The Top 50 · 50

Attractions in Samoa

The finest attractions in Samoa at a glance: castles, natural wonders, historic old towns and more. Each place links to a detailed page with map, tips and photos.

🗺️ See all on the mapCulture & History (38)Nature (12)

Culture & History

Afu Aau Waterfalls
Landmark

Afu Aau Waterfalls

This spectacular waterfall on Savai'i plunges from the rainforest into a deep, crystal-clear freshwater pool.

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Saleaula Lava Fields
Landmark

Saleaula Lava Fields

These vast lava fields on Savai'i were created during the eruption of Mount Matavanu (1905-1911).

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Fuipisia Waterfall
Landmark

Fuipisia Waterfall

This spectacular 54-meter high waterfall plunges over a steep cliff into a dense jungle gorge.

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Cape Mulinu'u Marine Life
Landmark

Cape Mulinu'u Marine Life

Cape Mulinu'u is the westernmost point of Savai'i.

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Apia Historic Observatory
Landmark

Apia Historic Observatory

Founded in 1902 by German scientists, this was one of the most important geophysics research stations in the Pacific.

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Apia Old Post Office
Landmark

Apia Old Post Office

A significant building from the early colonial period that ensured Samoa's communication links with the world.

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Aganoa Beach
Landmark

Aganoa Beach

This secluded beach on Savai'i is known for its black volcanic sand and surrounding coral reefs.

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Former Mau Headquarters
Landmark

Former Mau Headquarters

Vaimoso was the center of the Mau movement, which fought non-violently against the New Zealand administration.

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Apia Old Radio Station
Landmark

Apia Old Radio Station

Radio station 2AP was one of the first in the South Pacific and played an important role in informing the population.

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Development Bank of Samoa
Landmark

Development Bank of Samoa

The Development Bank provides loans for agriculture, fisheries, and small businesses.

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Maota o Solosolo
Landmark

Maota o Solosolo

The Solosolo meeting ground is a historically significant site for political deliberations on Upolu.

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Apolima Island
Landmark

Apolima Island

Apolima is the remnant of an extinct volcanic crater with one side open to the sea.

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Pu'apu'a Historic Mission
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Pu'apu'a Historic Mission

Pu'apu'a was a significant outpost of the London Missionary Society on Savai'i.

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Papapapaitai Falls
Landmark

Papapapaitai Falls

With a drop of over 100 meters, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in Samoa.

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Fugalei Fresh Produce Market
Landmark

Fugalei Fresh Produce Market

Fugalei Market in Apia is the central trading venue for fruit and vegetables in Samoa.

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Falealupo Canopy Walk History
Landmark

Falealupo Canopy Walk History

This walkway was built to protect the rainforest from logging.

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Mulinu'u Traditional Fale
Landmark

Mulinu'u Traditional Fale

A classical Samoan house in Mulinu'u used for high-level political meetings.

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Fafa o Sauali'i
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Fafa o Sauali'i

The westernmost point of Samoa is considered in mythology as the entrance to the underworld.

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Moso's Footprint
Landmark

Moso's Footprint

A depression in the lava rock near Falealupo, which according to legend is the footprint of the giant Moso.

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Alofaaga Blowholes
Landmark

Alofaaga Blowholes

These natural sea fountains near Taga are closely linked to Samoan creation myths.

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Virgin's Grave
Landmark

Virgin's Grave

A small grave site amidst the Saleaula lava fields that was miraculously spared by the flowing lava.

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Lepa Historical Well
Landmark

Lepa Historical Well

An old coral-stone well in Lepa that was once the village's only source of fresh water.

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Salelologa Market
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Salelologa Market

This market is the economic heart of Savai'i island.

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Piula Cave Pool
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Piula Cave Pool

This natural freshwater pool beneath a historic Methodist church was formed from a lava tube.

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Malua College Gates
Landmark

Malua College Gates

The historic entrance gates of Malua Theological College are a landmark of the region.

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ACC Building
Landmark

ACC Building

The ACC Building houses the Accident Compensation Corporation and numerous private businesses.

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Pe'ape'a Cave
Landmark

Pe'ape'a Cave

This lava tube cave in the O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park is a major nesting site for swiftlets, known locally as Pe'ape'a.

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Marist Brothers School
Landmark

Marist Brothers School

This historic school building of the Marist Brothers is an integral part of the Apia townscape.

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Lufilufi Ancient Well
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Lufilufi Ancient Well

A historic stone-lined well in Lufilufi, closely associated with the Tuia'ana title.

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Paia Dwarfs Cave
Landmark

Paia Dwarfs Cave

This lava tube near Paia on Savai'i is surrounded by local legends about dwarfs.

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Nelson Memorial Library
Landmark

Nelson Memorial Library

This is the main public library of Samoa and a key cultural hub in Apia.

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Aggie Grey's Hotel
Landmark

Aggie Grey's Hotel

This famous hotel is a historic institution in Apia.

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Mount Matavanu
Landmark

Mount Matavanu

Mount Matavanu is an active volcano on Savai'i whose eruption between 1905 and 1911 significantly reshaped the northern landscape.

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Aopo Lava Field
Landmark

Aopo Lava Field

The Aopo Lava Field is an extensive area of solidified lava in northern Savai'i, formed by historical volcanic eruptions.

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St. Mary's Convent Apia
Landmark

St. Mary's Convent Apia

This convent is a historic religious center in Apia.

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Fagaloa Bay Cliffs
Landmark

Fagaloa Bay Cliffs

The Fagaloa Bay Cliffs are spectacular, near-vertical slopes that drop directly into the ocean in eastern Upolu.

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Don Bosco Technical Centre
Landmark

Don Bosco Technical Centre

This technical education center in Salelologa is a key landmark for vocational training of youth on Savaii island.

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Aopo Lava Tube Refuge
Ruins

Aopo Lava Tube Refuge

The village of Aopo is located near extensive lava caves that served historically as defensive positions.

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Nature

O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park
Park

O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park

Samoa's first national park extends from the highest peaks of Upolu to the rugged lava coast.

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Lalomanu Marine Reserve
Wildlife

Lalomanu Marine Reserve

The waters off Lalomanu protect vibrant coral reefs and are a hotspot for tropical marine biodiversity.

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Alaoa Dam
Lake

Alaoa Dam

The Alaoa Dam serves both the capital city's water supply and energy production.

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Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
Wildlife

Palolo Deep Marine Reserve

A short walk from Apia, this reserve features a deep blue hole in the coral reef inhabited by an incredible variety of tropical fish and corals.

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Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary
Wildlife

Sato'alepai Turtle Sanctuary

This sanctuary on Savai'i is dedicated to the rearing and protection of green sea turtles.

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Manono Island Reefs
Wildlife

Manono Island Reefs

The waters around Manono house extensive, healthy coral gardens.

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Lake Lanoto'o
Lake

Lake Lanoto'o

Lake Lanoto'o is a crater lake located in the central highlands of Upolu island.

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Nu'utele Island
Wildlife

Nu'utele Island

Nu'utele is the largest of the uninhabited Aleipata Islands off Upolu.

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Namu'a Island
Wildlife

Namu'a Island

This small, uninhabited island off the eastern coast of Upolu is a haven for sea turtles and offers pristine coral reefs for snorkeling.

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Nu'ulua Island
Wildlife

Nu'ulua Island

Nu'ulua is a small, uninhabited island in the Aleipata archipelago.

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Lalomanu Beach
Wildlife

Lalomanu Beach

Lalomanu Beach is a well-known coastal stretch at the southeastern end of Upolu.

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Manono Island
Wildlife

Manono Island

Manono is a small, inhabited island situated within a coral reef.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the top attractions in Samoa?

Among the most popular are Afu Aau Waterfalls, O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park, Saleaula Lava Fields, Fuipisia Waterfall, Cape Mulinu'u Marine Life and many more – the full top 50 list is on this page.

When is the best time to visit Samoa?

May to October offers the most pleasant weather; July and August are warmest and busiest.