To Sua Trench

Featuring on almost every tourist brochure for Samoa, the To Sua Trench is an icon on the island of Upolu. Translating to English as “large swimming hole,” the trench is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. The trench itself is the result of lava tubes which forged a path through the land thousands of years ago. The brave of heart and steady of leg can descend the wooden ladder into the trench to swim in the pool below.

Piula Caves

The freshwater caves at Piula sit beneath the theological college on the north side of the island. A favourite spot with locals, there is plentiful seating for a picnic between swims in the cave pool. While the pool is chilly, it is the perfect temperature to cool off in the tropical heat. A fee of five tala per visitor is payable to the men at the entrance to the college and is put towards maintaining their school and the grounds where the caves lie.

Lalomanu Beach

Lalomanu is the picture of the idyllic tropical beach. Despite the beauty of the beach, the aftermath of the 2009 tsunami is still very visible in this area, making the now regenerated beauty of this beach even more special. Fales that line the beach can be rented for the day, or for overnight stays – a unique experience for those wanting to wake up literally on the beach.

Apia Markets

If you’re looking for local souvenirs, this is the place to go. Located at the far end of town under a collection of high-top marquees is a group of locals selling all the Samoan trinkets your heart could desire. Everything from pareu (sarongs) and jewellery to small carved fales and kava bowls grace the aisles. Don’t be afraid to wander the whole market first before going back to purchase, as you may find a similar product cheaper at a different stall. Haggling or chasing tourists for a bargain isn’t part of Samoan culture, so you’ll be able to browse at your leisure. Don’t be fooled into buying an expensive souvenir from your hotel/ resort – this is where the real bargains are!

Sopoaga Falls

Probably just as famous for its rugby-playing descendant (All Black, Lima Sopoaga) as for the falls for which his family is named, the Sopoaga Falls is a beautiful waterfall set into a cliff surrounded by tropical jungle. While you can only see these falls from afar, the far-off setting with jungle surrounds make this a beautiful spot. The falls lookout sits within a garden which showcases native Samoan plants and a traditional working kitchen. This is the perfect introduction to Samoan life for the visitor who doesn’t want a full cultural/village tour but still wants to get a feel for island life.

Samoan churches

Regardless of whether you’re religious or not, there is something truly special about stepping into a Samoan church. The vast majority of Samoan people are members of some form of religion, predominantly those deriving from Christianity, and as such, Samoans take a lot of pride in their churches. You need only wander a few hundred metres from your accommodation to see a few or take a drive through Apia to see some of the most spectacular examples. The singing that comes from the various churches on a Sunday is powerful – enough to send chills up your spine.