Things to do in  Samoa

Plunging from lush jungle into crystal-clear pools, these Savai’i waterfalls stay cool on the island’s hottest days. Bring a bathing suit to swim in its primary basin, flanked by volcanic rocks and greenery. The big waterfall and main swimming area are all visual drama, while smaller pools linked by walking trails reward exploration.

Tables overflow with a colorful bounty of tropical fruits, fresh fish, and prepared foods at this bustling market, which serves as a hub for Savai’i commerce. Salelologa Market offers a real-world glimpse into daily Samoan life and doubles as a great spot for souvenir shopping, with lower prices on handicrafts, clothing, and carvings than at many Upolu shops.

When waves surge into the Alofaaga Blowholes (Taga Blowholes) in southwest Savai’i, seawater channels hundreds of feet into the air, often accompanied by earth-shaking booms. To showcase the ocean's power, locals throw coconuts into the holes made by the rapidly cooling lava rock. As the shells blast skyward, onlookers cheer.

When the slow-moving Mt. Matavanu erupted from 1905 to 1911 and displaced five Savai’i villages, it transformed the island's landscape. As lava swept through Sale’aula village, it caught a missionary church, homes, graves, and other landmarks. You can view remnants of the destruction at this small site, where rocky trails wind towards a dramatic stretch of coastline.