Where to Watch the Sunset in Samoa
Nothing beats a striking sunset across the Pacific Ocean, whether it’s dappled with dramatic cloud formations or alive with vibrant hues. Samoa offers some stellar locations to watch the sunset, from the spiritual sites of Savai’i to the sublime beaches of Upolu. We go over the top Samoa sunset spots in this list, including places to watch the sunset on the lesser-known islands.
For general sunset times throughout the year, check out our weather articles by month. And if you’re an early bird, how about the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Samoa too?
1. Cape Mulinuu
Luckily for sunset chasers, the westernmost tip of Samoa also just happens to be a glorious environment with its white-sand beach and rock pools. After venturing down an attractive coconut-lined dirt road in a remote corner of Savai’i, you’ll arrive at Cape Mulinuu. This is a sacred place where, according to Samoan legend, spirits are said to depart to the afterlife. While you’re waiting for the sunset, check out the ancient star mound, a cave and a historical well situated just across the road (learn more in the 15 Best Historical Sites in Samoa). If there’s a guide around, pay your entry fees and they can share the legends of the site. Otherwise, an interpretation panel stands at the entrance.
Location: Falealupo Road, approximately 2.2 km (1.4 mi) south of Falealupo Beach on the northwest coast of Savai’i.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com2. Lefaga
On the southwestern shores of Samoa’s main island, Upolu, Lefaga enjoys glorious sunsets and plenty of accommodations to make the most of them. Return to Paradise Resort with its iconic beach and rock pools is a good go-to, boasting a waterfront bar to couple your sunset viewings with a cocktail. The low-key Faimafili Village Resort is also another excellent sunset-viewing accommodation in the area.
Location: The coast between Falease’ela and Matautu villages, northwest coast of Upolu.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com3. Manono Island
The only formal accommodation on the island being called “Sunset View Fales” isn’t just a gimmick. This small island just off the west coast of Upolu revels in unobstructed views at dusk! After a boat or kayak journey across the lagoon then walking from village to village on the charming traditional Manono, kick back at the west-facing Sunset View Fales for a day-end show to remember.
Location: Manono, accessible from Manono-uta village on the west coast of Upolu. Find out more about getting to the island in The Travel Guide to Manono.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com4. Manase
Not only is Manase one of the most popular places to stay on the lesser-visited island of Savai’i, but it also boasts one of the best places in Samoa to watch the sunset. Dine at one of the beach fales or the resort, Stevensons at Manase, and enjoy the view of vivid reflections across the placid lagoon, likely with the sight of a turtle or two breaking the surface – see the 10 Best Places to See Turtles in Samoa for more about our reptilian friends.
Location: Manase, North Coast Road, northeast coast of Savai’i.
© Samoa Tourism Authority5. Lalomanu
Despite being tucked away on the southeast coast of Upolu, Lalomanu is lucky enough to have fantastic sunrises and sunsets! The white sandy shore lined with beach fales is often described as one of Samoa’s best beaches, and the amazing sunsets are just another aspect that meets the criteria. Check out more sunrise locations in the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Samoa.
Location: Lalomanu, Main South Coast Road, southeast coast of Upolu.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com6. Fagamalo
Another stellar sunset location on Savai’i, Fagamalo village is blessed with a stunning west-facing beach backed by a couple of irresistible resorts. Le Lagoto Resort is often described as one of the most romantic beaches on Savai’i, and it’s no wonder with sunsets like this! The family-friendly Savaii Lagoon Resort just next door also benefits from amazing views at dusk.
Location: Fagamalo, North Coast Road, northeast coast of Savai’i.
© Samoa Tourism Authority7. Apia Harbour
Even the “rat race” of the capital has some beautiful sunsets to behold. The calm waters of the Apia Harbour make a fantastic location to watch the sunset in Samoa, whether it’s from the deck of The Edge Marina Bar or before a fiafia night at Sails Restaurant & Bar. Learn more about these establishments in The Guide to Apia & Upolu Nightlife.
Location: The Edge – Beach Road, Matautu-tai, Apia. Sails – Mulinuu Road, Mulinuu Peninsula, Apia.
© Samoa Tourism Authority8. Satuiatua
Located on the aptly named “Sunset Coast”, Satuiatua is a tiny village and beach on Savai’i with just about the only place to stay on this coast. With that, those staying at the beach fales of the Satuiatua Beach Resort are treated to a perspective very few visitors get to experience.
Location: Satuiatua, Main South Coast Road, southwest coast of Savai’i.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com9. Namu’a Island
From this tiny uninhabited island where you can stay the night in a beach fale, the sunset evokes a special feeling. As you gaze across the lagoon from Namu’a Island to the island of Upolu, you truly feel away from the world. Namu’a Island Beach Fales gives you the unique opportunity to stay on this island overnight, which you can learn more about in The Complete Travel Guide to the Aleipata Islands.
Location: Namu’a, off the coast of Mutiatele village along the east coast of Upolu. See the link above for ways to get there.
© Samoa Tourism Authority10. From a Sunset Cruise
Get out onto the water for unobstructed views of the day’s final light and the mesmerising colours that come with it on a sunset cruise. Le Vasa Resort, based on the favourable west coast of Upolu, launches private sunset cruises from their jetty, allowing you to bask in the amazing sunset while cruising around Manono Island. What’s more, a couple of beverages per person are also included in the 1h30min tour.
Location: Apolima-uta village, Main West Coast Road, west coast of Upolu.
© Samoa Tourism AuthorityMore About the Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Samoa
That’s it for our top recommendations for places to watch the sunset in Samoa. For more picturesque sights, why not check out our other top 10 lists?
- Sightseeing in Samoa: Top 10 Sights in Samoa
- The Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa
- Where to Take Pictures in Samoa: 10 Best Photography Spots
Finally, add more to the bucket list from our ultimate list of the 101 Best Things to Do 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 [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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