Sensational Samoa

Samoa is officially known as the Independent State of Samoa. It is a Polynesian island country that consists of two main islands Savai’i and Upolu. There are two smaller, uninhabited islands Manono and Apolima as well as several other smaller and uninhabited islands. These islands are located 2,600 miles southwest of the US state of Hawaii. The capital and largest city is Apia. The Samoan Islands were discovered and settled by the Lapita people who developed a Samoan language and cultural identity.

Located on the southeast coast of Upolu Island To-Sua meaning “giant swimming hole” is among the most photogenic locations in Samoa. Here you can enjoy nature and swim surrounded by lush vegetation, lovely gardens, and fantastic ocean views. Swimmers can find their way down to the pool by a wooden ladder and from a platform they can dive into the crystal-clear waters. The swimming hole is full of tropical fish.

Piula Cave Pool is located on the north coast of Upolu Island. This is a natural freshwater pool that was formed through volcanic activity. The pool is fed by a natural spring flowing out of a cave into the sea. You can also go snorkeling to see the tropical fish.

You can travel to the Piula Cave Pool along the scenic coastal road taken from the capital Apia. The pool is near the Piula Theological College and you can take a look at the beautiful college grounds.

Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum named after the popular author of the book “Treasure Island” Robert Louis Stevenson who spent his final years in Samoa. He quoted “few men who come to the islands leave them…the palm shades and the trade winds fan them till they die”. The museum overlooks Apia. Guided tours are available. You can take one of two hiking paths to his grave where at the top you can get awesome views.

Palolo Deep Marine Reserves are located just outside of Apia. The highlight here is a 100-meter swim from the shore across the shallow reef to the deep drop of a natural aquarium.

Here you can see a variety of marine life including tropical fish, reef sharks, and sea turtles, You can hire snorkels and fins for an exciting adventure. Beach huts and rope swings are provided. At the shop, you can get snacks, hot food, and cold drinks.

A ten-minute boat ride from the village of Lalomanu will take you to the uninhabited island of Namua. This lovely small island offers day trips and even overnight stays in beach huts. The island is a breeding ground for sea turtles. You can take walks to take in the beauty of nature.

Lalomanu Beach on Upolu Island offers white sand, small resorts, and beach huts for those who wish to stay overnight. You can swim in clear water and relax at the restaurants and bars. The resort keeps guests entertained with cultural night shows where you can see Samoan cultural dances, fire dancing, and demonstrations of traditional food preparation, These shows are entertaining and also allow visitors to interact.

On the big island of Savai’i you’ll find the Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary. In the village of Satoalepai visitors can swim with endangered green turtles in captivity before they are tagged and released into the wild.

The enclosed turtle sanctuary is run by a local village family. You can experience feeding and swimming with the turtles.

Samoa Fiafia Park is the first-ever amusement park in Polynesia. It is near the village of Tafaigata. Visitors can enjoy 17 rides among them a 100-foot Ferris Wheel and a castle. Adults can enjoy the membership bar. The owner of the park is also the ringmaster of the Magic Circus of Samoa so there is a lot to enjoy here.

Sale’ Aula Lava Fields were formed by molten lava after the eruption of Mt. Matavanu between 1905 and 1911. They have become a popular attraction and a unique natural wonder. Five villages were devastated at that time.

Enjoy the Falealupo Rainforest Walkway suspended 40m above the canopy floor. This suspension bridge stretches for 30m leading to a tall Banyan tree from which visitors can overlook the rainforest.

The Paia Dwarf’s Cave according to legend was once home to dwarves. It is located near Manase on Savai’i Island. You can explore the cave and see the footprints of these mystical people.

Papase’ea Sliding Rocks are a natural wonder made slippery and smooth by having water flow over them for many years.

At the end of one 5m slice, and 3 smaller 3m slides are natural rock pools to plunge into. 100 steps will take you down to the sliding rocks.