The Most Stunning Waterfalls in Samoa
A continuous roaring from deep within the jungle, the waterfalls in Samoa are often heard before they are seen. Then, nothing quite compares to the sight of a white cascade splitting a verdant cliff in two! Where some waterfalls have relaxing pools to bathe in, others beg for adventure with guided hikes taking you on various waterfall jumps. Discover the many waterfalls and ways to experience them in this list of the best waterfalls in Samoa!
1. Afu Aau Waterfall
One of the most stunning waterfalls and swimming holes in Samoa (and the South Pacific) awaits down a short and gorgeously maintained jungle trail on the southeast side of Savai’i. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the aqua-blue waters at the base of the 15-20 m (49-66 ft) Afu Aau Waterfall. Pay your fees at the fale just off the main road (the entry sign is easy to spot) then it’s a 650 m (711-yard) drive on a flat dirt road to the car park with a toilet block and changing room.
Location: Palauli village, signposted off the Main South Coast Road, southeast coast of Savai’i.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com2. Sopoaga Falls
Certainly one of Upolu‘s most impressive waterfalls is Sopoaga Falls. Around 32 m (105 ft) and seen surrounded by jungle-clad cliffs from a high viewpoint, the waterfall provides a majestic photo opportunity. The site with a viewing platform is also used for coconut husking demonstrations; ask at the counter (if someone’s around) if you would like to see one.
Location: North of Lotofoga village just before the junction where the Main South Coast Road turns onto Le Mafa Pass Road. Southeast coast of Upolu.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com3. Sauniatu Falls
One of the rare natural attractions in Samoa that is 100% free, Sauniatu Falls provides amazing swimming in a verdant rainforest setting beneath a 20 m (66 ft)-high waterfall. After checking out the Piula Cave Pool (see the 50 Best Things to Do on Upolu), follow the signposts inland to Sauniatu Falls on the grounds of a Latter-Day Saints compound. For more free attractions, check out the 50 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Samoa.
Location: Sauniatu village. From Lufilufi village (near Piula Cave Pool), follow the road inland approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) and over a river bridge all the way to the end. Northeast coast of Upolu.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com4. Fuipisia Falls
One of the more adventurous waterfalls in Samoa to view, Fuipisia Falls can be admired from the top of steep cliffs or even from the falling point itself before the river plunges 55 m (180 ft) deep into the jungle. Fuipisia Falls is accessed by crossing family land, so one of the family members, whether it’s a kid or an adult, will guide you to the viewpoint after paying the usual entry fee (see Samoan Etiquette: Samoa Customs & Traditions). More daring travellers might like to walk right on top of the falls and bathe in the pools before the waterfall drops. Needless to say, this should definitely be avoided if the river is full.
Location: Signposted off Le Mafa Pass Road on the eastern side of Upolu.
© Samoa Tourism Authority5. Togitogiga Waterfall
An awesome (and free) attraction in the O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park, Togitogiga Waterfall is actually a series of picturesque waterfalls that make for an idyllic swimming spot in the rainforest. There are changing rooms on-site, as well as a large recreational area to play sports or picnic. Note that the waterfall is prone to drying up if there hasn’t been enough rain, especially in the dry season.
Location: A short walk from the O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park Visitor Centre along Main South Coast Road between Sa’agafou and Saleilua villages on Upolu’s south coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com6. Papapapaitai Falls
Plunging 100 m (328 ft) into the distance rainforest, Papapapaitai Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Samoa. Available to view for free along the Cross Island Road, there’s no reason not to check it out! The waterfall is viewed from a car parking area with railings to stand behind which is, admittedly, sometimes a little overgrown. Nevertheless, the untouched jungle of the area adds to the Jurassic-like flair.
Location: Signposted along the Cross Island Road, approximately 14 km (8.7 mi) south of Apia.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com7. Papase’ea Sliding Rocks
Waterfalls with a difference, the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks are nature’s own waterslides! After walking down an anxiously high number of steps, knowing that you have to get back up them again, you’ll come across the first and biggest slide that locals call the “men’s slide”; a near verticle 5 m (16 ft) slide. Further down is the “kids’ slide”, a much less precarious slope with a little drop at the end for extra fun. Finally, at the bottom, you have the “women’s slide”. Lots of fun, lots of laughs; what’s not to love? Avoid the busiest times, which tend to be the weekends, to get optimal slide time. For more weird and wonderful attractions like this, check out the 10 Most Unique Things to Do in Samoa.
Location: Se’ese’e, Faleata District on the outskirts of Apia. The access road turns off Maugafolau Road near the University of the South Pacific campus.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com8. Mu Pagoa Waterfall
Samoa’s only waterfall that plunges into the Pacific Ocean, Mu Pagoa Waterfall offers a unique natural attraction on Savai’i. It might not be the highest waterfall but it’s still an impressive sight to see the Lata River suddenly falling into the ocean with the swell crashing against the cliffs below. This attraction is not signposted, so is therefore easy to miss – see the directions below. For more ways to experience the island, check out the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.
Location: Between Puleia and Gautavai villages on the southeast coast of Savai’i. Take the driveway/road that turns toward the coast immediately before entering the road bridge from the east side. A local should come out of one of the nearby fales to greet you.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com9. Falease’ela River Waterfalls
Don’t just gaze upon waterfalls; jump from them on an epic canyoning adventure with Lalotalie ECAT Ventures! Along a gorge with never-ending cascades of waterfalls, Lalotalie ECAT’s “Falease’ela River Walk” is an adventurous excursion where you can opt to jump from waterfalls from just a few feet to even as high as 20 m/66 ft! You’re in no way pressured to do the crazy if you prefer to swim and take in the rainforest scenery that is preserved as a conservation area. Oh, but you will get wet – soaked, in fact, so closed shoes that you don’t mind submerging in water, as well as a T-shirt and shorts that will get the same treatment, are recommended. For more wild excursions, take a look at the 10 Best Adventure Tours in Samoa.
Location: Falease’ela village in Lefaga Bay on the southwest coast of Upolu. Lalotalie ECAT Ventures’ base is beside the ford on Main South Coast Road, Upolu.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com10. Falefa Falls
Finally, if you really need more waterfalls in your life, Falefa Falls is another appealing option. Day fales and picnic tables in a riverside garden make this a picturesque place to spend the afternoon in between swimming at the base of the waterfall. Don’t miss the view from above the falls on the Falefa Bridge.
Location: Signposted off Richardson Road, Falefa village, east coast of Upolu.
© Samoa Tourism AuthorityMore About Waterfalls in Samoa
That’s it for our list of the best waterfalls in Samoa. If you’re into waterfalls, you’ll also totally dig these:
- 10 Best Swimming Spots in Samoa
- 10 Best Water Activities in Samoa
- The Top 20 Natural Wonders in Samoa
And for pretty much everything you can do in Samoa, take a look at the 101 Best Things to Do in Samoa: The Ultimate List.
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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