Upolu

Why Upolu in Western Samoa is special
Upolu is the scenic jewel of the Samoan Islands. It has jagged volcanic mountain peaks and a beautiful coral-reef lined coastline.

Upolu tips and insights
Upolu's top attractions

• 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.

How to pronounce
Upolu: oo-poh-loo

When to come
The driest and best overall visiting season is May to September.

When not to come
The core rainy season runs from November to March.

Western Samoa has two major islands
They are:

• Upolu
• Savai'i

The first is more appealing to travelers.

Two Samoas
Geographically, the Samoan Islands comprise Western Samoa and American Samoa. The two are politically distinct and should not be confused with each other.