The Guide to Apia & Upolu Nightlife + 5 Things to Do on Upolu at Night 🌟

© Samoa Tourism Authority

Drinking and Nightlife in Apia

It probably comes as no surprise that Samoa’s capital, Apia, has the biggest night scene in Upolu. There are a number of vibes to be found in its bustling streets, from relaxed cocktail lounges in its hotels and resorts to clubs with live DJ sets and beer served in towers. Why not?!

The Best Bars and Nightclubs in Apia

Easily one of the most popular bars/nightclubs in Apia looms over “the edge” of the Apia Marina, The Edge Marina (Beach Road) boasts three different bar areas to choose from, including the NXT Nightclub with local DJs and deck parties from 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Alternatively (or, ya know, additionally), head downtown to the RoSA Nightclub (Milinuu Road) for late-night antics and partying into the wee hours.

The older crowd can be found Club-75 (Mulinuu Road), while the expats and tourists with more disposable income than sense are located in the foreign-passport-only establishment, the Whitesands Casino (Beach Road).

Finally, a mixed crowd awaits at the Apia Harbour’s casual bar Cocktails on the Rocks (Beach Road), including gossiping expats and friendly locals. There are live DJ sets and themed nights just about every night of the week. If you want more the local vibe, however, head down to JP Sports Bar (Moamoa Road) in Vaimea.

The Resort and Hotel Bars in Apia

For a more “sophisticated” establishment to meet, Manu Bar (Taumeasina Road) is Taumeasina Island Resort‘s stylish wine bar located in the resort’s lobby. Sink into the lounge seating with a cocktail, beer or wine in hand or perhaps with some light snacks to see you through the evening’s conversations.

We also like the 1905 Bar (Milinuu Road) of the Lava Hotel for its extensive drinks menu, including gorgeously presented cocktails, smoothies and mocktails. Nearby is also the Deck Bar (Milinuu Road) of the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel boasting very reasonable cocktail specials.

Restaurants with Good Bars in Apia

Right at the far end of the Mulinuu Peninsula is Sails Bar & Restaurant (Milinuu Road) with its prime position for lagoon views while you sip on your favourite bevvy. While the establishment is primarily a restaurant, it’s worth the venture for sundowner cocktails simply for the best sunset views in the Apia.

With a huge wine selection, spirits and liqueurs list, local and international beers and blended and non-blended cocktails, Kokobanana Bar & Grill (between Ififi Street and Cross Island Road) is another fantastic option for finding your favourite drink in Apia.

Find out more about our favourite bars and clubs, including their happy hours, in the 10 Best Bars in Apia.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Drinking and Nightlife Around the Rest of Upolu

There’s much more to Samoa’s most populated island than its capital city. If you’re looking for a more laidback bar experience, perhaps while sinking your toes in the sand or by the pool of an upmarket resort, then the rest of Upolu’s bars are likely just the ticket.

The Best Beach Bars on Upolu

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. Vailula Beach Fales‘ Bar & Cafe (Tafatafa Beach) is a popular choice! The beach bar with hammocks and picnic tables scatted between a shady deck and the sands serves a range of cocktails, local beers and soft drinks. Similarly, the Ocean Club Bar (Maninoa Beach) of Ocean Club Maninoa has your 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.

The popular stretch of Lalomanu and Saleapaga has beach bars at just about every beach fale accommodation along its white sands. Anita’s Bar & Restaurant (Lalomanu) provides sociability, soothing solutions and shade, as well as the beach fales accommodating day visitors and the bungalows of Anita’s Beach Bungalows if you wish to stay overnight. Just down the road is the bar of Faofao Beach Fales (Saleapaga) teetering on high stilts and pouring local beer, cocktails smoothies and coffees.

The Best Resort Bars on Upolu

One of Upolu’s most luxurious resorts, Uncle Harry’s Bar (Maninoa) 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. Nearby at the centre of Coconut’s Beach Club Resort & Spa‘s large open dining fale and restaurant, Sieni’s Three Stool Bar (Maninoa) is another fantastic option for resort patrons and day trippers to enjoy a refreshing drink by the lagoon.

Head further afield to Upolu’s southwest coast and you’ll find the Rock Pool Bar (Lefaga) aptly named for its position on the rocky shores. The bar of the Return to Paradise Resort is right by Samoa’s famous beach featured in a 1950s Hollywood movie and serves a range of beer, wine and cocktails to sip on while you enjoy the scenery.

Get deeper into the details of each of the island’s bars in the 10 Best Bars on Upolu.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Apia and Upolu Fiafia Nights

The main form of “nightlife” in Apia and Upolu is the delightfully Samoan fiafia night. “Fiafia” means “happy” in Samoan, which follows an equation that can’t help but put a smile on the faces of locals and visitors alike.

Many will start with an ‘ava (kava) welcoming ceremony before guests are treated to a buffet of Samoan staples and international favourites. Once your stomach is gleeful, the show can get underway with cultural Pacifika dancing and, usually the highlight of the show, siva afi which is Samoa’s very own knife fire-dancing in the homeland where Polynesian fire dancing originated!

Fiafia Nights in Apia

There is no lack of fiafia nights in Samoa’s capital, between restaurants hosting their own Polynesian shows, such as at the Sails Restaurant & Bar (Mulinuu Road) and popular resorts like Taumeasina Island Resort (Taumeasina Road) with weekend fiafia entertainment. We highly recommend Le Manumea Hotel‘s fiafia night with a range of Pacifika dancing and a finale of a spectacular siva afi performance.

Fiafia Nights on Upolu

Around Upolu, fiafia nights mainly take place in resorts. Samoa Tradition Resort does a unique fiafia going through various styles of dancing across the South Pacific. Meanwhile, Return to Paradise (Lefaga) has two exciting evenings of entertainment each week with their award-winning string band and traditional fiafia night.

There are plenty more fiafia nights to choose from throughout the islands, so check them out over in the 10 Best Cultural Shows (Fiafia) in Samoa.