Our tropical Pacific paradise is the perfect place to plan your dream wedding, spend a magical honeymoon or simply enjoy a special romantic getaway.

Whether you choose to spend your holiday in five-star luxury, treat your guests to a traditional Samoan wedding ceremony or opt for an active adventure for two, Samoa has the perfect option for you.

 

Getting romantic
Samoa is the perfect destination for a romantic break. Wake up each day to the sound of the sea lapping onto the beach just a few metres away, from your authentic beachfront fale or plush resort suite.

After a lazy breakfast or brunch, hop onto a scooter, into your rental car, join a tour, catch a bus or grab a taxi, to start your day’s adventure. Or if the beach is calling your name, grab a couple of towels or find some hammocks with your names on them.

Choose from a great range of places to explore and romantic activities to do for the morning, whether it’s interacting with turtles in their natural environment on a snorkelling trip, hitting the surf, discovering a remote waterfall for a romantic swim, or exploring the markets and tasting some of Samoa’s delicious produce.

Head to one of Samoa’s outstanding cafes for lunch and order a couple of niu (coconut water, straight from the coconut) or try delicious koko samoa or a fresh fruit smoothie Samoan-style.

If you’re up for more adventure, explore the shops or head out on a scenic drive, finishing up at a bar, restaurant or your accommodation – hopefully in time for happy hour cocktails or local beers.

Catch a fiafia before a starlit walk along the beach, back to your fale or suite for the night. Start planning places to stay and things to do on your romantic break in Samoa.

Planning a Wedding
Samoa is the perfect place for your dream Pacific Island wedding.

Whether you’re planning a traditional church wedding, small intimate ceremony next to a beautiful waterfall, lush tropical garden or exotic beach setting, choosing Samoa as your wedding venue means anything is possible.

Samoa has specialised wedding planners, and many resorts offer wedding packages, to make the planning process very easy and convenient, yet still uniquely yours. Or, take matters into your own hands and contact the local services you require for your big day.

The best part is that Samoa is perfect not only for your wedding but for your honeymoon as well. And, all your wedding party – yourselves included – get to have a tropical holiday at the same time. Samoan families celebrate nuptials with grand and colourful style. In their ancient culture, weddings are considered sacred and important events.

If you’re planning to book your wedding in Samoa, it’s perfectly acceptable to adopt some of the beautiful Samoan wedding customs to use on your special day, for a truly unique occasion. This may include traditional songs or drumming, a customary headdress (pale) for the bride or a floral necklace (ula) for the groom.

Your Samoan wedding can take place in any location you like, from one of the many beautiful beaches or other natural settings to a church complete with the enthralling sound of a Samoan choir. If you choose an outdoor setting that is not part of a resort, you’ll need to arrange access permission with the nearest local village.

DIY wedding or hire a planner?
Many Samoan resorts offer a full wedding planner service, which takes care of every detail according to your instructions. This takes away the stress of planning an event from overseas and means you can take full advantage of the planner’s local knowledge.

But if planning is your thing, then Samoa has all the services and facilities required for a wedding, from the flowers to the photos and the food.

There’s no shortage of breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating culture and history to find in Samoa, along with fun activities along the way.

Whether you want to explore some of its many dramatic waterfalls and lush tropical forests, dive into crystal-clear freshwater pools, discover an ancient volcano, swim with turtles or experience Samoa’s 3,000-year-old culture, opportunities abound.

The hardest task you face will be choosing how it will all fit into your holiday.

Samoa has a large number of interesting sites and attractions for visitors to experience the country’s rich and ancient culture, learn about its fascinating history and explore some of its natural wonders.

 

The most recent eruption occurred from Mt Matavanu on Savai’i, located within a string of volcanic craters leading to the highest peak in Samoa, Mt Silisili. The eruption occurred between 1905 to 1911 and led to the evacuation of entire villages which were destroyed.

However, because the lava flow was very slow-moving, all people were able to safely escape to the island of Upolu. The skeletal remains of a church and the Virgin’s Grave remain at the Saleaula Lava Fields as a reminder of the force of the flow.

Samoa’s volcanic activity has left behind many fascinating landforms, particularly on Savai’i, which has huge lava tubes and spectacularly rugged coastlines of black volcanic rock to explore.

Upolu has a number of volcanic peaks too, notably the water-filled, bush-clad crater Lake Lanoto’o. The last three eruptions on this island are estimated to be a few hundred to thousand years ago.

Mountains
THE MOUNTAINSIDES ARE COVERED IN LUSH TROPICAL FORESTS AND, WITH TEMPERATURES OFTEN PLEASANTLY COOLER THAN THE COAST, ARE WORTH EXPLORING.

Visitors will find some accommodation providers positioned for the incredible views on the flanks of Upolu’s mountains, while volcanic Savai’i offers intrepid trekking, adventure and exploration for all abilities.

 

Walking Trails
EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL WILDERNESS OF SAMOA’S LUSH RAINFORESTS, EXPANSIVE PLANTATIONS, VOLCANIC PLATEAUS AND SOARING MOUNTAINS. Samoa offers a spectacular range of walks for all ages and abilities, ranging from an hour or so to several days.

Waterfalls
FROM WATERFALLS THUNDERING DOWN OFF TOWERING CLIFFS TO MORE SEDATE CASCADES OF WATER OVER SMOOTH ROCK, THERE ARE PLENTY TO EXPLORE. Samoa’s mountainous landscape has created many beautiful and spectacular waterfalls that are fed each year during the wet season.

Upolu
Upolu’s south coast has the country’s best collection of spectacular falls that are easily accessible to visitors.

Take half a day, or more, and see each one. Some, like Togitogiga Falls, have swimming holes and also a changing room and toilets. Others, like the 100m high Papapapai-Tai Falls are strictly for looking only. Fuipisia Falls at the east end of Upolu offers a bush walk, a pool at the top of the waterfall to bathe in, and a spectacular 55m drop of water.

Savai’i
On Savai’i, the southern coast has the most waterfalls too. One of the most popular is the Afu Aau Falls, which emerges from lush green rainforest and plunges into a deep pool which is safe for swimming. At the Mu Pagoa Falls, a shallower pool formed where Samoa’s largest river flows to the sea, and is is used by visitors and locals alike.

Inland Swimming Holes
WHILE TYPICAL SWIMMING MIGHT BE IN THE SEA, HEADING INLAND TO THE RAINFOREST IS COOLER AND OFF THE BEATEN TRACK. Slip away from the sand and head to an inland swimming hole to cool down.

Foodies
Samoa is a food-lovers paradise and the perfect place to enjoy the true flavours of the Pacific in the most beautiful setting.

Food is central to Fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way – and there are plenty of opportunities to discover authentic Polynesian cuisine.

With bountiful seafood straight from the ocean, freshly harvested distinctively Pacific fruit and vegetables, and the incredible flavours of a traditional Samoan umu (ground oven), Samoa offers authentic island cuisine to suit any palate.

Join a cultural experience, or a fiafia night at your resort or hotel, to enjoy the rich flavours of food cooked in a traditional umu. Or visit a local restaurant or cafe to indulge in the catch of the day, straight from the sea.

Resort restaurants along with a raft of great quality cafes and restaurants, particularly in and near Apia, offer a blend of delicious local and international cuisine that will make your taste buds sing.

Foods of Samoa
Samoan cuisine is based around fresh tropical fruit and vegetables, locally grown meats and – of course – plentiful seafood straight from the ocean.

Traditional island food includes root vegetables such as taro (talo) and breadfruit (ulu), which is prepared using quintessentially Polynesian flavours such as coconut cream.

A favourite dish with visitors to Samoa and locals alike is palusami: Baked coconut cream cooked inside coconut leaves in the umu (earth oven). Another local staple is oka – raw fish marinated in coconut cream, lemon juice, chilli and onions.

Samoan dishes often include pork, chicken (moa) and fish (i’a). Of course, being an island nation, seafood features widely on any Samoan menu. Sample freshly caught crayfish, octopus, snapper, tuna or whatever else happens to be the catch of the day, often served with locally grown tropical fruits such as papayas, mangos, pineapples, star fruit and bananas.

Enjoy a true Samoan feast paired with locally brewed beer to experience the real and unforgettable flavours of the Pacific.

Fish
Fishing has been central to Samoan life for thousands of years, with the sea traditionally providing the family’s daily meals.

Today fish (i’a) such as dog-tooth and yellow-fin tuna, along with other seafood such as crayfish, masimasi, and octopus, are still caught every day and form an important part of modern Samoan culture.

Visitors will find fresh seafood on most restaurant menus, or see the mornings’ catch at Apia’s fish market. The bounty of the ocean provides crayfish, wahoo, masimasi, octopus, tuna, and much more.

Visiting in October/November? Be sure to ask for the Samoan delicacy of palolo – it’s a highly sought-after treat, available only once a year when the palolo worm ‘rises’ – usually one week after the October full moon.

Prefer to catch your dinner?
Catch your own dinner with one of Samoa’s spectacular fishing charters. Check out our fishing charter directory to book a trip while you’re visiting.

When deciding on a destination for a holiday, many parents look for somewhere they can reconnect and spend time as a family unit, away from the shackles of our fast-paced technology-dominated world. Enter Samoa, where family and connection are at the heart of the culture and where this filters into every part of life. Add to that beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls and wild scenery and you’ve got a holiday kids will talk about for years to come.

Whether you’re searching for a family adventure, are looking for quality time together or just want to enjoy relaxing on a tropical beach while the children have a variety of things to keep entertained with, Samoa has options to suit all families.

With a huge range of accommodation across Upolu and Savai’i islands, activities for all ages, and the chance to experience Samoa’s vibrant culture in a safe, welcoming environment, the hardest part will be choosing what to do this time and what to leave for the next trip.

Experience a new culture
There are so many great reasons to choose Samoa for your family break. One of the main ones is that it gives kids a chance to really experience a different culture, without it being in any way intimidating. Samoan life hasn’t changed a lot in 3000 years and Fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way – is still how things are done. Your family, too, will be greeted with warm and friendly smiles in this Polynesian paradise. And it’s possible that the local children will befriend your children and give them a real glimpse of life in Samoa.

Life is centred around a sense of belonging – belonging to your family, village, tribe and community. As a visitor, your children will be welcomed into this with open arms and get a chance to see how other kids their ages live – understanding both the similarities and differences. In Samoa you’re not an outside observer of pacific culture, you’re right inside it. While the resorts are gorgeous for convenience and comfort, your family might also want to spend a night in a traditional beachside Samoan fale, where you’ll be cooked for by a local family and sleep as they do, in simple structures, with lapping waves as your lullaby. Explore lush forest trails to discover secluded waterfalls, dive into crystal clear waterholes, swim with turtles, or dance with the locals and learn to open a coconut.

A safe, fun, easy holiday
On the practical side, Samoa is perfect for families too. Swimming beaches are safe, people are friendly, finding family accommodation is easy, it’s simple to navigate in a rental car, and there are plenty of food options to cater to even the fussiest little people. Many resorts have activities for children and some have kids’ clubs too. And there’s definitely no chance of running out of things to do: explore lush forests, secluded waterfalls, crystal clear waterholes, swim with turtles, snorkel amidst thousands of brightly coloured fish, kayak, cycle, discover lava tubes and spend time with each other discovering this vibrant, friendly culture. It’s the ultimate unplug.

Getting around
Hiring a car is definitely the way to go – dump all the gear in the boot, strap in the kids, and hit the road. If you like to go up all the side roads, or just be more comfortable on the sometimes-uneven terrain, then consider hiring a 4WD vehicle. If your group is large, vans are around the same price as a 4WD vehicle. You can also drive the car onto the ferry between Upolu and Savai’i so you can explore both of Samoa’s gorgeous main islands. While all of the pacific islands provide family fun, Samoa is definitely the way to go if you want to unwind and embrace a slower pace that revolves around natural beauty, a sense of family and plenty of smiles and laughter.

Resort holiday
At Samoa’s family-friendly resorts and hotels, convenience is key and there is plenty to keep the kids occupied for hours. Enjoy snorkelling and kayaking, dive into the pool, join in the dancing at fiafia night or simply relax under a palm tree with a cocktail while the children build sandcastles on a picturesque tropical beach.

Adventure holiday
For the more intrepid family travellers keen to explore the natural wonders of these Polynesian islands, there are car, bicycle and boat tour options, game fishing charters and cultural experiences including games for children.

Or rent a car or bike and head out as a family to discover natural waterfall slides, lava tubes and incredible views. With plenty for every family member, each of you is sure to take away memories to last for a lifetime.

Our small Pacific nation is full of natural beauty and incredible untouched landscapes, with true adventure never too far off the beaten track.

Go mountain biking along the flanks of an ancient volcano, walkthrough giant lava tubes, discover far-flung uninhabited islands, or let locals show you the way they live according to their 3,000-year-old culture.

Find out what discoveries your Samoan holiday could hold for you, and let the adventure begin.

Samoa may operate on super relaxed “island time”, but this is a country packed with opportunity for authentic adventure.

Here you’ll find world-class surf break without the crowds, incredible deep-sea game fishing, scuba diving around tropical reefs with perfect visibility, lush rainforests and ancient volcanoes.

Embark on a multi-day hike to explore Savai’i’s incredible volcanic landscapes, or head off over the water to explore one of Samoa’s smaller islands and immerse yourself in true Polynesian village life.

If you prefer to travel on “island time”, head off on a bicycle adventure, where pedalling is interspersed with refreshing stops at crystal clear swimming pools and local fruit stalls.

Whether you choose to explore Samoa’s main islands independently by car, 4WD, bike or on foot, or join a tour for an authentic insider’s view of this tropical paradise, you are guaranteed to encounter unforgettable experiences.

Eco adventures in Samoa
High and Dry
Head inland to discover cultural jewels and explore Samoa’s natural features. Check out our land-based adventures.

Wet and Wild
With unlimited waterfalls, beautiful beaches and a vast ocean at our doorstep, Samoa is a water-lover’s playground. Check out our water-based adventures.

This list of must-do Samoa sights, activities and attractions will give you all the ideas and inspiration to start planning your Samoan holiday.

There’s so much to do in beautiful Samoa with activities for every kind of traveller, but here are the top five unmissable absolute must-dos while you are here!

To Sua Ocean Trench
This is Samoa’s number one absolute must-do. Situated on the south coast of Upolu, it’s a geographical marvel that has to be seen to be believed. The world-famous natural formation creates a spectacular 30-metre deep swimming hole (To Sua literally means ‘Giant Swimming Hole’). The hole was formed by a cave-in of an ancient lava tube system that connects to the ocean, and thousands of years of erosion have made it into the beautiful spot it is now. It is the most photographable spot in Samoa – take your pics from above then climb down the steep ladder to a long platform and jump in for a refreshing one-of-a-kind swim. Take a snorkel for a look around and when you’ve swum enough there are beautiful coastal views, fales for relaxing in, a restaurant for refreshments and a lava field with mini pools and blowholes. Make all your friends at home jealous with your visit to To Sua – do not miss it!

Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a matter of pride in beautiful Samoa – we do them better than most! Here are five of the best . . . On Upolu visit Papapapaitai Waterfalls, Sopo’aga Falls and Togitogiga. The Papapapaitai viewing spot sits just a few steps off the Cross Island Rd and the impressively tall fall is a sight to behold. The Sopo’aga viewpoint is similarly easy to access off the Main South Coast Rd and is probably the prettiest waterfall – it’s majestic in its dense jungle scene. There are two smaller waterfalls at Togitogiga which create a large swimming hole – there’s plenty of space to swim around and underneath the waterfalls. It’s a magical place for a cool dip and there’s a grassy picnic area so pack your lunch and stay for half the day. Also on Upolu, Papase’ea sliding rocks is a waterfall with a difference . . . Have a blast sliding down these naturally formed rock slides, worn smooth(ish) by thousands of years of running water. There’s a slide for kids and one for adults, as long as there’s enough water coming down the falls. Pay your entry and find your inner slider! Over on Savai’i is beautiful Afu Aau – a spectacular waterfall plunging into a deep swimming hole. It’s a short 10 minute walk to the falls for a delicious cool swim.

Stay in a fale
Staying in a fale is a special way to experience fa’a Samoa – the Samoan way of life – as Samoans have for thousands of years. This relaxed and laid-back style of accommodation gets you as close to the ocean as is possible and means the soundtrack to your sleep is the hush of the ocean . . . Most fales have a domed, thatched roof held up with wooden poles, no permanent walls with rolldown blinds instead. A night in a fale is an incredibly cheap way to stay in some of the most beautiful spots on earth that you’d usually pay top rates for at a resort and dinner and breakfast are often included in the price. Some popular fale accommodation spots are at Lalomanu Beach and Salamamu on Upolu, and on the beautiful north coast of Savai’i.

Alofaaga
These impressive blowholes are a real treat to see in real life. Situated in the village of Taga on south-west Savai’i the blowholes propel a roaring jet of water hundreds of feet up into the air. The blowholes have been created by lava flows making a series of tubes connecting a flat clifftop of lava rock with the ocean below. Waves break against the lower end of the tubes sending water at high pressure up through the tubes making fountains that spray every few seconds. Locals throw coconuts into the holes for visitors and these are blasted into the air for an impressive added extra!

Markets
An excellent way to see Samoa going about its business is by visiting Apia’s markets and food spots. Head to Fugalei Markets for an array of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer, drink a freshly shucked niu (coconut) and buy a huge sweet juicy pawpaw for $1! You’ll find everything from bananas to coconuts and taro, as well as cooked Samoan food and icy cold nui to sip while you explore. At the outdoor Apia Fish Market next to the Old Flea Market on Fugalei Street, the daily catch brought in fresh from the sea by local fishermen is available from the early morning. The most popular day to visit is on Sunday – umu day. The market has a huge variety of seafood, from yellow-fin tuna to crabs, crayfish, octopus and masimasi. Over on Savai’i the Salelologa Market is located near the main Salelologa wharf and by the Savai’i bus terminal. The market sells fresh fruit and vegetables and baked goods alongside crafts, gifts, clothes and household items – it’s a great place to stock up for your Savai’i holiday.