Samoa for Families: beaches, waterfalls and fa'a Samoa culture
Nine family days in Samoa — from the waterfalls of Upolu and the To Sua Trench beach to the blowholes of Savai'i and the fa'a Samoa culture — in the Pacific's most authentic, family-welcoming islands.
Description
This family itinerary covers Samoa's two main islands in nine days. Samoa is the South Pacific's most authentic country, where fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way of life) stays alive in the villages, the Sunday church services and the kava ceremonies. Upolu — the main island — holds the capital Apia with its Maketi Fou market, but the magic is in the south: To Sua Ocean Trench, a 30-meter volcanic hole joined to the ocean by an underwater tunnel, with a wooden ladder leading down to turquoise swimming. The Togitogiga Falls and the natural Piula Cave Pool are perfect for children. Savai'i — the largest island of Polynesia — offers the Alofaaga Blowholes, where the sea slams lava tubes and creates 30-meter geysers, the rainforest of the Falealupo Reserve with its canopy walkway, and the volcanic black-sand beaches of Manase. Sundowners in the fales (open-sided cabins) facing the sea round off the experience.
Health & safety
- Samoa has no dangerous land animals
- Mosquitoes transmit dengue in the rainy season (November-April); use DEET repellent
- Tap water is generally drinkable in Apia but not in remote villages — drink bottled water
- Healthcare in Apia is of acceptable standard; on Savai'i it is limited
- Fire coral stings: use water shoes and a rash guard
- The tropical sun is extreme on children's skin — apply SPF50 every 2 hours
Day-by-day itinerary
Apia: market and museum
Apia, Samoa
Apia: market and museum
Samoan capital and the Museum of Samoa.
Maketi Fou: Apia's market
Culture2hMuseum of Samoa and Robert Louis Stevenson
Culture2hSouthern Upolu: To Sua Ocean Trench
Southern Upolu, Samoa
Southern Upolu: To Sua Ocean Trench
The 30-meter volcanic pool joined to the ocean.
To Sua Ocean Trench: swim and ladder
Nature3hSinaloa beach and relaxation
Rest2hUpolu: waterfalls and Piula Cave
Upolu, Samoa
Upolu: waterfalls and Piula Cave
Togitogiga Falls and the Piula cave pool.
Togitogiga Waterfall and its natural pool
Nature3hPiula Cave Pool
Nature2hUpolu: fa'a Samoa culture
Upolu, Samoa
Upolu: fa'a Samoa culture
Traditional village and the kava ceremony.
Fa'a Samoa village: kava ceremony
Culture3hSunday church service in the village
Culture2hFerry to Savai'i and the blowholes
Savai'i, Samoa
Ferry to Savai'i and the blowholes
Island ferry and marine lava geysers.
Ferry to Savai'i across the Apolima Strait
Nature1.5hAlofaaga Blowholes
Nature2hSavai'i: jungle and canopy walk
Savai'i, Samoa
Savai'i: jungle and canopy walk
The Falealupo Reserve with its treetop walkway.
Falealupo Rainforest Preserve canopy walk
Nature2.5hManase black-sand beach
Rest3hSavai'i: crater and turtles
Savai'i, Samoa
Savai'i: crater and turtles
The Matavanu crater and swimming with turtles.
Matavanu Crater — Samoa's last eruption (1905-1911)
Nature2hSatoalepai Turtle Conservation
Nature2hSavai'i: Taga and the return
Savai'i, Samoa
Savai'i: Taga and the return
Taga waterfalls and the ferry back.
Afua Aanu Waterfall and Taga
Nature2hFerry back to Upolu
Rest1.5hApia: farewell and the return
Apia, Samoa
Apia: farewell and the return
Last shopping and the flight home.
Apia souvenir market
Culture1.5hReturn flight
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