About 14km south of Apia is the lookout for Papapapai-tai Falls, a 100m waterfall that plunges into a forested gorge; they're one of the longest falls in Samoa. Roughly 100m before the lookout, an unmarked track leads to the Tiavi waterhole, a delightful place to cool off on a hot day.
Papapapai-tai Falls
'Upolu
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.95 MILES
This outrageously photogenic spot is a Samoan icon; skip it to your everlasting regret. Though the first thing you'll see upon entering the grounds is To…
7.42 MILES
Abuzz with local merchants, shoppers, loiterers and men slamming it down over games of mu (Samoan checkers), this 24-hour market is a must-see shopping…
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Robert Louis Stevenson Museum & Mt Vaea National Reserve
5.27 MILES
The Scottish author's former residence is an enchanting estate, with a centrepiece lawn and perfectly manicured gardens. Stevenson's mansion,…
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5.39 MILES
Kids and adults have a brilliant time skimming down these natural slides – actually small waterfalls – into blessedly cool waterholes; you'll hear happy…
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7.64 MILES
Though this 'village' is open every weekday, it's the interactive sessions that are an absolute must. Knowledgable and extremely affable hosts take…
13.94 MILES
The 54m-high Sopo’aga Falls empty themselves into an enormous gorge close to where the Main South Coast Rd meets Le Mafa Pass Rd. The well-signposted…
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2.25 MILES
The name of this 29-sq-km national park means ‘from the coast to the mountaintop’. There are some superb (if rough) hikes to be had here. A trail (six…
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17.75 MILES
The 14 sq km of wild and rugged terrain that comprise the Uafato Conservation Area boast untouched rainforest that marches down from Upolu’s northeastern…
Nearby 'Upolu attractions
1. O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park
2.25 MILES
The name of this 29-sq-km national park means ‘from the coast to the mountaintop’. There are some superb (if rough) hikes to be had here. A trail (six…
2.79 MILES
The architecturally interesting Bahá’í House of Worship is one of only eight such structures in the world; all are different except for being domed – this…
3.31 MILES
This waterfall is reached via an overnight hike into the O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park.
4. Robert Louis Stevenson Museum & Mt Vaea National Reserve
5.27 MILES
The Scottish author's former residence is an enchanting estate, with a centrepiece lawn and perfectly manicured gardens. Stevenson's mansion,…
5.27 MILES
Robert Louis Stevenson's final resting place is adjacent to the museum that bears his name. Follow the signs for the path – known as the 'Road of Loving…
5.39 MILES
Kids and adults have a brilliant time skimming down these natural slides – actually small waterfalls – into blessedly cool waterholes; you'll hear happy…
5.9 MILES
A glorious spot for a splash, this series of gentle waterfalls are separated by blessedly cool waterholes. It's best to visit in the wet season. To get…
5.91 MILES
This gorgeous beach is a beautiful spot for a paddle or a picnic. The water is deep enough for swimming but there’s no reef to protect you – the…