Upolu - tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

Upolu

travel wonder in Western Samoa in Polynesia

Why Upolu
in Western Samoa
is special

Upolu (pronounced oo-poh-loo) is the scenic jewel of the Samoan Islands. It has jagged volcanic mountain peaks and a beautiful coral-reef lined coastline.

Tips & insights

on Upolu

There are two politically distinct Samoas: American Samoa and Western Samoa. The latter more interesting to travelers.

Western Samoa has two major islands: Savai'i and Upulo. The latter is more appealing to travelers.

Upolu's top attractions include:

Lalomanu - Upolu's most popular resort area has white-sand beaches and see-through, shallow turquoise lagoons for swimming, splashing and snorkeling. Lalomanu offers a wide range of accommodations and dining options.

Exploring the island - Drive along the island circling road and you usually see stunning beaches, sleepy lagoons edged with coral reefs, and rugged mountain landscapes covered in tropical foliage. Sometimes you pass through rainforests where you can view within short hikes magnificent vistas like Sopoaga Falls (see photo).

Off-shore islands - Very near Upolu are the islands of Manono and Aleipata. Manono Island has over-water bungalows and interesting fishing villages. The Aleipata Islands are treasured for their isolation and pristine beaches.

Surfing - Siumu on Upolu's south coast draws world-class surfers to challenge barreling waves from mid-July to mid-August.

Stevenson Museum - The famous Treasure Island author lived his final years in his plantation home, Vailima. It's now a tribute museum showcasing historic memorabilia. You can take a guided tour. Robert Louis Stevenson's final resting place is up the hill.

The driest and best overall visiting season is May to September. The core rainy season runs from November to March.

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