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5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫
5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫

5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫

© Samoa Tourism Authority

The Best Places to See the Stars in Samoa

When night falls and the sky is clear, the universe puts on the most mesmerising show made all the clearer thanks to Samoa‘s limited light pollution. Head out on the beach or simply look up from your accommodation on a clear night and enjoy the show or, for the serious astrophotographers and amateur astronomers, head to the locations listed here in the best spots for stargazing in Samoa.

Pro tip: Time your visit between late April and late May when Samoa captures amazing views of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower.

1. Tiapapata Art Centre

Away from the city lights of Apia, elevated at 800 m (2,625 ft) above sea level on the Cross Island Road, Tiapapata Art Centre is not only in one of the best positions for stargazing in Samoa but has telescopes to make the most of it. In fact, the art centre is the only establishment in Samoa that we know of that provides telescopes for public use. Keep an eye on their Facebook Page for upcoming astronomy nights where you can learn the names and locations of planets, stars and constellations.

Location: Malololelei village along the Cross Island Road, approximately 8 km (5 mi) south of Apia (just past the Baha’i Temple).

5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫© Tiapapata Art Centre

2. Le Mafa Pass

If you’re looking for a location on Upolu to enjoy stargazing with the naked eye, we recommend Le Mafa Pass. With a high elevation and surrounding mountains blocking any light pollution for miles and miles around, this inland road on the eastern side of Upolu offers uninterrupted views of the universe, of course, when the weather is clear.

Location: Le Mafa Pass Road, east side of Upolu.

5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫© SamoaPocketGuide.com

3. Mt Matavanu

While just about anywhere on the vast yet less populated island of Savai’i offers wonderful stargazing on a clear night, hardcore astronomers better aim high, such as the volcanic summit of Mt Matavanu. One of the easiest mountains to climb in Samoa, you can either drive (20-25 minutes) or walk (2-3 hours) up the 4WD track to the summit. Go before dusk and you’ll also get the opportunity to spot flying foxes leaving the roost.

Location: Approximately 10 km (6 mi) inland from Safotu village on the road that passes through Paia. A 4WD is recommended for driving to the summit. Otherwise, guides can be hired for hiking via the Savai’i Samoa Tourism Association.

5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫© SamoaPocketGuide.com

4. Falealupo and Cape Mulinuu

For a coastal location that’s ideal for stargazing, head to the remote western tip of Savai’i to Falealupo and Cape Mulinuu. Staying at a beach fale here often reveals epic shows of the night’s sky, or stick around after watching the sunset from Samoa’s westernmost point Cape Mulinuu for something with even less light pollution. There are historical star mounds, caves and a well here to also keep you entertained as you’re waiting for the stars to come out. Find out more about these attractions in the 10 Best Historical Sites on Savai’i.

Location: Falealupo Road, on the northwest coast of Savai’i.

5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫© SamoaPocketGuide.com

5. Manono

Samoa’s third-most populated island is another viable stargazing option that’s accessible yet offers little light pollution. Wedged between Upolu and Savai’i on the Apolima Strait, Manono Island is home to an ancient star mound atop Mt Tulimauiva at 110 m (361 ft). No one knows for sure what purpose these star-shaped mounds held for Samoa’s ancestors, but the incredible view of the stars from this historical site might be no coincidence. Learn more about star mounds in 15 Best Historical Sites in Samoa, as well as about visiting Manono in The Travel Guide to Manono.

Location: Boats depart from Manono-uta and Apolima-uta villages on the west coast of Upolu. For details on how to get to Manono, see the link above.

5 Best Spots for Stargazing in Samoa 💫© Samoa Tourism Authority

More About Stargazing in Samoa

Now that you know where are the best places for stargazing in Samoa, check out these other after-dark experiences:

Finally, add more to the bucket list using the 101 Best Things to Do in Samoa: The Ultimate List. Plus, work out all the logistics of planning a Samoa getaway in The Best Samoa Travel Guide.

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:

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

Author

Laura 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.

Contact Laura via our contact page

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