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Routes · Oceania

San Francisco to Samoa: Upolu and Savai'i

San Francisco → Apia (Upolu) → Savai'i

Apia
"Samoa - Apia Govt buildings.jpg" by unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Fa'a Samoa, waterfalls & lava fields Best season (general guide): May–Oct

Samoa, in the South Pacific, is known for its strong traditional culture, Fa'a Samoa, as well as waterfalls, lagoons and lava fields. This route spends three nights on Upolu and four on Savai'i. From San Francisco you'll connect through Auckland, Fiji or Honolulu.

How to pace it: Spend days one to three in Apia (Upolu): day one, Apia waterfront; day two, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum; day three, travel to Sua Ocean Trench and the south coast. Then spend days four to seven on Savai'i: day four, ferry to Savai'i; day five, Alofaaga Blowholes; day six, Afu Aau Falls; day seven, beach fale day.

Apia, the capital on Upolu, has a market and churches by the harbour. Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, spent his last years here, and his home is now a museum.

On Upolu's south coast, To Sua Ocean Trench is a deep swimming hole linked to the sea.

A ferry crosses to Savai'i, one of the largest islands in Polynesia. It is quieter than Upolu, with villages, lava fields and coral reefs. At the Alofaaga Blowholes, waves force seawater up through holes in the rock. Afu Aau Falls drop into a pool in the forest.

Many visitors stay in beach fales, simple open-sided huts, often run by local families.

May to October is the dry season. Cyclones can occur from November to April.

Pack light, modest clothes, insect repellent and sunscreen. Savai'i is slow-paced, so allow time for unplanned stops at villages and beaches. Ask your hosts about village customs, such as evening prayer time, when you should stay quiet.

Good to know: Sunday is a day of church and rest, and many businesses close. Dress modestly in villages, and ask before swimming or taking photos on village land, as beaches often belong to the village. Hire a car or use local buses.

Take time to try local food at markets, and accept invitations politely if a family welcomes you; hospitality is central to Fa'a Samoa and to the trip.

Suggested outline

  1. San Francisco

    Start

  2. Apia (Upolu)

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    The capital, Robert Louis Stevenson's home and the To Sua Ocean Trench.

  3. Savai'i

    By ferry · 4 nights suggested

    A large, quiet island of lava fields, blowholes and beach fales.

    Alofaaga Blowholes
    "Blowholes Savai'i 2009.jpg" by Sarah Kelemen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Apia (Upolu) — Arrive; Apia waterfront· San Francisco → Apia, Upolu (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Apia (Upolu) — Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
  3. Day 3 · Apia (Upolu) — To Sua Ocean Trench and the south coast
  4. Day 4 · Savai'i — Ferry to Savai'i· Apia, Upolu → Savai'i (by ferry)
  5. Day 5 · Savai'i — Alofaaga Blowholes
  6. Day 6 · Savai'i — Afu Aau Falls
  7. Day 7 · Savai'i — Beach fale day
  8. Day 8 · Savai'i — Travel home from Savai'i· Savai'i → Apia (by ferry), then Apia → San Francisco (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Apia (Upolu)

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Savai'i

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