The Best Islands to Visit in Samoa 🏝️ [2024]

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Upolu

As the easiest island to visit in Samoa with the most accommodations and things to do, Upolu is easily the best island to visit in Samoa… For most people, and we’ll get onto that later…

Upolu is the arrival island for international flights to Samoa, but it’s also an island that would be a shame to miss if you were to hop straight onto the ferry for the next island. The island is home to some of Samoa’s most iconic natural attractions yet the capital, Apia, offers an alternative side of urban attractions with a wealth of restaurants, markets, shops and spas.

Tourist activities range from epic inland adventures on ATVs to abseiling down waterfalls and so much in between – just check out the 50 Best Things to Do on Upolu. The island also offers the widest range of places to stay in Samoa, from an adults-only resort to family-friendly hotels in the capital and, of course, beach fales scattering the sands. Have a browse of Where to Stay on Upolu: The Best Upolu Accommodations for more of an idea.

So, if you’re looking for ease, a good balance of nature and culture, variety and more upscale accommodations, and more things to do than sightseeing, choose Upolu as the island to visit in Samoa. Start your travel planning with The Complete Travel Guide to Upolu.

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Savai’i

Similar in the landscape to Upolu but a world away from the “hustle and bustle” of the main island, Savai’i is a place to immerse in the serenity and traditions of Samoa. The pace of life is a lot slower and more relaxed here, where finding yourself alone at a waterfall or beach is a fairly common occurrence.

Although the tourism industry is a lot smaller than on Upolu, there is still variety when it comes to accommodations, from the complete resort experience to the more frequent beach fales offering true local hospitality. Have a look at Where to Stay on Savai’i: The Best Savai’i Accommodations.

In terms of things to do, sightseeing at the island’s lava fields solidified through historical villages, impressive blowholes and amazing lava tubes are just some of the experiences you won’t find (easily) on other islands in Samoa. Alternative activities are lacking in comparison to Upolu, but you’ll still be able to do scuba diving, cultural demonstrations and plantation tours. Have a browse of the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i for more ideas.

All in all, if you want to get away from it all; experience stunning island beauty and an authentic slice of life in Samoa away from the crowds, then Savai’i would be the best island to visit in Samoa. Start planning your trip with The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i.

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Manono

Upolu and Savai’i are by far the most visited islands in Samoa. But the third-most inhabited island in Samoa can’t help but entice more adventurous travellers when spotted in close proximity on the Upolu-Savai’i ferry. Manono is home to approximately 800 people. It has no roads and no dogs; life here is simple, beautiful and serene.

Getting there is a simple 20-minute boat ride across a lagoon from the west coast of Upolu. You can either visit for the day, perhaps meandering around the island on its proudly-maintained footpath, or even stay overnight in some sunset-facing enclosed fales.

Discover things to do, like marvelling at ancient star mounds and the graves of Samoan legends, as well as where to stay and more in The Travel Guide to Manono.

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Namu’a

Samoa might not be famous for its smaller islands and lagoon islets like some of its South Pacific neighbours, but visitors can still get that experience in the Aleipata Lagoon to the east of Upolu, especially at Namu’a.

With almost daily boat departures (except Sunday) and only a 5-10-minute journey across the lagoon, there’s no excuse not to discover this little piece of uninhabited paradise. If you don’t see turtles on the boat journey to Namu’a, bring your snorkelling gear, because you may well see them when snorkelling among the coral off the island’s glorious beach.

Namu’a is certainly about embracing nature, whether it’s hiking through the jungle to its summit or beach combing. For a truly special experience, stay overnight in one of the beach fales.

Start planning your day trip or overnight stay using The Travel Guide to the Aleipata Islands.