O Le Pupu-pu'e National Park Travel Information and Travel Guide - Samoa

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Introducing O Le Pupu-pu'e National Park

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The name of Samoa's only national park, the 29-sq-km OLe Pupu-Pu'e National Park (6am-6pm), means 'From the Coast to the Mountain Top'. Created in 1978, the park's northern boundary is formed by a ridge between the volcanic 885m Mt Le Pu'e and 1028m Mt Fito, which is the island's highest peak. In the south is the rugged O Le Pupu Lava Coast. The park entrance is near the Togitogiga Recreation Reserve, which lies just outside the park to the east. The information building at the entrance has been closed for some time. A ranger lives onsite and usually appears when visitors arrive.

A hiking trail begins opposite the side road to O Le Pupu Lava Coast and heads through thick rainforest to Pe'ape'a Cave (six hours return). This large, pit-like cave (actually a lava tube) is full of circling pe'ape'a (swiftlets). You can explore the cave with a torch, but be careful climbing into the pit over mossy, slippery rocks. This walk is only recommended for people with hiking experience.

It's possible to continue beyond the cave to Ofa Waterfall (three days return). This track is infrequently tackled by government scientists and is usually heavily overgrown, so a guide is advisable. If you're interested in doing this trek, visit the resource centre at the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (23800; Beach Rd) office beside the New Zealand High Commission in Apia.

At the park's western boundary, a rough 3.5km track (6am-6pm) leads south from the main road to the magnificently rugged O Le Pupu Lava Coast. From the car park, a rock-strewn path heads east through coastal rainforest and along the coast. Go at least as far as the first lookout to see the sheer cliffs with their melted patterns of ancient lava flows, and the enormous waves that thump against them.

SamoaOnFoot (21529, 25416; sa moaonfoot@hotmail.com) conducts a day tour of O Le Pupu-Pu'e (ST80) that includes a two-hour walk to Pe'ape'a Cave and a swim at Togitogiga Falls.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009