Apia
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At a glance
- Country
- Samoa
- Region
- Tuamasaga
- Population
- 37,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Faleolo International (APW)
- Coordinates
- 13.83°S, 171.77°W
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Overview
Apia is Samoa's only real town, a relaxed harbourside capital on the north coast of Upolu with white churches, colonial-era buildings and markets. Life moves slowly here, and Sundays are for church and family.
The town is a gentle introduction to fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way of life. Spend a day or two, then head for the beach fales of the south coast and the waterfalls and lagoons of the interior.
Things to see
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Photo: Pi3.124, CC BY-SA 4.0 Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
The Scottish writer's grand wooden home at Vailima, set in tropical gardens in the hills above town.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0 Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The landmark white cathedral on the waterfront, rebuilt with a bright, airy interior.
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Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
Snorkel straight off the shore to a deep blue hole in the reef full of coral and fish.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sarah Kelemen, CC BY 2.0 Apia markets
Browse the produce stalls, then the flea market for lavalava wraps, carvings and handicrafts.
Things to do
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Photo: Rickard Törnblad, CC BY-SA 4.0 To Sua Ocean Trench
Climb down a ladder into a vast, lush swimming hole connected to the sea, on Upolu's south-east coast.
Find tours -
Photo: Teinesavaii, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hike Mount Vaea
A steep forest path above Vailima leads to Stevenson's grave, with views over Apia.
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Teuila Festival
A week each September of dance, fire knife performances, canoe races and food.
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Photo: Polynesian Xplorer, CC BY 2.0 Try an umu feast
Taro, pork and palusami cooked in an earth oven of hot stones, traditionally on Sundays.
Where to stay
Apia waterfront
Hotels and guesthouses close to restaurants, markets and the harbour.
Hotels in Apia waterfrontSouth coast of Upolu
Open-sided beach fales on white-sand beaches such as Lalomanu.
Hotels in South coast of UpoluNear the airport
Resorts on the west coast, convenient for early flights and the Savai'i ferry.
Hotels in Near the airport
Getting around
Colourful local buses run between Apia and the villages, though schedules are loose. Hiring a car is the easiest way to explore Upolu. Samoa drives on the left.
Faleolo International is on the west coast, about 45 minutes to an hour from Apia by taxi or shuttle.
When to go
May to October is the dry season, with cooler, sunnier days. November to April is hot, humid and wet, with the risk of cyclones. The Teuila Festival is held in September.
Plan your trip to Apia
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.