Upolu Western Samoa - Read Howard Hillman's authoritative tips

Upolu

Travel tips you can trust

Why Upolu
in Western Samoa
is special

Upolu is the scenic jewel of the Samoan Islands. It has jagged volcanic mountain peaks and a beautiful coral-reef lined coastline.

Upolu
tips and insights

Upolu's top attractions

Lalomanu

Upolu's most popular resort area has white-sand beaches and see-through, shallow turquoise lagoons for swimming, splashing and snorkeling. Lalomanu offers a wide range of accommodations and dining options.

Exploring the island

Drive along the island circling road and you usually see stunning beaches, sleepy lagoons edged with coral reefs, and rugged mountain landscapes covered in tropical foliage. Sometimes you pass through rainforests where you can view within short hikes magnificent vistas like Sopoaga Falls (see photo).

Off-shore islands

Very near Upolu are the islands of Manono and Aleipata. Manono Island has over-water bungalows and interesting fishing villages. The Aleipata Islands are treasured for their isolation and pristine beaches.

Surfing

Siumu on Upolu's south coast draws world-class surfers to challenge barreling waves from mid-July to mid-August.

Stevenson Museum

The famous Treasure Island author lived his final years in his plantation home, Vailima. It's now a tribute museum showcasing historic memorabilia. You can take a guided tour. Robert Louis Stevenson's final resting place is up the hill.