Thinking of visiting Samoa? This is the only Samoa Travel Guide you’ll need.

Growing up in Hawai’i meant Samoa was much closer to me than most American tourists who only get to see Samoa once in a lifetime.

I’ve been there enough that it feels “local” to me. That’s why I wrote this ultimate Samoa Travel Guide. To help you immerse yourself in beautiful Samoa’s vibrant environment and culture. 

Who Should Visit Samoa?

The Samoan archipelago in the South Pacific is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking for amazing beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse marine life.

The islands of Upolu and Savai’i offer many attractions, from breathtaking waterfalls to surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many more. And this ultimate Samoa travel guide gives you the information you need to do it all!

In this Samoa travel guide, I’ll cover everything from cultural guidelines, like the local Sa curfew and visitor dress code, to whether you need a visa to visit Samoa, the best budget-friendly and luxury accommodations, and more. 

Samoa: A Brief Introduction

Halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, the Independent State of Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa) is a collection of volcanic islands with narrow coastal plains and rugged mountains in the interior.

While almost entirely covered in lush vegetation, much of Samoa is semi-cultivated and used for farming, providing food and cash crops for locals. 

Samoa’s cultivated lands around villages can often feel like the deepest, darkest jungle. And, since Samoa has been inhabited for over three thousand years, it has a rich, long history and vibrant culture that locals are proud to share.

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll love Samoa’s waterfalls, fantastic surfing, fishing spots, and scuba diving with colorful tropical fish. I also recommend checking out sea turtle feeding and learning about the local sea turtles.

This ultimate Samoa travel guide will take you to the top spots in Samoa. I want to help you plan your trip and help you experience the paradise that is Samoa.

Samoa Travel Guide: How to Get To Samoa

Samoa is located between Australia and New Zealand in the South Pacific.

The islands can only be accessed by airplane, with regular flights from Melbourne and Sydney taking approximately five hours and around three hours from New Zealand.

Samoa Airways, Air New Zealand, and Virgin operate weekly flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland.

Fiji Airways offers flights regularly from Fiji and one weekly flight from Hawaii.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive guide to the top airlines for traveling to Samoa.

The Faleolo International Airport in Samoa is the main airport on Upolu. Most hotels and resorts provide an airport shuttle service from the airport to their hotel. Alternatively, you can opt to hire a taxi.

The trip to Apia typically costs around 80 Samoan Tala (WST), but confirm the fare with the driver before you agree to the ride.

During the daytime, local buses run from the airport to Apia. However, there isn’t a fixed schedule, and you might have to wait for the bus to arrive.

The one-way bus ride costs about 5 Tala. Buses stop running at 5 pm.

Money In Samoa

Currency

The local currency in Samoa is Tala. However, since cash machines/ ATMs are scarce on the islands, it’s important to withdraw enough cash in Salelologa or Apia to ensure you have enough money for what you

As of June 2023, exchange rates are as follows:

• $1 USD = 2.72 WST (Tala)

• 1 CDN = 2.03 WST (Tala)

• €1 = 2.93 WST (Tala)

• $1 AUD = 1.84 WST (Tala)

• $1 NZD = 1.10 WST (Tala)

• 1 PHP = 0.048 WST (Tala)

• 1 ISK = 0.019 WST (Tala)

• 1 NOK = 0.256 WST (Tala)

• 1 SEK = 0.25 WST (Tala)

Do I Need A Visa To Travel To Samoa?

A visit to Samoa of less than 60 days doesn’t require a visa application ahead of time. You’ll be issued a Visitor Permit (60 days) upon arrival—provided you have:

• A valid passport (required for most visitors)

• A return ticket or a ticket proving onward travel. In other words, you can’t arrive in Samoa with a one-way ticket.

When entering Samoa, all travelers must fill out an arrival/departure card and present it to customs.

It is also important that your passport is valid for at least six months upon arrival in the country.

For more detailed information about entry requirements and regulations for entering Samoa, check with the Samoan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cultural Etiquette for Your Samoan Vacation

Depending on where you will be traveling in Samoa, a little understanding of culture and etiquette will go a long way toward helping you get the most out of your stay. 

When visiting a Samoan house, it’s important to ask your host for guidance and follow their lead. Take off your shoes before entering the traditional housing, known as a flare.

To show respect to elders, do not stand when they are seated. When sitting, cross your legs or cover them with your sarong to avoid pointing your toes at others.

Samoa Travel Guide: Village Cultural Guidelines

If you are traveling to any of the villages, here are a few guidelines that can help make your trip smoother:

Always ask for permission before taking photos.

Before going into a lagoon or bay, ask the locals for permission, as the village may have customary land rights over these areas.

Additionally, be prepared to pay a small entry fee in cash and wait until a local arrives.

If you’re visiting a Samoan village, it’s important to dress modestly out of respect. Suitable clothing options include a lavalava (sarong), trousers, long skirts, and blouses.

Wearing swimwear at the beach is allowed, but not in the villages. Make sure to change or return to your hotel after sunbathing and change before traveling into the villages. 

Evening Curfew

In certain regions, many villages observe an evening curfew announced by a bell or conch shell during a daily prayer session called Sa (the Samoan word for “sacred”).

Sa generally lasts from 10 to 20 minutes, taking place between 6 to 7 pm and ending on the third bell or conch sound.

Respect the Sa curfew by avoiding walking or driving through the village. 

Sundays in Samoa

Sundays in Samoa are quiet. 

Sundays center around church, family, and relaxation. The day starts with a morning service, followed by a traditional Polynesian lunch called “Toanai” with local families. 

If you happen to be touring Samoa on a Sunday, it’s important to show respect to the villagers by moving slowly and avoiding loud noises. 

While many resorts and restaurants remain open, most other businesses are closed for the day. So, stocking up on supplies at grocery stores and markets before Sunday rolls around is a good idea.

Visitors to Samoa are welcome to attend church services, but it’s important to dress conservatively and show appropriate respect.

And just a heads up, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays, except for hotels and restaurants. 

Language in Samoa

English is the first language taught in schools in Samoa, so while Samoan is the official national language, most people speak English—especially in the cities.

But I highly recommend learning at least a few basic Samoan phrases. It will improve your time in Samoa, and it’s an amazingly beautiful language.

Here are a few basic Samoan words that can come in handy.

Talofa! — Hello

Manuia le aso (ma-noo-ee-ah-leh-ah-so)—Have a good day

Faafetai (far-ah-feh-tie)—Thank You

Leai (le-ai)—No

Loe (ee-oh-e)—Yes

Faamolemole (far-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh)—Please

Tulou lava (too-loh-la-va)—Excuse me

Samoan Culture

Samoa is a very traditional, culturally-rich country. Many people still reside in remote villages and live off the land and sea. Traditional houses are called “false,” and these open-air bungalows are standard for beachside accommodation.

Fia Fia

Fia Fia shows are a great way to experience Samoan culture. The show usually includes traditional dancing, singing, and a fire show. 

Tatau

Tattoos, also known as “tatau” in Samoan, are believed to have originated in Samoa and remain a sign of responsibility towards family and loved ones. The Pe’a is the traditional male tattoo that covers from the waist to the top of the knee. This intricate process takes many weeks to complete and is an incredibly painful experience.

Completing the Pe’a is an honor and a rite of passage for Samoan men. For women, the Malu is the traditional female tattoo that covers the top of the thigh to the knee. This lighter ordeal usually just takes an afternoon to finish.

Tourism in Samoa

Samoa has an excellent tourism infrastructure that makes it easy for visitors to explore the islands. It’s important to note that every stop, whether it’s a waterfall, natural landmark, or beach, typically requires payment, as local villages own all land. These fees directly support the communities and families that reside in those areas.

So, while you might think the fees are a bit high, remember, you’re supporting the people who live there—those who are opening their homeland to you. 

Most fees cost only 55 Tala (about USD 22)

Best Time For Traveling To Samoa

Samoa is a beautiful tropical paradise with year-round beach-friendly weather. I recommend planning your visit between May and October when crowds are smaller and the weather is dry. During this time, temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. 

Unless you’re like me and LOVE the rain, you’ll want to avoid the rainy season, which runs from February to April. 

Travel to Samoa peaks in December and January, when families from Australia and New Zealand take advantage of summer school holidays and flock to the island to escape everyday realities. Remember that during this time, flights and accommodation prices surge upward and are higher than at any other time of the year.

Food in Samoa

Samoans have a strong relationship with their food. They hunt, gather and celebrate it. Their meals unite the community and visitors as they enjoy the freshest and most flavorful cuisine. While in Samoa, you’ll see young Samoan men paddle canoes out onto the lagoon to catch fish and crustaceans or gather tropical fruits and vegetables in the local plantations. Everything is collected and prepared on the same day to ensure freshness and quality. 

Restaurants share this same affinity with quality and freshness. They serve sea-to-table fish caught in the morning and served the same evening. Samoa’s seafood is some of the freshest and most mouth-watering you’ll ever taste. 

What To Eat In Samoa

Don’t miss the Fia Fia nights at most hotels for traditional Samoan food. 

Must-try dishes include:

On Sundays, you can take part in the traditional Umu experience. An Umu is an oven made of stone that cooks food by covering it with coconut leaves and stones. I recommend trying fish dishes cooked in the Umu. These dishes are steamed or cooked with hot stones over an open fire after being wrapped in banana leaves. Delicious.

If you’re looking for a quick bite, roadside stands on Upolu island serve up tasty chicken and ribs, while Apia offers fried chicken, Chinese takeaway, and ridiculously good pizza! Savai’i, being more remote, serves up simple meals with basic items like rice, taro, and vegetables. Locals typically forego lunch and munch on fruit or snacks. If lunch isn’t included in your accommodation, don’t stress. Most hotels, files, etc., arrange lunch for an additional fee.

Falai Eleni: This dish features mackerel cooked in coconut cream inside a coconut shell. It’s delightfully rich and creamy, making it a must-try.

Fa’apapa: This breakfast bread made with coconut is a local favorite!

Fa’ausi: This incredible bread is cooked in a sweet, smooth caramel sauce made from coconuts. The bread soaks up the delicious flavor of the sauce and is a popular dish at local festivities and big events.

Kopai: If you try one dish in Samoa, make it Kopai. Kopai is a Samoan street food delicacy—soft and sweet dumplings that melt in your mouth. This treat is served with delicious sauces, including caramel, coconut milk, and syrups that you will surely relish. 

Oka: This one is my personal favorite! It’s essentially a Samoan fish salad that’s very similar to a ceviche—but with coconut milk.

Panikeke: These delicious banana fritters are deep-fried in hot oil and served as dessert in local street food stalls, making them a perfect sweet snack to enjoy on the go.

Palusami: This is a must-try dish of young taro leaves baked with coconut cream

Don’t wait until you arrive to try Samoan food! Here are two simple Samoan recipes you can try at home.

Samoan Recipes

Fa’alifu Kalo (Taro in Coconut Cream)

Peel and cut the taro into bite-size pieces. Boil the taro until cooked, then drain the water. In a separate pot, heat coconut cream and a pinch of salt. Add the cooked taro into the pot and stir to coat with the coconut cream. Let cook for a few minutes until the coconut cream thickens. Serve hot.

Oka (Raw Fish Salad)

Cut fresh fish into small cubes. Dice onions, tomatoes, and spring onions. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add coconut cream, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Serve chilled.

Average Food Prices

Here are some typical average prices for food and drink items in Samoa:

– BBQ: 8-10 Tala ($3-$4 USD)

– Vailima Beer: 6 Tala ($2.25 USD)

– Wine: 15-30 Tala ($6-$12 USD)

– Spirits: 35 Tala for 1L of rum ($14 USD)

– Fale: 60-70 Tala (includes breakfast and dinner) ($25 USD)

– Pizza: 20-30 Tala ($8-$12 USD)

– Poke: 10-15 Tala ($4-$6 USD)

– Sua Fa’i: 5-10 Tala ($2-$4 USD)

Transportation in Samoa

Bus

If you’re visiting Upolu, local buses are an affordable and convenient way to travel around the island. They depart from Apia and operate throughout the day, but be aware that some services to places like Lalomanu may stop as early as mid-day. 

On Sundays, only one service runs from Apia to the ferry terminal and back. 

Busses are budget-friendly transportation with fares starting from 1.50 Tala (traveling locally), 4.50 Tala to the airport, and up to 7.50 Tala to get to Lalomanu. Aside from some major bus terminals, there aren’t any specific bus stops. You’ll need to flag down the bus to catch a ride. And you pay your fare as you exit the bus.

Taxi

Taxis are an affordable option in Apia, with local travel costing only 5 Tala. 

Bicycles

I love biking in Samoa. I recommend it—but with a caution: don’t exercise in the heat if you’re not acclimated. You’ll get dehydrated fast! The island is mostly flat—you can ride to lots of beaches, swimming holes, and other natural attractions.

Ferry

There are two ferries between Savai’i and Upolu which leave several times a day – but with a limited service on Sunday. The one-way ferry ride from one island to another typically lasts around an hour.

Check out the visitor center in Apia for an up-to-date schedule, as ferry times can vary. At only 12 Tala per person, the ferry is a fantastic budget-friendly travel option.

Car Hire

Several car companies offer super affordable rates. You can rent a car for as little as 90 Tala per day for weekly rentals or 120 Tala per day for daily rentals. 

Moto/ Scooter Rentals

Scooter rentals in Upolu or Savai’i will set you back about 60 Tala daily. They’re great fun.

Catching a Ride

If you’re standing on the road, don’t be surprised if locals slow down, ask if you’re headed in the same direction, and offer you a ride. If you take advantage of their offer, be sure to offer to pay the driver (but don’t be surprised if they decline your offer).

Accommodations In Samoa

If you want a unique experience when visiting Samoa, I highly recommend staying in beach fales. These charming open-air bungalows offer stunning ocean views and are a typical form of accommodation on the islands. While waking up to the sound of waves is an unforgettable experience, it’s not for everyone, particularly during heavy rain. Many fales offer tarps for visitor use.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, there are closed fales (bungalows with walls), hotels, and resorts. But, I can’t stress the value of staying in a Fale if you want to really experience the island at its best. 

Most beach fales include breakfast and dinner in their prices, making them an affordable and convenient choice.

Depending on your preference, accommodations in Samoa range from budget to luxury.

Budget Accommodations In Samoa

If you’re on a budget, the Insel Fehmarn Hotel in Apia and Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu are good choices. 

Taufua Beach Fales offers an added bonus of an incredible Sunday Umu weekend lunch feast. Highly recommend!

Other wallet-friendly options include,

• Falealupo Beach Fales in Falealupo, Savai’i. Reasonably priced and includes breakfast and dinner.
• Lauiula Beach Fales in Lano, Savai’i. Reasonably priced and includes breakfast and dinner.
• Namua Island Beach Fales. Perfect for a beach getaway on a small private island. Transfers, breakfast, and dinner are included in the price.
• Sina Hotel in Apia. Comfortable and affordable lodging in a convenient location near the town center.
• Tailua Beach Fales in Manase, Savai’i. Reasonably priced and includes breakfast and dinner.
• Tanu Beach Fales in Cape Fatuosofia, Savai’i. Charming beachfront bungalows, with breakfast and dinner, served in a communal dining area.

Samoa Luxury Accommodations

If you’re seeking a more luxurious stay in Samoa, visiting any of these resorts is sure to please. 

Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa offers Samoa’s only over-water Fales on Upolu’s southern coast. Waking up to the sound of waves here is something you have to experience to believe.

Sheraton Samoa Beach has 133 lovely suites that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding seas. The resort’s Fia Fia Cultural show is a great way to experience traditional Samoan culture. The beachfront restaurants and bars are ideal for sipping a tropical cocktail or just enjoying the sunset.

Sinalei Reef Resort offers quick access to the renowned surf breaks on the south coast of Upolu. It’s a hideaway offering a super-relaxed atmosphere in the middle of a fragrant coconut palm forest.

Safety in Samoa

Samoa is a safe country for travel, but no place is 100% perfect. So, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your belongings. Although there have been a few theft incidents, there are generally no major safety concerns. 

Samoa has a population of wild dogs (not pets). Because wild animals can behave aggressively, carrying a small stick when walking, running or driving a scooter is recommended to avoid any potential danger.

Samoa Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit on Upolu Island

• To-Sua Ocean Trench: 20 Tala. A stunning natural wonder, which is better for swimming and jumping during high tide. Note: Swimming through the cave to the beach is only safe during low tide.

• Lalomanu Beach: A beautiful and easily reachable beach from Apia. One of the best in Samoa and South Pacific. Stay in one of the local beach fales, or visit for the day!

• Fuipisia Waterfall: 10 Tala. Among the most picturesque waterfalls in Samoa.

• Namua Island: 40 Tala for a day trip or 120 Tala overnight. A private island paradise with a dramatic and rocky coastline, ideal for a getaway. Includes breakfast, dinner, and boat transfers.

• Sopo’aga Falls. A stunning waterfall, only a short walk from the car park. 5 Tala

• Togitogiga Falls. Experience an exhilarating 16-foot jump into the swimming hole below the falls. It’s all free!

• Apia Cultural Village. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:30 am, Apia Cultural Village (also known as The Apia Cultural Center) holds a complimentary cultural show and lunch. Local artisans and workers demonstrate their traditional skills. This is very different from most tourist attractions. The demonstrations are authentic, as they are performed in the village daily. A standout feature of the show is the traditional tatau (tattoo). It’s technically free. However, guests are encouraged to donate to support the village’s local artisans.

• Marketi Fou. Check out local produce, local art and homeware handcrafted by islanders, including kava bowls and lava lavas (traditional Polynesian skirts).

• Robert “Tusitala” Louis Stevenson, one of the world’s most loved adventure authors, spent the final five years of his life in Samoa. Enjoy a guided tour of his home. Many of his authentic personal belongings are on display. 

• Falealupo Rainforest Preserve. Walk through the treetops on the 10-meter wooden Falealupo Canopy Walk. Yes, the bridge will wobble, but you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views and the opportunity to greet a magical 230-year-old banyan tree. 

Other Recommended Places to Visit

• Apia fish market is best seen early in the morning
• Apia fish market
• Papapapaitai Falls (free)
• Papase’ea Sliding Rock (5 Tala)
• Giant Clam Observatory (10 Tala)
• Cape Nouato’i Coastal walk
• Manono Island
• Piula Cave Pool (5 Tala)

Samoa Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit on Savai’i Island

Samoa’s large, rugged island of Savi’i has a pristine and untouched coastline and small villages brimming with natural beauty. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the island trail. 

Afu Aau Falls

You can enjoy the natural beauty of Savai’i and cool off on hot afternoons at the Afu Aau Falls near Vailoa village! The falls are nestled in lush jungle surroundings and offer an unforgettable swimming experience. It’s located just over half a mile off the main road. Cost 5 Tala.

Alofaaga Blowholes

Close to Taga village in Samoa, you’ll find the magnificent rock formations and intricate lava tubes of the Alofaaga Blowholes. Awe-inspiring in every way, this area boasts the world’s largest blowholes, where water surges up to 100 feet high. To be truly amazed, visit during mid or high tide. Admission is just 5 Tala.

Saleaula Lava Fields and the Lava Church

You know I love me some lava fields, and the Saleula Lava Fields are no exception. 

Explore the lava field and church of a historic Samoan village directly affected by the 1905 eruption of Mt Matavanu. Cost 5 Tala. 

Manase Beach

Manase Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Savai’i, with six beach resorts dotting the coastline. My personal favorite, Tailua Beach Fales, has direct beach access in front with genuinely breathtaking views.

Falealupo Beach

Falupo, on the western end of Savai’i, is one of the best beaches on the island. Its turquoise waters and pristine white sands make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Go snorkeling. You’ll love it. 

Satuiatua Beach (Go Snorkeling)

Satuiatua Beach Resort is picturesque and has a breathtaking coral reef in its marine reserve. It’s perfect for snorkeling. Yes, I know. I’m obsessing, but no blog can truly capture the beauty you’ll experience here. (Satuiatua Beach Resort has some of the best snorkeling in the world.) And the open-air fale-style guest rooms, fantastic food, and a massive banyan tree—complete with a treehouse and swing—will thrill the kid in you who used to dream of paradise.

To read more about important landmarks in Samoa, read

103 Fun + Interesting Facts About Samoa

Should You Visit Samoa?