Itinerary Overview

Days D1–D4 on Upolu Island (arrive/depart via Apia) → Days D5–D7 on Savai’i Island, round-trip via the Mulifanua—Salelologa ferry (around 70 minutes, note: no service on Sundays).

D1 Apia

Take a taxi from Faleolo Airport into town. Stroll along Beach Road in the afternoon, visit the fish market and handicrafts market, then head up Mount Vaea in the evening for views of Apia at night. Dinner: try Oka, a raw fish salad.

D2 Waterfalls and Trenches on the South Coast

Jump into the layered pools at Papase’ea Sliding Rocks → descend via ladder into the To Sua Ocean Trench → arrive at Falealupo Beach in the evening and check in at Falealupo Lodge to watch the South Pacific sunset.

D3 Lalofofo and Cape East

Enjoy a private white-sand beach in the early morning, go snorkeling in the morning; on the way back to Apia, pass through Samoa’s easternmost village and lagoon, with an optional stop at Piula Cave Pool for a refreshing dip.

D4 Vailima and Mountain Trails

Visit the Vailima Museum, the former home of Robert Louis Stevenson, in the morning. In the afternoon, hike up Mount Vaea, where he is buried, for panoramic views of Apia. Evening: catch a fire knife dance performance.

D5 Ferry to Savai’i

Catch the early morning ferry to Salelologa, then rent a car to explore the island: first head to the north coast town of Safotu, and in the afternoon visit the Afu Aau Waterfalls to see waves crashing coconuts into the air.

D6 Lava Fields and Rainforest

Explore the ruins of the church at Saleaula Lava Field → walk rainforest trails and visit waterfalls → in the afternoon, swim with turtles at Tafua Beach, then return to Safotu in the evening.

D7 Return

Take the morning ferry back to Upolu, then head straight to the airport or Apia. If your flight is in the evening, you can do some last-minute shopping in Apia.

Tips

• Always double-check ferry schedules and the Sunday suspension rule in advance — avoid returning on a Sunday.
• Road conditions on Savai’i are generally rough; renting a 4WD is safer.
• Beach fales often include two meals — confirm the menu and shower facilities before booking.
• Outer reef boat trips are charged by the hour; negotiating a full-day rate is more cost-effective and usually includes life jackets and snorkeling gear.
• Carry rain gear and waterproof bags — experiencing two types of weather in a single day on the reef is common.