Immerse yourself in local culture

Samoa is known for its intriguing culture, with rich traditions that date back over 3000 years. It would be a shame to not learn more about the Samoan culture during your visit. Luckily, Samoa offers a wide range of authentic experiences that allow you to explore and understand Fa’a Samoa, or the Samoan way of life.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is to pay a visit to the Samoan Cultural Village, located in the capital of Apia. Experience what local life is like as you watch the village men prepare an umu oven, make fresh coconut milk and cook traditional Samoan dishes. Plus, you’ll also learn how traditional arts and crafts remain important to everyday life in Samoa.

Another great way to engage in Samoa’s colourful culture is to take part in a Fiafia night. During Fiafia night, you’ll feast on delicious umu-cooked foods and enjoy traditional songs and dances. Most resorts in Samoa host a Fiafia night once or twice a week, so be sure to ask yours when one will be held.

Chase spectacular waterfalls

Samoa is a mountainous nation, resulting in the creation of several breathtaking waterfalls, most of which are found on the southern coasts of Upolu and Savai’i. Chasing these waterfalls offers a chance to appreciate Samoa’s most stunning landscapes, plus it allows you to cool off from the warm Samoan temperatures.

The main island of Upolu is home to Samoa’s most accessible waterfalls, including Togitogiga Falls, which is a popular swimming spot for locals and tourists alike. Plus, this waterfall offers changing rooms and bathrooms, making it a convenient spot to spend a day. Another popular waterfall is Fuipisia Falls, which is a little harder to reach but well worth the trek. Set amongst the thick jungle, this is by far one of the most impressive waterfalls in Samoa.

If you’re staying on the more remote island of Savai’i, we recommend checking out Afu Aau Falls. This waterfall plunges from the lush rainforest into a freshwater pool, ideal for swimming. Again, there are bathroom facilities on offer at Afu Aau Falls.

Snorkel colourful coral reefs

Snorkelling and scuba diving are two of the most popular things to do in Samoa. Both Upolu and Savai’i are home to pristine dive spots, along with colourful fringing reefs perfect for snorkelling. Some of the most popular snorkelling locations in Samoa include Lalomanu Beach, Matereva Beach and Falealupo Beach.

For the absolute best snorkelling in Samoa, however, make sure to visit the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. Located just five minutes from the capital city of Apia, this is one of the most accessible marine reserves in the world. Here, you’ll find a deep blue hole surrounded by walls of coral, providing a home for a rich diversity of marine life. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an endangered green turtle, which are known to call the waters of Samoa home. For your convenience, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve offers beach fales, change rooms and bathrooms, along with snorkelling gear available for hire.

Dive into inland swimming holes

While Samoa is lined with palm-fringed beaches and calm ocean waters, some of the island’s best swimming spots can be found inland. The most famous of Samoa’s inland swimming pools is To-Sua Ocean Trench. Literally translating to ‘Giant Swimming Pool’, To-Sua Ocean Trench is located on the southeast coast of Upolu Island. Surrounded by lush gardens, the azure-blue waters of To-Sua Ocean Trench can be accessed by climbing down a 30-metre ladder to a wooden platform that opens into the massive waterhole.

Another popular swimming spot is the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Formed by thousands of years of rushing water, zooming down these smooth, slippery rocks offers plenty of fun. Plus, there are even different-sized slides to choose from, so both adults and kids can get involved. For more of a hidden gem, head to the Piula Cave Pool, which consists of two spring-fed underwater grottos, each filled with vibrantly-coloured fish.

Hit the scenic walking trails

The natural landscapes of Samoa are incredibly diverse, spanning lush rainforests, volcanic plateaus, soaring mountains and expansive plantations. The best way to discover this breathtaking wilderness is to lace up your walking shoes and hit the trails. There are plenty of scenic walks to suit all ages and abilities in Samoa, ranging from around an hour to several days.

One of the most popular trails is the Coastal Walk, which is part of the O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park. This clifftop coastal trek eventually opens out onto an ancient lava field, offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands. If you’d prefer to explore Samoa’s interior, consider braving the Falease’ela River Walk. This exhilarating guided hike takes around four to six hours to complete and will lead you through river banks, waterfalls and lava formations. Along the way, your guide will share a wealth of knowledge about Samoa’s natural environment and unique way of life. This is easily one of the best things to do in Samoa.