Top reasons to visit Upolu
- Stunning Beaches: Upolu features breathtaking beaches with clear waters and soft sands, perfect for relaxation and swimming.
- Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy thrilling activities like whale watching, hiking to waterfalls, and golf at local courses.
- Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture through traditional ceremonies and visits to historic temples.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Experience lively nightlife options and charming flea markets in neighbouring towns.
- Delightful Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from budget hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts.
Find great hotels near Upolu
Discover a range of delightful accommodation options in Upolu, Samoa, perfect for every type of traveller. From family-friendly hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, Upolu offers affordable stays that cater to adventure seekers, business travellers, and those on a relaxing holiday. Whether you're in search of cheap Upolu hotels or comfortable lodging, you'll find the ideal base to explore the beauty of this stunning island.
- Insel Fehmarn Hotel: Nestled 10km from Upolu, the Insel Fehmarn Hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere ideal for families seeking a memorable getaway. This 3-star hotel prioritises family-friendly services, including childcare options to ensure that parents can relax while their children are well cared for. The hotel is designed to cater to families, making it an excellent choice for those travelling with children.
- The Samoan Outrigger Hotel: Also located 10km from Upolu, The Samoan Outrigger Hotel boasts a commendable guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This 3-star property is another excellent choice for families, featuring complimentary cribs for infants to ensure a comfortable stay. The hotel’s laid-back ambience, combined with its family-focused amenities, makes it a favourable option for those looking to enjoy a relaxing family trip.
- Samoana Boutique Hotel: With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, the Samoana Boutique Hotel offers a charming experience just 10km from Upolu. This 3-star accommodation features diverse dining options, including breakfast and hosted evening meals on select days, providing guests with delightful culinary experiences. The hotel is equipped with modern entertainment amenities, such as flat-screen televisions, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors.
Where to stay near Upolu
Upolu, Samoa, is a stunning island paradise perfect for outdoor adventures and relaxing beach escapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant local culture while enjoying friendly atmospheres in neighbouring towns. Experience the lively nightlife or explore the breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls that Upolu has to offer. With travel tips for navigating this tropical haven, your journey to Upolu promises to be unforgettable, filled with adventure and tranquillity in equal measure.
- Apia: Situated approximately 11km from Upolu, Apia is the bustling capital city of Samoa, offering a vibrant cultural experience. The city welcomes travellers year-round, with peak visitor numbers during June to July and September. Adventurers can indulge in outdoor activities, explore scenic landscapes, and visit local attractions such as the public market and botanical gardens. Apia's proximity to stunning beaches and sports facilities makes it an ideal base for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
- Maninoa: Located about 10km from Upolu, Maninoa is a charming city that attracts visitors with its outdoor and adventure offerings. The city sees a surge in travellers from March to April and July, providing ample opportunities for activities such as snorkelling and swimming in its beautiful lagoons. The nearby beaches and islands add to the allure, making Maninoa a perfect spot for those looking to immerse themselves in Samoa's natural beauty while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.
- Siumu: Just 10km from Upolu, Siumu is a picturesque city renowned for its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures. With highly seasonal visitor numbers peaking from June to August, Siumu offers a unique experience for those seeking adventure activities or local markets. Its proximity to national parks and an enchanting archipelago makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can relish the serene beauty of Siumu, making it an essential stop on your Samoan journey.
Things to do in Upolu
Shopping
Located in Apia, the Samoa Shopping Centre offers a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs. For a more traditional experience, the Apia Market showcases fresh produce and artisan goods, perfect for finding unique gifts to take home. Explore both for a taste of Samoan culture.
Recreation
In Upolu, the Samoan Wellness Spa offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by local traditions, set amidst lush gardens. Nearby, the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel features a serene pool area and wellness programmes, ideal for relaxation and revitalisation amidst tropical surroundings.
Adventure
Explore the stunning waterfalls at Togitogiga, where you can swim in crystal-clear pools and enjoy the lush surroundings. For a thrilling experience, try the exhilarating cliff diving at Papaseea Sliding Rocks, where you can slide down natural rock formations into refreshing waters.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Samoa Cultural Village, where you can enjoy traditional performances and local cuisine. For a laid-back atmosphere, visit the Edgewater Resort & Spa for cocktails by the beach, or head to the Apia Night Market for a lively mix of food and music.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Upolu
For a budget-friendly trip to Upolu, plan your visit between February to March or November for lower prices. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally on a Sunday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter results by price, and consider bundling your hotel with flights for extra savings. Take advantage of free activities around the island, and explore public transport options to keep travel costs down. Always look out for accommodation promotions to maximise your savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Upolu are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Upolu about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Upolu is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Upolu is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Upolu with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Upolu
Upolu is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures, beach relaxation, and cultural experiences. Popular attractions include stunning waterfalls, intriguing museums, and historic temples, catering to travellers looking for romance and adventure. Don't miss the chance to explore Upolu Point, a scenic highlight that complements the island's natural beauty and rich heritage.
- Baha'i House of Worship: Located 5km from Upolu, this serene temple embodies the principles of unity and peace. Surrounded by lush gardens, it offers a tranquil atmosphere for reflection and spiritual connection, making it a unique cultural experience.
- Robert Louis Stevenson Museum: Situated 6km from Upolu, this museum is dedicated to the famous author and his life in Samoa. Visitors can explore his former home and view personal artefacts, providing insight into his literary genius and the beauty of Samoan culture.
- Papapapaitai Falls: Found 5km from Upolu, this stunning waterfall cascades down lush cliffs, offering breathtaking views. Ideal for adventure seekers and romantics alike, it invites exploration and the chance to connect with nature in a dramatic setting.
Best time to go to Upolu
The best time to visit Upolu is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. March and April are its hottest month on average. At the time of April, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy. August is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Upolu
Accessing Upolu, Samoa, is convenient via two major airports. Faleolo International Airport (APW) is situated 29km from Upolu, with nearby accommodation options such as the 4.5-star Samoa Beach Resort, just 3km away, offering airport shuttle services. Le Vasa Resort, 10km from APW, also provides easy access. Alternatively, Fagali'i Airport (FGI) is located 8km from Upolu. The 4.5-star Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows, 3km from FGI, and Taumeasina Island Resort, only 2km away, both feature shuttle services. Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, a 4-star establishment, is also close to FGI, ensuring a comfortable stay and easy transfers to the airports.