Famous for being the place where Scottish novelist and poet Robert Louis Stevenson lived and died, Samoa is a tropical Pacific Ocean country of big hitting rugby players, half of which now live in nearby New Zealand!
What is it?: Samoa is a tropical island nation in the South Pacific, known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant culture. It offers a mix of outdoor adventures, relaxing beach time, and cultural exploration, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a more laid-back experience.
Affordability: Samoa is relatively affordable, with a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels and resorts. Dining and local transportation are also reasonably priced, especially if you opt for local food and public transport. However, luxury resorts and guided tours can drive up costs.
Safety: Samoa is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a peaceful environment. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the island is known for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. As with any destination, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling.
Popularity: Samoa is a popular destination for travelers looking for a quieter, more authentic Pacific island experience. The country is especially popular with nature enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and those seeking adventure in its beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Its rich Polynesian culture and history also attract visitors.
Tourist Infrastructure: Samoa has a relatively well-developed infrastructure for tourism, particularly in the main islands of Upolu and Savai’i. There are a variety of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, and reliable transport options including buses, taxis, and ferries between islands.
Weather: Tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from May to October, during the dry season, when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking, beach exploration, and swimming. The wet season from November to April brings higher humidity and the risk of tropical storms.
Best Time to Go: May–October for the best weather, ideal for exploring Samoa’s natural beauty, beaches, and cultural activities. The wet season (November–April) offers fewer tourists and more affordable options but comes with a higher chance of rain and storms.
Known For: Upolu, Savai’i, stunning beaches, waterfalls, traditional Samoan culture, To Sua Ocean Trench, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, and vibrant Polynesian festivals.
Top Destinations: Upolu • Savai’i • To Sua Ocean Trench • Robert Louis Stevenson Museum • Lalomanu Beach • Papaseea Sliding Rocks • Falealupo Rainforest
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Nature Buffs: Samoa is a paradise for nature lovers, offering lush rainforests, waterfalls like Papaseea Sliding Rocks, the To Sua Ocean Trench, and secluded beaches such as Lalomanu Beach, perfect for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and eco-tourism.
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History Buffs: Samoa is rich in Polynesian culture, with historical sites such as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, traditional villages, and the significance of Samoa in both ancient and modern Pacific history, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts.
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Beach Bunnies: Samoa is a beach lover’s dream, with stunning beaches like Lalomanu Beach and Manase Beach offering clear waters, white sand, and ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, along with a quieter and less commercialized beach experience.
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Digital Nomads: Upolu and Savai’i offer reliable internet and a peaceful atmosphere, making Samoa a great option for digital nomads seeking a slower pace of life. However, the internet speed may not be as fast as in larger destinations, and infrastructure in rural areas can be limited.
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Families: Samoa is family-friendly, offering plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration, adventure, and beach relaxation. Activities like visiting the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, swimming in natural pools, and exploring the To Sua Ocean Trench make it an ideal destination for families with children.
Samoa is a Polynesian island nation known for lush rainforests, waterfall-fed swimming holes, and strong village traditions. On Upolu, the capital Apia offers markets, colonial architecture, and a lively waterfront, while natural wonders like To Sua Ocean Trench and Papaseea sliding rocks lie nearby. Savai’i, the larger but quieter island, has volcanic craters, blowholes, and a slower pace of life. Samoan culture, or fa’a Samoa, emphasizes family, respect, and connection to land and sea, seen in traditional fale homes, tattooing, and church gatherings.
Most travelers arrive on Upolu, home to the capital Apia, where markets, churches, and colonial buildings give a soft introduction to island life. Just outside the city, it’s all village roads, beach fales (open-air huts), and lava-rock coastlines. The larger and wilder island of Savai’i is less developed, with rainforest-covered mountains, blowholes, and quiet seaside villages. Samoa isn’t built for cruise crowds or mass tourism, it’s for travelers who want slow mornings, warm welcomes, and time to breathe.
Samoa is affordable, especially for independent travelers. You can sleep in beachfront fales for under $30 USD a night, often with meals included. There are also mid-range hotels and a few resorts, mostly near Apia or on Upolu’s southern coast. Meals are simple and fresh, taro, palusami (taro leaves in coconut cream), fish, and breadfruit are staples. Apia has more variety, with cafes and restaurants offering everything from burgers to Samoan-Indian fusion. Alcohol is legal and widely available, though expensive compared to food.
Getting around is easy but requires planning. Rental cars and local buses are the best options on both main islands. Buses are cheap and colorful, but they don’t run on schedules and can be an adventure. Ferries connect Upolu and Savai’i, and travel between villages is straightforward. English and Samoan are both official languages, and almost everyone speaks English. Samoa is very safe, with a welcoming, conservative culture rooted in family, faith, and land. Dress modestly in villages, and always ask before taking photos or entering private spaces.
- Capital: Apia
- Population: ~225,000 (Density: ~75 people per km², ~194 per mi²)
- Area: 2,842 km² (1,097 mi²)
- Official Language: Samoan, English
- Common Languages: Various Samoan dialects
- Currency: Samoan Tala (WST)
- Time Zone: UTC+13
- Electricity: Plug Type I (230V, 50Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 911, Ambulance 911, Fire 911
- Drives On: Left
- Religions: Christianity ~98% (Congregational, Catholic, Methodist, Mormon), Other ~2%
- Government: Unitary Parliamentary Republic
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): -13.7590, -172.1046
Why Go to Samoa?
- Beach Fales & Village Stays: Sleep a few meters from the sea in a traditional open-air fale and eat with your hosts under the stars.
- Waterfalls & Natural Pools: Swim in the To Sua Ocean Trench, cool off under Papapapaitai Falls, or hike to jungle pools in Savai’i.
- Fa’a Samoa – The Samoan Way: Experience everyday village life, attend a Sunday service, or watch a traditional dance and fire show.
- Blowholes, Lava Tubes & Rainforest: Visit Alofaaga Blowholes on Savai’i, explore lava fields, and wander through ancient rainforest paths.
- Affordable Island Travel: Stay in beach fales, ride local buses, and eat home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.
- Colorful Markets & Local Food: Shop at Apia’s Maketi Fou, try panikeke (fried banana balls) or oko (seafood salad), and sip fresh coconut.
- Quiet, Clean Beaches: Swim in clear, calm waters on Lalomanu Beach, Manase, or Aganoa, with no crowds and few distractions.
Who Might Not Enjoy Samoa?
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Travelers Expecting Luxury Resorts: While Samoa has beautiful beach fales (traditional huts) and mid-range accommodations, high-end luxury resorts are limited. Service is friendly but informal, and amenities may be basic by international luxury standards.
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Party-Oriented Tourists: Samoa is deeply traditional and religious, with quiet evenings and little nightlife. Most bars close early, and Sundays are reserved for church and rest, nearly everything shuts down for the day.
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Tourists Without a Tolerance for Heat and Humidity: Samoa’s tropical climate means high heat and humidity year-round. Air conditioning is not always available, especially in budget lodgings or beach fales.
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Visitors Uncomfortable with Modesty Norms: Samoa is a conservative society. Modest dress is expected outside of beach areas, especially when visiting villages or churches. Public displays of affection and swimwear outside designated areas are discouraged.
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Travelers Looking for Quick, Polished Tourism: Samoa’s infrastructure is improving but still limited. Roads can be rough, signage is minimal, and travel between Upolu and Savai’i requires a ferry. Services like ATMs and restaurants may be scarce in rural areas.
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Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Traditional Samoan cuisine includes a lot of meat, seafood, and root vegetables. While international restaurants in Apia may offer alternatives, plant-based options are hard to come by in villages.
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Shoppers or Cruise Passengers Expecting Big Attractions: Samoa isn’t about malls, mega-excursions, or curated experiences. The appeal lies in nature and culture, not commercial tourism.
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Travelers Who Dislike Slow Travel: Things operate on “island time.” Buses don’t follow strict schedules, businesses open and close irregularly, and a relaxed pace dominates daily life, which can frustrate more time-conscious travelers.
What’s Cool
Rich Polynesian culture and fa’a Samoa traditions, stunning natural beauty with waterfalls, lava fields, and lush jungle, warm and welcoming locals, traditional open-air fales for beachside stays, vibrant village life and Sunday church services, incredible swimming spots like To Sua Ocean Trench, unspoiled beaches with few crowds, cultural shows and fire dancing, laid-back island rhythm, fresh tropical fruit and seafood, affordable accommodations and food, great snorkeling and surfing on both Upolu and Savai’i, strong sense of community and hospitality.
What’s Not
Limited public transport, buses are infrequent and slow, slow internet and power outages in rural areas, strict Sunday closures (almost everything shuts down), basic medical facilities outside Apia, language barrier for non-Samoan speakers in remote areas, hot and humid climate year-round, occasional cyclones in wet season, few high-end amenities or luxury resorts, limited nightlife, conservative dress expectations in villages, slow-paced service at restaurants and shops.
Samoa is a Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, located roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It lies west of American Samoa, southeast of Fiji, and north of Tonga. The country consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, along with several smaller islets. The capital is Apia, situated on the north coast of Upolu.
Samoa’s islands are of volcanic origin, with mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and coral reefs. Upolu is the most populated island and the center of business, politics, and tourism. Savai‘i is larger but more rural, with dramatic coastlines, lava fields, and lush inland forests. Both islands have white- and black-sand beaches, inland swimming holes, and blowholes along their coasts.
The climate is tropical, with consistent temperatures year-round. The wet season runs from November to April, bringing heavy rain and occasional cyclones. The dry season (May to October) is better for travel, though Samoa sees visitors year-round.
Much of Samoa remains shaped by village life and fa‘a Samoa (the Samoan way), with extended families, matai (chiefs), and church at the center of community.
Most travelers arrive via Faleolo International Airport, about 35 km west of Apia on Upolu. Ferries connect Upolu with Savai’i, running several times a day between Mulifanua (Upolu) and Salelologa (Savai‘i). Buses, taxis, and rental cars are the main forms of transportation. Driving is on the left, and roads are generally good on Upolu, more rugged on Savai‘i.
Upolu
The main island for tourism, with beaches, markets, waterfalls, and the capital city.
- Apia: The capital, home to markets, museums, colonial buildings, and a walkable waterfront.
- Robert Louis Stevenson Museum: The former home of the author, now a museum with gardens and his gravesite nearby.
- To Sua Ocean Trench: A deep saltwater swimming hole accessed by ladder, one of Samoa’s iconic spots.
- Papaseea Sliding Rocks: Natural waterslides formed by smooth river stones.
- Lalomanu Beach: A white-sand beach with fales (thatched huts), swimming, and snorkeling.
Savai‘i
More traditional and less developed, offering volcanoes, blowholes, caves, and a slower pace.
- Salelologa: Main ferry port and town, with banks, shops, and access to the rest of the island.
- Alofaaga Blowholes: Powerful sea geysers blasting through lava tubes.
- Saleaula Lava Fields: Desolate remnants of a 1905 volcanic eruption, including buried churches and lava tunnels.
- Mount Silisili: Samoa’s highest peak (1,858 m), offering multi-day treks through rainforest and ridges.
- Falealupo: A remote village with treetop walkways, beaches, and traditional culture.
Manono and Apolima Islands
Small inhabited islands between Upolu and Savai‘i, known for quiet village life and no cars.
- Manono Island: Accessible by small boat, with no roads or vehicles, offering a true off-the-grid experience.
- Apolima: A small volcanic island with a single village, accessible only by charter boat or special arrangement.
- Nu‘ulopa: A tiny uninhabited islet and turtle nesting site near ferry routes.
Outer Islets
Uninhabited or sparsely inhabited, sometimes visited on boat tours or cultural outings.
- Nu‘utele: A conservation area near Lalomanu, known for sheer cliffs and seabird colonies.
- Nu‘usafe‘e: Off southern Upolu, occasionally visited for picnics or snorkeling.
- Namua Island: A small islet with basic accommodations and a trail to a viewpoint, popular for day trips.
Highlights
Apia: is located along the North coast, is Samoa’s capital and major commercial hub.
Mount Vaea and Vailima: is the place where the tomb of Robert Louis Stevenson can be found. From there, you can see the house he lived in in Vailima that has been converted into a museum.
Aleipata district: considered the most beautiful place in the country, the Aleipata district is made up of villages built around its white beaches and waterfalls. Not too far from the area are the Mafa Pass, Fuipisia Falls, and Falefa Falls.
Manono Island and Lefaga Village: these places are famous for being part of such Hollywood films as Return to Paradise and South Pacific.
Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve: located near the Tafua coastal village, the Rainforest Preserve is home to numerous bird species and flying foxes.
Tia Seu Ancient Mound: over 39 feet high, the Tia Seu Ancient Mound is considered the largest Polynesian ancient structure.
Auala Green Turtle Conservation: this facility takes care of the green turtles before they are released into their natural wild habitat. The Iava caves, Mu Pagoa Waterfall, and Iava fields can be easily reached from the conservation.
Samoa is a tropical country with dry and rainy seasons. Rainy season starts in October and ends in March when storms and tropical cyclones are expected to occur. The best time to visit the country is from May to October during its dry season.
Water sports: go snorkeling and diving at the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. Other water sports facilities that you should check out are the beaches along Manase, Safotu, Tuasivi, and Lesolo Point. Learn how to surf in Savai’i Island.
Hiking: check with the Samoa Visitors Bureau for the acceptable mountain treks and coastal walks suited for your hiking skill level.
Sightseeing: take snapshots of Samoa’s architectural structures, natural formations, and wild animals.
Shopping: shop for local handicrafts in Apia.
The Samoa islands have four airports and a main port in Apia. Half the roads are unpaved, which can make driving difficult at night and during the rainy season. Getting around the islands can be done by bus or taxi. Be ready to negotiate with the driver regarding your taxi fee, as the taxis in Samoa are not metered. Backpackers can rent a motor scooter or a bicycle to get around.
Hepatitis A and B as well as typhoid fever are common in Samoa. Waterborne diseases can also be easily contracted , so drink bottled water only. Hospitals and dental clinics are available in Apia. There are also some private and emergency medical facilities open to tourists.
Samoa has a low crime level, making it a relatively safe place to visit. The locals are friendly, and they usually offer directions to lost travelers. Make sure you keep valuables in a safe place or in the hotel safe. Avoid traveling unaccompanied at night. Beware also of dogs especially those that travel in packs. Sunstroke is likely to be the biggest threat here.