Islands & Regions
Explore the unique character and attractions of Samoa's beautiful islands
The Islands of Samoa
Samoa consists of two main islands - Upolu and Savai'i - each offering distinct experiences and attractions. While Upolu serves as the gateway with modern amenities and popular attractions, Savai'i provides a more traditional and untouched island experience.
🏝️ Quick Comparison
- Upolu: More developed, international airport, capital city
- Savai'i: Larger, more traditional, fewer tourists
- Ferry Connection: Regular service between islands
- Both Islands: Stunning natural beauty and culture
🗺️ Island Hopping
- Recommended Stay: 3-4 days each island
- Ferry Schedule: Multiple daily crossings
- Journey Time: 1.5 hours between islands - see ferry details
- Best Strategy: Start with Upolu, then Savai'i
Upolu Island - The Gateway
Upolu is Samoa's most populated island and the first stop for most visitors. Home to the capital Apia and Faleolo International Airport, it offers the perfect introduction to Samoan culture while providing modern amenities and world-class attractions.
📊 Island Statistics
- Area: 1,125 km² (434 sq mi)
- Population: ~135,000 (68% of Samoa)
- Length: 75 km (47 mi)
- Width: 24 km (15 mi)
- Highest Point: Mount Fito (1,113 m)
- Capital: Apia
- Airport: Faleolo International
🌟 Why Visit Upolu
- International airport arrival point
- Best tourism infrastructure
- Famous To Sua Ocean Trench
- Beautiful south coast beaches
- Cultural attractions in Apia
- Wide range of accommodation
- Easy transportation options
Upolu Regions & Attractions
🏙️ Apia & Northern Coast
The bustling capital and cultural heart of Samoa, offering urban amenities, cultural sites, and easy access to northern attractions.
Key Attractions:
- Maketi Fou: Vibrant central market
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral: Beautiful architecture
- Government Buildings: Colonial architecture
- Mulinu'u Peninsula: Parliament and cultural sites
- Palolo Deep Marine Reserve: Snorkeling paradise
Accommodation:
- Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Resort
- Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
- Various guesthouses and hotels
- Budget backpacker options
🏖️ South Coast Paradise
Home to Samoa's most famous attractions and pristine beaches, the south coast is a must-visit region for any traveler.
Major Attractions:
- To Sua Ocean Trench: World-famous swimming hole
- Lalomanu Beach: Pristine white sand beach
- Return to Paradise Beach: Movie-famous location
- Togitogiga Falls: Beautiful waterfall
- O Le Pupu-Pue National Park: Rainforest reserve
Beach Accommodation:
- Taufua Beach Fales (Lalomanu)
- Return to Paradise Resort
- Litia Sini Beach Resort
- Various beach fale options
Savai'i Island - The Soul of Samoa
Savai'i is Samoa's largest island and offers the most authentic traditional experience. With fewer tourists and more untouched natural beauty, it's perfect for travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion in a pristine environment.
📊 Island Statistics
- Area: 1,708 km² (659 sq mi)
- Population: ~44,000 (22% of Samoa)
- Length: 78 km (48 mi)
- Width: 48 km (30 mi)
- Highest Point: Mount Silisili (1,857 m)
- Main Town: Salelologa - ferry terminal
- Access: Ferry from Upolu
🌿 Why Visit Savai'i
- Largest island in Samoa
- Most traditional lifestyle
- Spectacular volcanic features
- Fewer crowds, authentic experiences
- Pristine natural environments
- Unique geological attractions
- Traditional village life
Savai'i Regions & Attractions
🌋 Eastern Savai'i
The arrival point from Upolu, featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes and some of the island's most spectacular natural phenomena.
Key Attractions:
- Salelologa: Main town and ferry terminal
- Salelologa Market: Local produce and crafts
- Lano Beach: Beautiful swimming beach
- Manase Beach: Popular tourist beach
- Traditional Villages: Authentic cultural experiences
Accommodation:
- Le Lagoto Resort & Spa
- Samoa Tradition Resort
- Various beach fales
- Guesthouse options
💨 Northwestern Coast
Home to Savai'i's most dramatic natural attractions, including the famous blowholes and ancient lava fields.
Major Attractions:
- Alofaaga Blowholes: Spectacular water geysers
- Sale'aula Lava Fields: 1905 volcanic eruption site
- Virgin's Grave: Miraculous survival story
- Lava Tube Caves: Underground exploration
- Coastal Villages: Traditional fishing communities
Activities:
Savai'i Adventure Zones
🌳 Falealupo Peninsula
The westernmost point of Samoa, featuring pristine rainforest and the famous canopy walk experience.
Attractions:
- Falealupo Canopy Walk
- Pristine rainforest
- Traditional villages
- Coastal scenery
- Bird watching opportunities
🏔️ Central Highlands
Mountainous interior with hiking opportunities, waterfalls, and spectacular views across the island.
Features:
- Mount Silisili (highest peak)
- Afu Aau Falls
- Hiking trails
- Mountain villages
- Panoramic viewpoints
🏖️ Southern Beaches
Less developed but equally beautiful beaches offering solitude and pristine natural environments.
Beaches:
- Tafua Peninsula beaches
- Secluded coves
- Excellent snorkeling
- Traditional fishing villages
- Untouched coral reefs
Inter-Island Transportation
⛴️ Ferry Services
Regular ferry services connect Upolu and Savai'i, making island hopping convenient and affordable for travelers.
Ferry Details:
- Route: Mulifanua (Upolu) ↔ Salelologa (Savai'i)
- Journey Time: 1.5 hours
- Frequency: Multiple daily sailings
- Cost: ~15 WST per person
- Vehicles: Cars can be transported
- Booking: Advance booking recommended
Ferry Schedule:
- First ferry: Usually 6:00 AM - check current schedules
- Last ferry: Usually 4:00 PM
- More frequent on weekdays
- Reduced Sunday service
✈️ Air Services
Small aircraft services are available for those preferring faster transportation between the islands.
Flight Options:
- Route: Faleolo ↔ Maota (Savai'i)
- Journey Time: 15 minutes
- Frequency: Limited daily flights
- Cost: ~100 WST per person
- Operator: Polynesian Airlines
- Booking: Advance booking essential
Considerations:
- Weather dependent
- Limited baggage allowance
- Small aircraft (8-12 passengers)
- Scenic aerial views
Island Hopping Itineraries
🗓️ 7-Day Island Explorer
Perfect introduction to both islands with highlights and cultural experiences.
Itinerary:
- Days 1-3: Upolu - Apia, To Sua, south coast beaches
- Day 4: Ferry to Savai'i, settle in Manase
- Days 5-6: Savai'i - blowholes, lava fields, canopy walk
- Day 7: Return to Upolu for departure
Best For:
- First-time visitors
- Limited time travelers
- Highlights-focused trip
- Mixed interests (culture + nature)
🌴 14-Day Deep Dive
Comprehensive exploration allowing time for relaxation and deeper cultural immersion.
Itinerary:
- Days 1-7: Upolu - all regions, cultural experiences
- Days 8-12: Savai'i - complete island exploration
- Days 13-14: Return to Upolu, relaxation, departure
Best For:
- Thorough exploration
- Cultural immersion
- Photography enthusiasts
- Adventure seekers
Choosing Your Island Experience
🏝️ Choose Upolu If You Want:
- Easy access to amenities and services
- Famous attractions like To Sua
- Variety of accommodation options
- Cultural sites and museums
- Better restaurant and shopping options
- More organized tours and activities
- Convenient transportation
- First-time visitor friendly
🌿 Choose Savai'i If You Want:
- Authentic traditional experiences
- Fewer crowds and tourists
- Unique geological features
- Adventure and exploration
- Pristine natural environments
- Traditional village life
- Off-the-beaten-path experiences
- More challenging but rewarding travel
Best Experience: Visit both islands to get the complete Samoa experience - Upolu for convenience and famous sights, Savai'i for authenticity and adventure.
Start Your Island Adventure
Discover the unique attractions and experiences each island offers