Samoa: The Cradle of Polynesia

When you arrive in Samoa, you might feel as if you’ve stepped into a dream. But this is where South Pacific vacation dreams are realized. Pure natural beauty, affordable luxury, and enriching activities—it’s all here. Known as the last bastion of Polynesian culture, Samoa is blessed with year-round warm weather (average 84°F/29°C).

And with its sparkling white sandy beaches, stunning waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and vibrant gardens, it’s the perfect destination for your off-the-radar getaway—where you can truly unplug and reconnect with nature, yourself, or with the one you love. 

Referred to as “the treasured islands of the Pacific,” Samoa is made up of 10 islands offering distinct and varied environments to explore and is generally untouched by Westernization. Blissfully remote, it’s located just two and a half hours from Fiji or six hours from Hawaii on Fiji Airways and four hours from New Zealand on Air New Zealand.

Samoa is brimming with a unique culture that’s 3,000 years in the making. Get to know Fa’a Samoa—the Samoan Way—which has an emphasis on family, service, and respect of elders to guide everyday life. There’s no better place to see Fa’a Samoa in action than at the Samoan Cultural Village in Apia, Samoa’s capital. Learn about cultural practices and arts, witness a traditional ‘Ava ceremony or Tatau (tattoo) application, and see the making of Tapa—colorful printed cloth made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. You may also have an opportunity to participate in a celebratory Fia Fia Night, complete with traditional buffet and entertainment featuring beautiful songs, graceful dances, and the mesmerizing Siva Afi dance—the fire knife dance.

Samoa’s stunning natural attractions will blow you away, beginning with the impressive Alofaaga Blowholes. Every few seconds a roaring jet of water shoots hundreds of feet up into the air, and it’s definitely not something you see every day. Next, watch thousands of gallons of water flow down from high above at the Afu Aau Waterfall, plunging from the rainforest deep into a fresh-water pool that’s perfect for an afternoon dip. Then, make your way to the famed To-Sua Trench. A unique land formation consisting of two giant holes connected by a lava tube, the To-Sua Trench is Samoa’s number one attraction. No visit to Samoa is complete without a day at the beach, and Lalomanu Beach on the southeastern tip of Upolu has “come and unwind in paradise” written all over it. As one of Samoa’s most pristine beaches, these sugary white sands are easy to love but hard to leave. For an even more remote island experience, make your way to Namu'a Island, a small island approximately five minutes by boat from the east coast of Upolu. There are no cars or hotels on the island, which makes it ideal for sunning, snorkelling, and sea kayaking amongst turtles and other sea life.

An ideal visit to Samoa involves a healthy mix of laid-back relaxation and engaging activities that cater to your adventurous spirit. Beyond soaking up Samoa’s jaw-dropping natural beauty, you’ll want to fully immerse yourself in this tropical paradise. Calm, crystal-clear waters beckon swimmers, surfers, and paddlers. And treasures lie below the surface for snorkellers and divers: a rainbow of sea life, underwater caves, and winding corals are just begging to be explored. On land, set off on a guided hike or mountain bike ride along rugged jungle trails, stopping to snap photos of cascading waterfalls and peaceful lagoons. But if you’d rather take things easy, lounging poolside or indulging in a relaxing spa treatment can be just as invigorating for mind, body, and spirit.