10 Best Bars in Upolu 🍻 2025 - Samoa Pocket Guide

Last Updated: 9 April, 2025

The Best Beach Bars, Resort Bars and City Bars on Upolu

Whether it’s to refresh in the hot Samoan sun or to keep the holiday vibes high even after dark, the bars of Samoa‘s main island are here to do the pouring.

From dancing (or gambling, as the case may be) into the wee hours in the capital to relaxing with a local Taula or Vailima with your toes in the sand at one of the island’s remote beach bars, Upolu boasts a variety of bars around the island to suit your preferred mood.

So, find out where to have a glass of wine or those sundowner cocktails with this list of the best bars on Upolu!

Oh, and don’t forget to open The Guide to Apia & Upolu Nightlife + 5 Things to Do on Upolu at Night; your bible to all things “after dark” on this small island.

1. The Edge Marina

If you were wondering where people go to party in Samoa’s capital, this is it! Your evening and late-night entertainment are sorted at The Edge Marina with three different bars/nightclubs to choose from: the Mixology Bar, NXT Nightclub and The Deck.

Relax with a cocktail, local beer, spirits, wine or just about whatever floats your boat as you watch the, well, boats from The Edge’s deck. You can also get the best-priced cocktails in Apia during happy hour between 4 pm and 7 pm.

On Fridays and Saturdays, don’t miss the party at NXT Nightclub with local DJs and deck parties from 8 pm.

Apia has many more nightclubs, so check them out in The Guide to Apia & Upolu Nightlife + 5 Things to Do on Upolu at Night.

Location: Matautu-Tai Road, Apia (by the Apia Marina).

2. Vaiula Beach Fales’ Bar & Cafe

When looking for a beach destination for some sundowners or a refreshing local beer, check out some of Upolu’s beach fale accommodations, many of which also have their own bar.

Vaiula Beach Fales‘ Bar & Cafe is a popular choice! Lining the sands of Tafatafa Beach, the beach bar with hammocks and picnic tables scattered between a shady deck and the sands serves a range of cocktails, seven different local beers and soft drinks.

You can even sober up with a pizza, burger or toasted sandwich. Learn more about staying at one of their beach fales in the 10 Best Beach Fale Accommodations on Upolu.

Location: Note that Vaiula Beach Fales is not at Tafatafa village.

The turnoff to the beach is signposted along Main South Coast Road at the Latter-Day Saints Church in Malaemalu on the south coast.

3. Ocean Club Maninoa Bar

Another laidback beach bar, this time on the sands of Maninoa Beach, is brought to you by the beach fale accommodation, Ocean Club Maninoa.

The Ocean Club Bar not only has you Samoan staples of Taula and Vailima beer, as well as vai tipolo lemonade, but they also have spirits, wines and cocktails on the drinks menu.

For something non-alcoholic, delight in smoothies or soft drinks.

If you need refuelling, they offer a little more than the average beach fale bar with Samoan oka and taro nachos, Filipino spring rolls, chicken adobo and crispy pork trotters/knuckles or the usual burgers and fish and chips.

Learn more about visiting this beach, even if just for the day in the 10 Best Beaches on Upolu.

Location: Maninoa, signposted off Main South Coast Road between Mulivai and Si’umu villages.

4. Anita’s Bar & Restaurant

On the stands of Upolu’s most popular beach, Anita‘s provides sociability, shade and all sorts of hydrating solutions!

As well as the beach fales and bungalows of Anita’s Beach Bungalows, the accommodation and day-trip destination also has a large airy bar and restaurant, which makes for a great way to experience Lalomanu Beach that is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Expect your bevvies to come in the form of local beers, cocktails, soft drinks and smoothies. For more about the accommodations, check out the 20 Best Budget Accommodations on Upolu.

Location: Lalomanu village, along Main South Coast Road on the southeast coast.

5. Uncle Harry’s Poolside Bar – Sinalei Reef Resort

If you were looking for a more “sophisticated” establishment, somewhere you’d want to take that special someone, then head to the bar of one of Upolu’s most luxurious resorts.

Uncle Harry’s Bar is the poolside bar of Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, boasting an extensive drinks menu of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails, including their signature ginger and coconut mojito.

They also have an exclusive drinks menu for happy hour, which you can learn more about Samoa’s happy hours in The Ultimate Guide to Samoa Nightlife + Happy Hour List.

Location: Maninoa, signposted off Main South Coast Road between Mulivai and Si’umu villages.

6. Black Sands Casino

Unmissable on the Apia Harbour, mainly because it’s a multi-storey bright white building right next to the historic Aggie Grey Hotel, Black Sands Casino is Samoa’s only casino. This gambling joint is exclusively open to those 21 years and older, so don’t forget your passport or driver’s license for ID!

Inside, you’ll find gaming tables offering Poker (3 card & 5 card) and Blackjack, as well as slot machines to test your luck. Two full-licence bars keep the drinks flowing, with beer being the most popular choice (both local and international varieties are available). Feeling peckish? Don’t worry, snacks are offered on-site to keep you fuelled up for your gaming session.

Friday and Saturday nights are when the casino really comes alive, so if you’re after a buzzing atmosphere, that’s when to visit. The casino accepts AUD, NZD, USD and FJD, but keep in mind that winnings are paid out in Samoan Tala (ST).

It’s open seven days a week from 4 pm to 4 am, giving you plenty of time to try your hand at becoming Samoa’s next big winner!

Location: Beach Road, Apia (next to Aggie Grey’s Hotel).

7. Apia Yacht Club

Forget what you know about yacht clubs; the Apia Yacht Club is Samoa’s hotspot for live entertainment and waterfront dining. This vibrant venue hosts live bands and DJs, creating a buzzing atmosphere that’s perfect for those seeking a lively night out. There’s a ST$10 cover charge for the live music, but it’s well worth it for the energetic vibe.

Situated right on the harbour, the Apia Yacht Club offers a prime location for alfresco dining and drinks. We love sitting outside, soaking up the sea breeze and stunning views.

When hunger strikes, tuck into their hearty pub-style menu featuring classic favourites like burgers, fries, and fish & chips – ideal for a casual meal by the water.

For more bar options in Apia, head to the 10 Best Bars in Apia.

Location: Beach Road, Apia, north coast of Upolu. Opposite the Government Building.

8. Sieni’s Three Stool Bar – Coconut’s Beach Club

A circular bar in the centre of Coconut’s Beach Club Resort & Spa‘s large open dining fale and restaurant, Sieni’s Three Stool Bar is another fantastic option for resort patrons and day trippers to enjoy a refreshing drink by the lagoon.

The bar has grown since its original concept of the owner mixing drinks behind “three stools”, but the establishment still holds plenty of charm between its undercover fale with ambient lighting or outside with uninterrupted lagoon views from the terrace.

Location: Maninoa, signposted off Main South Coast Road between Mulivai and Si’umu villages.

9. Rock Pool Bar – Return to Paradise Resort

The bar of the Return to Paradise Resort, Rock Pool Bar is aptly named for its position on the rocky shores where watching the waves hopping across the lava rocks is almost as hypnotizing as a cocktail soothing to your head.

Right by Samoa’s famous beach featured in a 1950s Hollywood movie, the bar serves a range of beer, wine and cocktails to sip on while you enjoy the scenery.

If you don’t know what to order, check out some Samoan staples in the 10 Drinks in Samoa You Have to Try.

Location: At the southern end of Cross Island Road, take the turn-off at the Return to Paradise Beach sign and continue past Matautu village all the way to the end of the road (the last part is a rocky unsealed road). Set your GPS for the resort; not the beach.

10. Faofao Beach Fales

Teetering on high stilts on Saleapaga Beach, the bar of Faofao Beach Fales is open for day visitors and beach fale guests alike.

Feel the ocean breeze as you sip on local beers, cocktails, smoothies or even coffee and watch the beach goings-on on the sands below.

Just down the road from Lalomanu, this beach is a little underrated but no less picturesque, as listed in the 10 Best Beaches in Samoa.

Location: Saleapaga village, along Main South Coast Road on the southeast coast (just before reaching Lalomanu if coming from the west).

More Bars and Nightclubs on Upolu

That’s it for our list of best bars on Upolu. For more on Samoa’s nightlife, check out the following:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our complete Samoan bar guide, The Ultimate Guide to Samoa Nightlife.

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

Laura (Lora) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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