5 Days In Samoa
Welcome to beautiful Samoa, not only one of the most interesting tropical destinations you’ll ever visit, but also one of the prettiest. I spent nearly a month in Samoa while backpacking across the South Pacific Islands. Here’s a 5 days in Samoa sample itinerary that focuses entirely on Upolu Island. In such a short vacation, I wouldn’t recommend trying to squeeze in Savaii as well.
Before we begin, since you’re only spending 5 days in Samoa, it’s worth renting a car starting from day 2. With prices starting at T120 per day (discounts for long rentals are possible), AA Rentals will drop the car off at your Apia hotel. You totally can use a bus to get around Samoa, but it will be difficult to see everything mentioned in this sample itinerary within the allotted time. Also note the entrance fees at almost every stop, a normal occurrence in Samoa as most land is historically owned by villages. Lastly, if you’re staying at beach fale accommodations, breakfast and dinner are almost always included in the price.
Planning a visit to Samoa? Check out the Samoa travel guide collection, where you’ll find in-depth travel guides to Samoa’s main islands, sample itineraries, and essential planning tips!
5 Days In Samoa Itinerary Map
All places featured in this itinerary can be found on this companion map. Click on the image to open in Google Maps:
Day 1: Apia
Where To Stay?
I loved the centrally located Talofa Inn so much, that I stayed here on two separate occasions. This bed and breakfast offers clean and air-conditioned rooms, a tropical breakfast and it really feels like your home away from home.
(1) Here’s a full review of the Talofa Inn and other recommended accommodations in Upolu. (2) Here’s a list of all Upolu Island accommodations that can be booked online via booking.com.
Morning
Start your first day in Samoa down by the waterfront at the fish market. For the best experience, aim to arrive early in the morning to watch the fishermen unload the nightly catch of yellowtail tuna, lobsters, and crabs.
From the fish market, walk to the Mulivai Catholic Cathedral via the clock tower at the bottom of Vaiea Street (also known as the WWII memorial). Position yourself in front of the cathedral just before 9 am, this is very important!
Every weekday morning at 9 am, a siren signals the start of the Samoa Police Band’s flag-raising ceremony. They proudly march from headquarters to the grassy field behind the clock tower, wearing lavalava skirts and displaying patriotic love for their beloved Samoa.
When the show wraps up, enter the cathedral and wander around its impressive interior. If you just happen to be in Apia on a Sunday, I highly recommend joining the morning service whether you’re a believer or not. The attire, the singing, and the strong sense of community are a souvenir of Samoa to take back with you for eternity.
Staying in the same area, head to the Samoa Cultural Village for a tour that’s not to be missed. The two-hour village tour is guided by Samoans that are as real as they come, with men sporting traditional tattoos and hibiscus spicing up women’s hairdos.
The tour will take you through various stations such as traditional food preparation in an earth oven (umu), an ava (kava) ceremony, a beautiful dance show, tattoo, woodworking, and siapo making (tapa cloth). Along the way, you’ll learn about fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way. This traditional code of behavior and social structure is the backbone of Samoan society.
The informative and interactive tour will put the rest of your visit to Samoa in the right context. Lunch is included and you can purchase Samoan art directly from the artists at bargain rates.
Afternoon
Walk from the cultural village to Samoa’s main market – the Maketi Fou. An oasis of tropical fruits and vegetables from around the island, if you’re still a little hungry, you can buy ready-to-eat taro, breadfruit, and palusami and really act like a local.
Now is the perfect time to head to Apia’s third market – the flea market. This covered market is the best place to buy Samoan souvenirs, sarongs, and island fashions. You’ll get here just in time as school wraps up and students flock to the market’s food court for a greasy snack before catching the bus back to their village.
Walk across the road towards the central bus station. Samoan busses are an attraction on their own and a great way to not only get from point A to B but also to discover yet another layer of Samoan culture. Buses are totally pimped out, always with music blasting and if you ride one of these, you’ll witness the unique seating etiquette that demonstrated just how well Samoans get along with each other.
The last highlight of the day is in the outskirts of town but I guarantee you’ll love it… that is if you feel like getting wet. Take a taxi or bus to the Papaseea Sliding Rocks (T20 entrance). As its name suggests, the purpose of your visit is to slide down the smooth volcanic rock down to the pool. Just check water levels before sliding down, as it can be a bumpy landing in the dry season.
Alternatively, you can walk along Beach Road for awesome views of Apia. The road will eventually lead to the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve where the best snorkeling in Samoa can be found. In any case, the road is also where you’ll find the Seafood Gourmet Bar & Grill and Cocktails On The Rocks, great options for dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Island Tour & Beach Fale
Check out of your Apia hotel and embark on a small island road trip. Today will take you to natural pools and waterfalls in Upolu before checking into your beach fale accommodation right on the beach.
Morning
Getting out of Apia, drive on the Main East Coast Road to the Piula Cave Pool (T5 entrance). The road actually runs along the north coast of the island so the name is a bit confusing, I admit. Aim to reach the cave pool early in the morning before 10 am. Why? The incredibly transparent water of this pool will be fully appreciated when there’s nobody else around. The natural pool is fed by water trickling from the highlands and its residents include weird-looking silverfish and even eel. Here’s what it feels like swimming in the Piula Cave Pool. Pure magic!
The coastal road then turns into the Richardson Road, eventually leading to the Le Mafa Pass. This scenic road cuts through the mountains and offers sensational views of a lush valley that meets the blue ocean. On a clear day, it’s that ‘classic’ tropical island view you had in your mind when booking the trip to Samoa.
Continue on the Le Mafa Pass road to the Fuipisia Waterfall (T7 entrance). Park the car and walk along the trail that eventually leads to the very top of this 55-meter high waterfall. The views from up here are scary and exhilarating, offering a close look at nature’s awesome forces at work.
A little further down the road is my favorite waterfall in Samoa – The Sopoaga Waterfall (T10 entrance). Secretly emerging from the jungle, the waterfall magically cascades from one pool to another before feeding the river. The lush vegetation around leaves no margin of error for your thoughts – this must be what paradise looks like!
Afternoon
At the fork in the road, head east on the south coast road to the To-Sua Ocean Trench (T20 entrance). This natural swimming hole is the face of Samoa in travel brochures and lists of places to visit before you die (so here’s your chance).
Out of a seemingly flat grassy surface, two sinkholes are connected by a lava tube, one of which is filled with aqua blue waters delivered straight from the nearby ocean. Bravely step down the ladder and float for as long as you want in this magical swimming pool.
When you’ve had your swim, climb back up and walk down the path to the tide pools. There are awesome views of the rugged coastline from here and back up at the top, you can enjoy a picnic lunch (just bring your own).
Back in the car, it’s a quick drive to Lalomanu Beach, where you’ll either check into the backpacker-friendly Taufua Beach Fales or the more upmarket Litia Sini’s Beach Fales. These charming beach huts are literally right on the beach and with breakfast and dinner included in the price – this is quite a bargain. Both options are reviewed in this article in greater detail.
Evening
Lalomanu Beach is super popular with visitors to Samoa and for a good reason. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Taufua Beach Fales hosts a Polynesian dance and fire show that’s not to be missed (donations expected). Here’s what the dancing looks like and here’s a glimpse of the amazing fire show.
