The Travel Guide to Manono: Things to Do, How to Get There & More 🏝️

How to Get to Manono

Manono island is just a 4-km (2.4-mi) journey from the boat landing in Manono-uta village on the west coast of Upolu. It takes approximately 20 minutes to take a boat to the island, of which all of your options include small boats. It’s recommended to take some seasickness remedies before you depart.

Boat Transfer to Manono

The simple and cheap way to get to Manono is to catch a boat from Manono-uta village located on the western side of Upolu. The boat landing is next to Le Vasa Resort.

Boats don’t run on any sort of schedule, so just show up at the boat landing and ask the operator on-site when the next departure is. There are usually several morning departures and a late-afternoon departure, while afternoon departures are arranged according to passenger interest. Expect a trip to cost anywhere between ST$5 if you’re sharing a passenger boat with plenty of people to around ST$50 to charter a boat.

Day Trips to Manono

If you’re on a more limited schedule, guided day tours to Manono are available with boat transfers included. Check out the “Day Tours to Manono Island” section below for more information on operators.

Accommodation Transfers

If you book a stay with Manono’s commercial accommodation operator, Sunset View Fales, boat transfers from Manono-uta are included in the price and will be arranged upon booking. See the “Where to Stay on Manono” section below to learn more about the accommodation.

Where to Stay on Manono

It is possible to stay on Manono for the night (or two, or three…) thanks to the island’s commercial accommodation, which still provides a truly local experience with lodging and all food included.

Although the accommodation here is not like your typical fale on the beach, the hospitality is similar, so check out our Essential Tips for Staying in a Beach Fale in Samoa for some advice that also applies to Manono.

Sunset View Fales

Nestled in hillside tropical gardens are the nine colourful yet rustic accommodation units of Sunset View Fales connected by a winding garden pathway. All of the fully enclosed fales face the ocean with views of Upolu.

Five of the units can accommodate up to two guests, while the other four are elevated on the hill and have a double and single bed each. They also have an outdoor verandah with furniture to sit and enjoy the views. Only some fales have a private bathroom; otherwise, the rest use a shared bathroom.

Note that rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Things to Do on Manono

Much of what Manono has to offer is along the well-maintained walking trail around the island. Anything else can be accessed by boat through accommodation and tour operators.

10 Best Things to Do on Manono

1.  Walk around the island
2. Check out the Grave of 99 Stones
3. Hike up Mt Tulimanuiva to see the ancient star mound and grave of Afutiti
4. Snorkel at Aggie’s Reef
5. Immerse in the local culture through a tour or simply by engaging with the locals
6. Take a day trip to Nu’ulopa Island
7. Listen to the choir at a Sunday church service
8. Have a swim off the beach of Apai
9. Enjoy the peace and quiet of no cars and no dogs
10. Watch the beautiful sunset!

1. Walk Around the Island

A must-do on Manono is to simple walk around the island! It takes approximately 1h30mins to circumvent the entire island following a well-established trail through the villages, lava formations and beside the beaches. A highlight is often meeting the friendly locals who are always happy to have visitors to their island, while the children like to practice their English. There are also a couple of historical sites to see along the way, as described below.

2. Grave of 99 Stones

The Grave of 99 Stones is located on the 1h30mins trail that circumvents the island. The two-tiered grave, actually translating in Samoan to “Grave of the Missing Stone”, is dedicated to the high chief Vaovasa who was killed after the unsuccessful attempt to abduct his 100th wife from Upolu. The missing stone at the centre of the formation is said to represent his missing wife. Find this site in Lepuia’i village on the south end of the island.

3. Mt Tulimanuiva and the Star Mound

One of Samoa’s fascinating ancient star mounds, the Star Mound on Manono is one of the best examples and easiest to access. Although no one knows the true purpose of these 12-pointed rocky mounds shaped like a star, it is estimated that they were built up to 1,000 years ago.

The one on Manono is located at the top of the 110 m (361 ft)-high Mt Tulimanuiva, which takes about 1h30mins to 2 hours-return to hike to. At the site, you’ll also find the grave of Afutiti, who was buried standing upright so that he could “keep a watch” over the island. Learn more about hiking here in the 15 Best Walks & Hikes in Samoa.

4. Snorkelling

The snorkelling off Manono is outstanding even if some of the coral is still recovering from the 2009 tsunami. Boat trips are included with stays at Sunset View Fales taking you out to Aggie’s Reef for a chance to see turtles, rays, reef sharks and an abundance of colourful fish. You also get the opportunity to snorkel on kayaking tours with Outdoor Samoa.

5. Culture Tours

The day tours listed below are particularly good at demonstrating some of the cultural aspects of Manono, from tours of a typical Samoan home and where they cook to introducing you to villagers who are often eager to show visitors around. Those staying on the island will be treated to traditional island meals, such as an umu – food cooked in a hot-rock oven.

6. Trips to Nu’ulopa

Accommodations on the island, as well as kayaking tours with Outdoor Samoa, can take you on a trip to the neighbouring island of Nu’ulopa. Also known as “Bat Island”, the island does, indeed, have a colony of bats/flying foxes. It’s also an excellent place for a swim and a snorkel. Learn more about it in The Travel Guide to Nu’ulopa.

7. Church Choir

Whether it’s on a late Saturday afternoon during choir practice or at church during the 10 am Sunday service, listening to the melodies of the island’s locals is an experience not to be missed.

8. Apai Beach

Towards the northwest side of Manono, Apai is the village offering the best beach, should you need an excuse to cool off.

9. No Cars and No Dogs!

You won’t believe what a difference this makes until you get to Manono. Instead of vehicle sounds and being scared that you’re going to get chased by dogs down the walking trail (which is often a thing on Upolu), you can listen to the birds and the water lapping onto the shore.

10. Watch the Beautiful Sunset

Needless to say, the views from the Sunset View Fales is unmatched during sunset. With unobstructed scenery across the lagoon, either sunrise or sunset is heavenly on Manono.

Day Tours to Manono Island

Should you be on limited time, or you simply want the ease of a local guide to sort out the logistics and share their knowledge of the island, several day trips are available to Manono.

Samoa Scenic Tours

With accommodation transfers and boat transfers included, your trip to Manono couldn’t be easier than with Samoa Scenic Tours. Upon reaching the island, a host family takes you on a tour of their compound to show where traditional cooking is done and where food crops are grown, getting to sample some for yourself.

You’ll then spend the rest of the afternoon walking through the villages, stopping at a beach for your included lunch, swimming and relaxing before the transfer back to your accommodation.

The tour runs from 9:30 am until 4 pm, Monday to Saturday. Note that a minimum of two guests are required for the tour to go ahead.

Outdoor Samoa

Should you want a more active way to explore Manono, join Outdoor Samoa for a kayaking tour across the lagoon from Upolu to the island. Choose whether you want to take a kayak route completely within the reef or partially outside for a chance to see turtles along the way. Either way, it takes approximately two hours to make this exciting journey.

You can choose to either spend just a short time on the island, then paddle back and snorkel within the lagoon (or take a boat back). Alternatively, you can choose an overnight/multi-day package which means you have enough time to paddle to Nu’ulopa Island the next day.

Le Vasa Resort

With the perfect position in Manono-uta village to access the islands of the Apolima Strait, Le Vasa Resort is a worthy option for a day trip to Manono. They offer two tour options: with or without snorkelling. Without snorkelling, the tour lasts 2h30mins to 3 hours including a guided walk around the island and a picnic lunch. Alternatively, enjoy the tour described plus a snorkelling trip to make the experience last a total of 3h30mins.

Note that a minimum of two guests are required for the tour to go ahead.