite a bit and it would’ve been uncomfortable if I couldn’t swim.
Lalomanu Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific. A long arc of white sand with clear warm water and the kind of scenery that makes you want to stay all day. The restaurant at Taufua Beach Fales is excellent, the best seafood I had in Samoa, right on the beach. Spend longer here than you think you need to. Seriously.
If you have several days on the island, you can actually stay in a beach hut (fale) here. I regret not doing this. It’s basic and costly for what it is, but waking up to the sound of the ocean and these views? Priceless.
Piula Cave Pool
A freshwater cave pool fed by an underground spring. Calm, beautiful, and a good swim, though freezing cold… When I visited over the Christmas period it was packed with local families back on the island for the holidays, which made it lively but chaotic. Worth a stop either way. Entry fee applies.
There are changing rooms here but nowhere to store your bag. You have free reign to get in the pool, swim around, take selfies… etc. It’s relaxing even when busy, and honestly in the heat of the Samoan sun, a good way to cool off. Also great ocean views from here.
Sopo’aga Waterfall
A decent waterfall with a viewing platform. Nowhere near the spectacle of To Sua though. Treat it as a scenic stop on the way between highlights rather than a main event. You view it from a hill opposite the falls, it’s nice to look at but you don’t need more than 5-10 mins.
Giant Clam Sanctuary
A marine sanctuary on the coast of Upolu where you can snorkel among giant clams. Having not actually seen any during my visit, I was fully prepared to declare them a myth. They are apparently real though, I have seen photographic evidence on Instagram. The swim in the ocean is genuinely refreshing regardless of clam sightings. Snorkel gear is provided, they sell fresh coconuts, and – crucially – they have showers on site, which if you’re heading to the airport afterwards is a very much needed touch. Worth adding to your island circuit day.
Where to eat in Samoa
Taufua Beach Fales at Lalomanu Beach – the best meal I had in Samoa. I literally ordered two lunches. Seafood, right on the beach, mid-tour. Worth timing your island circuit so you stop here for lunch.
The Sheraton – reliable, good food, cold beer, and the most consistently lively spot in Apia in the evenings.
Apia generally – there’s a decent restaurant scene around the centre: pizza, seafood, Pacific food. Nothing wildly exciting but you’ll eat well enough.
Practical tips for Samoa
Currency: Samoan tālā (WST). Samoa is more affordable than Tonga but still Pacific-priced. Bring cash in tālā for entry fees, markets, and smaller restaurants. You can exchange at the airport.
Best time to visit: Year-round. The Christmas period means more locals on the island, great atmosphere but busier at popular sites.
Sundays: Open for business – restaurants, bars, shops. The flea market is the main exception, not open sundays.
Connectivity: Pick up a local SIM on arrival for data. My eSim did not work.
FAQ: Visiting Samoa
Is Samoa worth visiting? Yes! It’s one of the most naturally beautiful islands in the Pacific. To Sua Ocean Trench and Lalomanu Beach alone justify the trip.
What is To Sua Ocean Trench? A natural swimming hole on Upolu Island. A giant circular pit filled with electric blue water connected to the ocean by an underwater cave. Samoa’s most famous sight and absolutely worth the hype.
How many days do you need in Samoa? One to two days is enough to see the main highlights of Upolu. You could spend longer if you want to explore the outer islands or spend more time at the beach. Flight schedules will also dictate your timing.
How do you get around Samoa? Car hire for flexibility, organised tours for ease. Autobots is reliable for airport transfers but book tours elsewhere for better value.
Can you visit Samoa and Tonga together? Yes!! And you should! I did both in a long weekend, connecting through Fiji. See my combined Tonga and Samoa itinerary for the full trip. And see my Tonga guide for ideas on how to spend your time there.
What should I eat in Samoa? Seafood at Taufua Beach Fales at Lalomanu Beach is the highlight. The raw fish scene is also good, not quite Fijian kokoda, but still tasty.
What should I do after Samoa? Heading to New Zealand is one option, check out my guide for non-hikers. Or you could continue on to other Pacific Islands – check out my overview here!
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