What to do in Samoa

Apia & Surrounds: Culture, Markets & Coastal Walks

Apia, Samoa’s capital on the island of Upolu, is your gateway to the country's culture and daily life.

Things to do:

• Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum: Set in a colonial-era mansion, this museum celebrates the Scottish author who called Samoa home. The scenic hike to his hillside tomb offers stunning views.
• Wander the Apia Markets: Stock up on local produce, handmade jewellery, lavalava (sarongs), and Samoan crafts.
• Papaseea Sliding Rocks: Just outside Apia, these natural rock slides lead into fresh-water pools, a fun and refreshing stop for adventurous travellers.

Tip: Hire a local guide to learn about Samoa’s unique fa’a Samoa (way of life), and the stories behind its sacred sites.

South Coast of Upolu: Waterfalls, Swimming Holes & Beaches

Samoa’s south coast is a tropical playground, ideal for nature lovers and beachgoers.

Must-do experiences:

• To Sua Ocean Trench: One of Samoa’s most famous natural attractions. Climb down a wooden ladder into a stunning volcanic swimming hole surrounded by gardens.
• Lalomanu Beach: Powdery white sand and clear, calm waters make this beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Stay in a beachside fale for a true island experience.
• Fuipisia & Sopoaga Waterfalls: These two nearby waterfalls are both postcard-worthy. Fuipisia features a dramatic drop with ocean views, while Sopoaga sits in a lush, fern-filled valley.

Experience Tip: Pack reef shoes and snorkelling gear, Samoa’s coral reefs are vibrant and largely untouched.

Savai’i Island: Wild Beauty & Traditional Villages

Savai’i is Samoa’s largest island and is often described as more rugged and untouched than Upolu. It’s perfect for travellers wanting a more off-the-grid escape.

Top things to see and do:

• Afu Aau Waterfall: Swim in this picture-perfect freshwater pool surrounded by tropical rainforest.
• Taga Blowholes: A dramatic natural show, waves blast water through lava tubes, shooting jets high into the air.
• Saleaula Lava Fields: Walk across ancient lava flows and visit the ruins of a church buried by a volcanic eruption in the early 1900s.
• Swim with Turtles in Satoalepai: A unique opportunity to get up close with green sea turtles in a coastal sanctuary.

Getting There: Savai’i is accessible by ferry from Upolu. The ride takes about 60–90 minutes and offers great coastal views.

Cultural & Wellness Experiences

Samoa isn’t just about adventure, it’s also a place to recharge and reconnect.

• Attend a Fiafia Night: These traditional dance and feast nights are a vibrant celebration of Samoan culture, complete with fire dancing and communal eating.
• Book a beachfront massage: Many resorts offer open-air massages or spa treatments using locally sourced coconut oil.
• Join a weaving or cooking workshop: Learn how to make Samoan coconut cream, or weave baskets and mats with local materials.
  

Practical Tips for Travelling to Samoa from Australia

• Flights: Direct flights operate from Brisbane and Sydney to Apia’s Faleolo International Airport.
• Currency: Samoan Tala (WST), cash is king, especially in villages and markets.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October (dry season) offers the best weather for exploring and swimming.
• Transport: Hire a car for freedom to explore. Driving is on the left-hand side.

Is There Much to do in Samoa?

So much! Samoa is more than just a beach destination; it’s a place of deep cultural roots, rich landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you want to explore lava fields, swim in ocean trenches, or simply relax under a coconut tree, Samoa offers the best of the South Pacific with a down-to-earth charm.

At Mix & Match, we make it easy to get there. Book flights, find great packages, and start your Samoan escape with just a few clicks.

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