Our Top Picks for the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Samoa [2026]

Last Updated: 18 April, 2025

Are There Backpacker Hostels in Samoa?

Kind of. The accommodations in Samoa with shared dormitory rooms are not exactly labelled “hostels”, while the one accommodation that is labelled “backpackers” does not have any dorms… Confusing, right?

Another caveat to the whole hostel thing in Samoa is that rates are not as dirt-cheap as you might expect. But hey, you’re in one of the most stunning island nations in the world and hosts often go above and beyond any other backpacker accommodation you might be used to on your travels.

For example, traditional Samoan breakfasts and even dinners are often included in your stay. Check out what backpacker hostels in Samoa look like in this guide.

Plus, scroll to the bottom of the list to see an awesome backpacker accommodation alternative!

For more backpacking tips, be sure to also check out The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Samoa.

Just a heads up: Our insights are based on seasoned travel writers who have either stayed at or visited these spots. Check out the bottom of the page to find out more about us!

Backpacker Accommodation in Samoa: Compare and Book!

🏨 Accommodation	🌟 Highlights	💰 Price Category
Olivia’s Accommodation	Family-operated budget accommodation with a young, social vibe, tropical breakfast, and a garden lounge.	$
Anita’s Beach Bungalows	Beachfront accommodation with dorms, shared bathrooms, and included breakfast and dinner.	$
Transit Motel	Conveniently located near the airport and ferry, offering shuttles, private rooms, and an outdoor pool.	$

1. Olivia’s Accommodation

Perfect for backpackers, Olivia’s Accommodation offers a unique and comfortable stay on the outskirts of Apia. This family-operated budget accommodation instantly makes you feel at home with its welcoming atmosphere.

The accommodation features room layouts that include a double bed and two single beds.

All rooms come with air conditioning, hot water, and private bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay. The clean and cosy beds provide a restful night’s sleep after a day of exploring.

Mingle with fellow travellers in the courtyard communal area, where you can swap stories and tips about your Samoan adventures. When you’re not out sightseeing, relax in the outdoor garden lounge or read a book in a hammock.

See more stays like this in the 25 Best Budget Accommodations in Samoa.

Book Olivia’s Accommodation:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Samoa [2025]

2. Anita’s Beach Bungalows

On the popular sandy stretch of Lalomanu on Upolu, Anita’s Beach Bungalows not only offers beach fales (more on that later) but one of their rooms is a shared dormitory.

Whether you stay in one of the fales or dorm with shared bathroom facilities or opt to upgrade to an ensuite room, a homely Samoan breakfast and dinner are included in the price, served in Anita’s Bar & Restaurant, which also has a Samoan food menu and serves all your favourite Samoan drinks.

Book Anita’s Beach Bungalows:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Samoa ???? [2023]

3. Transit Motel

Offering perhaps one of the most convenient backpacker accommodations in Samoa, Transit Motel is your go-to when you need a place to stay between flights or taking the ferry.

Located moments away from Faleolo International Airport and Mulifanua Wharf, Transit Motel not only offers shuttles to these transport connections but also a selection of fan and air-conditioned rooms, including affordable single rooms for backpackers. Although, from what we’ve seen, the motel no longer has dorms, the rooms are obviously basic but comfortable enough. What’s more, there’s a restaurant on-site providing an easy option to replenish.

In true South Seas style, the accommodation also has an outdoor pool.

For more motels, which provide more backpacker-style stays but with private rooms, take a look at the 10 Best Motels in Samoa.

Book Transit Motel :

4. Beach Fales: The Ultimate Backpacker Accommodation in Samoa!

Finally, we can’t talk about backpacker accommodation in Samoa and not mention beach fales.

Although not as cheap as a dorm bed in other parts of the world, beach fales provide some of the best-value stays on the islands with rates of ST$70-$100 a night for a beach fale, as well as a substantial breakfast and dinner.

Cheaper rates are available without the food included, but we recommend the food option as alternative dining is challenging, especially where Samoa’s beach fales are located.

Find out more about staying in beach fales in our Essential Tips for Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa and check out some of our top recommendations in the 20 Best Beach Fale Accommodations in Samoa.

Alternative Backpacker Hostels in Samoa

That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Samoa, which might be shorter than you anticipated. But no worries! There are some great hostel alternatives across Samoa, which you can learn more about in the following guides:

Finally, if you still haven’t found your place in paradise, start from scratch with Where to Stay in Samoa: The 50 Best Accommodations in Samoa.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Robini) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Samoa Tourism Authority, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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