'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…
Must-see attractions in Samoa
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…
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum & Mt Vaea National Reserve
'Upolu
The Scottish author's former residence is an enchanting estate, with a centrepiece lawn and perfectly manicured gardens. Stevenson's mansion,…
Savai'i
These powerful blowholes are among the most spectacular on Earth, and well worth going out of your way for. Strong waves are pushed through a series of…
'Upolu
Kids and adults have a brilliant time skimming down these natural slides – actually small waterfalls – into blessedly cool waterholes; you'll hear happy…
Apia
Though this 'village' is open every weekday, it's the interactive sessions that are an absolute must. Knowledgable and extremely affable hosts take…
Savai'i
Polynesia’s largest ancient structure is the intriguing, pyramidal Pulemelei Mound (sometimes called Tia Seu Ancient Mound). Constructed sometime between…
'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…
Savai'i
If you've got a 4WD and a sturdy pair of boots, a visit to the volcano responsible for the devastation visited upon northeastern Savai’i a century ago is…
'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…
'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…
Samoa
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is set in the Scottish author's beautifully restored former residence, Villa Vailima. Stevenson had the mansion built in…
Savai'i
This intriguing subterranean lava tube leads downwards as if to the centre of the earth. The cave is named after a legendary group of dwarves, who…
'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…
Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve
Savai'i
This preserve contains superb stands of rainforest and rugged stretches of lava coast studded with cliffs and sea arches. A highlight is the Tafua Savai’i…
Savai'i
The country's most western point is not only gorgeously scenic (until Samoa hopped the dateline, it was the last place in the world the sun set each day),…
'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…
Savai'i
This striking spot offers a fascinating glimpse at the destruction wrought by the 1905 eruption of Mt Matavanu. Most photogenic is the ruined LMS Church:…
'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…
'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…
Savai'i
This wobbly walk takes you across a 24m jerry-built bridge strung between two large trees almost 10m above the rainforest floor. After you cross the…
'Upolu
About halfway between the international airport and Apia, this museum – run by the Congregational Christian Church – is Samoa's largest. While the…
'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…
Savai'i
Gorgeous Afu-A-Au Falls, also known as Olemoe Falls, are a dream come true on a steamy Samoan day (which is, truthfully, almost every day). Cascading down…
'Upolu
Secreted beneath the campus of Piula Methodist Theological College, Piula Cave Pool consists of two blue-green, fish-filled freshwater grottoes, only…
Savai'i
Cyclones Ofa and Val struck the peninsula in 1990 and 1991, completely destroying the village of Falealupo. The decision was made to rebuild the village…
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…
Savai'i
Legend says this site – a partially collapsed lava tube – is the result of a house-building competition between Falealupo’s men and women, a contest the…
Apia
This small but special gallery showcases the works of Samoan and other Pacific Island artists: prints, paintings, woodcarvings, jewellery, and other…
'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…
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…
'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…
'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…
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…
Savai'i
The modern, iron-roofed fale of Mauga village encircle a shallow, almost perfectly circular crater populated by banana palms. The access road is guarded…
'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…
Savai'i
This ancient 1m-by-3m rock depression is decidedly unremarkable apart from the legend that surrounds it: apprently, the giant Moso made the footprint when…
Savai'i
This cave sits beside the coast road just south of Letui. A round-trip guided exploration of this small lava tube takes only 10 minutes, but you’ll see…
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…
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,…
