Upolu

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The smaller of the two main islands, Upolu is none-the-less the international gateway to Samoa by way of the capital, Apia. It is also the most densely populated island with close to 150,000 inhabitants.

This cigar shaped island has a multitude of beautiful beaches, mostly on its south coast, a mountainous interior containing numerous scenic reserves with stunning waterfalls and lush tropical rainforest. The island has a great network of well-sealed roads enabling tourists to explore this island in depth and access both parks and beaches easily. Upolu boasts a fine range of accommodation options from the 5 star Aggie Greys Lagoon Resort and Spa to the abundant family run traditional fales scattered mostly along the many beaches on the south coast

Apia, the capital is a delightful place to explore the variety of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs plus the famous Robert Louis Stevenson's Museum. One of the best snorkeling spots in all of the Samoan Islands lies just off the port, the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, offering great wall diving, massive coral heads and teeming with fish life.

For a holiday based on lots of activities, such as tramping, snorkeling, surfing, culture and flora and fauna, the Upolu is the island for you.

Getting There

International flights arrive daily at Apia from Auckland, Sydney, Los Angeles and Pago Pago whilst an interisland freighter/passenger ship plies between Apia and Pago Pago twice weekly.

Getting Around

Whilst there are plenty of buses and taxis on Upolu by far the best way of exploring the island is by rental car. This gives you freedom and the ability to stop and explore where you like. The buses are a very colourful option, literally! Each bus is individually painted and has its own motto such as 'Baby don't cry' or 'Life's a beach', plus it carries aboard a very loud music system pumping out reggae and rock! However the buses are often very crowded and seats uncomfortable but it is a very cheap way of seeing the island and having a cultural rub off at the same time. Taxis are relatively cheap for local rides but often very worse for wear. They are not overly obliging to take you great distances unless you accept their exorbitant charges

Sightseeing & Things To Do

A number of local tour operators are to be found on Upolu however most visitors intend to push off in a rental car or by local bus or taxi and explore the island on their own. As most of the sightseeing highlights are on properties owned by a village a small fee will be asked for access. Even just swimming off a beach will attract a local to come over and ask for this.

Museum of Samoa

This small museum displays a good range of Samoan culture and heritage, such as carvings, weaponry, tools, canoes, tapas and artwork. Admission is free and open Mon-Fri 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Maketi Fou

This is the main market in Apia, and a great place to explore the many stalls selling fresh produce from farms and the sea. The market runs 24 hours a day and is busy nearly the whole time. A great place to bring your camera but ask permission first if wishing to photograph the locals.

Flea Market

Found in the old central market building near the clock tower, one can find stalls selling cheap clothing, local crafts and various home odds 'n ends. On the northern side of the market is a wonderful food market offering cheap eats.

Fish Market

East of the Flea Market lies the Fish Market, finding it is easy, just follow your nose! Although open daily, Sunday before church is the busiest and most colorful time to experience this market.

Paolo Deep National Marine Park

Located just of the port in Apia, Palolo Deep is a fantastic place to snorkel. A small fee is charged to access the Park and you will have to bring your own snorkeling gear. Not for the fainthearted or those scared of depth, Palolo Deep lives by its name whereby the shallow coral gardens of about 3m deep suddenly disappear into a sheer drop of hundreds of meters. A huge abundance of fish can be seen and a stunning array of coral. Check the locals about currents before you venture into the marine park.

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum $ Mt Vaea Scenic Reserve

Just 4km inland from Apia on the Cross Island Rd lies the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, which is actually his old home now beautifully restored. Visitors to the museum must take a guide but it is worth it to learn all about his life there in the 1800's. The house itself is stunning with wonderful large verandas, polished wooden floors and containing many artifacts of Stevenson's time. Just a 30min stroll through the lovely gardens brings you to the tomb of Stevenson and his wife sited on the top of Mt Vaea. A great place for panoramic views back over Apia.

Lake Lanoto'o National Park

Also known as the 'Goldfish Lake', this pea-green lake is chock full of goldfish introduced by German Settlers in the early 1900s. The walk there is difficult, as the trail is rocky, muddy and steep. A guide is highly recommended. To get there turn off 2.5 km past the Bahai Temple on the Cross Island Road

Papapap-Tai Falls

Also known as the Tiavi Falls, this dramatic 100m waterfall lies about 5km south of the Bahai Temple on the Cross Island Road. The lookout is just meters of the main road and a track takes you to the edge of the falls but it is very dangerous.

Papaseea Sliding Rocks

Just out of central Apia this star attraction is a must for those who love a challenging 5m water slide. It is a great spot to swim on the pool and take a picnic. Best to take a taxi there as the bus will drop you off at a 2km uphill walk to the entrance.

Uafato Conservation Area

Situated in Apia's wildest region in the north-east of Upolu is the 14 Square kilometer Uafato Conservation Area. A rough track follows the coastline offering some of the best coastal scenery in Samoa. Resident within the park are several native bats and bird species. The only way to get in is by 4WD off the Le Mafa Pass Road and hike the rest.

Piula Cave Pool

Located just passed Saoluafata, 18km east of Apia on the coast, this freshwater pool and cave system, just meters from the sea, is a great place for snorkeling and picnics. One can access the caves through the Piula Methodist Theological College. Note it is closed on Sundays.

O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park

Created in 1978 this 29 sq km park is Samoa's only designated national park. The park was formed to protect the conservation of a large piece of land surrounding two of Upolu's highest peaks of Mt Fito (1100m) and Lepue (840m).There are three great hiking trails here exploring lava caves, the lava coast, Togitogiga Falls and Ofa Falls. Guides are recommended.

Togotogiga Falls & Recreation Reserve

These falls lie just east of O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park although both are connected by walking trails and by road. These lovely cascading falls are separated by great swimming holes and therefore are very popular for picnics. There are changing rooms here.

Sopo'aga Falls

On Le Afia Pass Road, just south of the turn off to the Main South Coast Road lies the lovely Sopo'aga Falls and picnic area. The falls plunge into a huge jungle-like gorge which makes for impressive viewing.

Fuipisia Falls

Three kms north of Sopo'aga Falls is the trail to Fauipisia Falls which plunges 55m into the jungle. A compulsory guide will take you to the lookout 350m from the entrance. The track is very narrow with a sheer drop to the canyon floor but the view is worth the effort.

Lalomanu to Lotofaga

This stretch of Aleipata Coast is at Upolu's south eastern most end of the island and home to some the best beaches and swimming in Samoa. As such there are many family run fale accommodation operations here and it can get quite crowded during the surfing season from November to March.