Travel to Samoa: cheap flights to Apia
Two large islands, villages run by chiefs, waterfalls and a time zone that skipped an entire day: 30 December 2011 never happened in Samoa. This quiet Polynesian nation sits far from the big crowds. Here is how to plan the trip and track flights to Apia.
Samoa in numbers
Capital
Apia
Population
~205,600
Area
~2,840 km²
Currency
Samoan tala
Languages
Samoan, English
Independence
1962
Continent
Oceania
Time zone
UTC+13
Airports covered
1
Why visit Samoa
A Polynesian nation where custom still sets the rhythm
Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way
Villages are governed by matai chiefs and social life follows custom. Every settlement has its own matai and fa'alupega, its own genealogy and customary greetings, according to fa'a Samoa.
The day that never was
At the end of December 2011 Samoa moved from UTC-11 to UTC+13, skipping Friday 30 December, to line up with Australia and New Zealand. It is now among the first places to see each new year.
Savai'i, an island shaped by lava
Savai'i is the largest and highest island, with Mount Silisili at 1,858 m. The Saleaula lava fields from the Mount Matavanu eruptions cover about 50 km2, and ecotourism is organised mostly village by village.
In the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson
The Scottish writer spent his last four years at Vailima on Upolu and is buried on Mount Vaea, 472 m above Apia. His estate later became the residence of the German governor.
Islands and landmarks
Apia, Upolu and Savai'i
Apia, the only town
Apia lies on a narrow coastal plain with Mount Vaea directly to the south. It is the only real town and the only international port. The city grew by absorbing nearby villages and sits in a low valley that floods easily in the wet season.
Upolu beyond the capital
Faleolo International Airport is at the western end of Upolu and Apia in the middle of the north coast. The island has several beaches, waterfalls and the Vailima estate, and it has been a filming location for several Survivor seasons.
Savai'i, mountains, reefs and lava
Savai'i is mountainous, fertile and surrounded by coral reefs. Salelologa is its only township and its ferry terminal. The Saleaula lava field and the villages of the north-west show another side of Samoa.
Village etiquette
Villages have their own rules: ask before swimming or walking on communal land and dress modestly. Many Samoans live abroad, including roughly 130,000 in New Zealand according to the German Wikipedia.
Food and culture
Taro, fish and village cooking
Taro was traditionally the staple of every Samoan household. Today imported rice, white bread and chicken are often cheaper than locally caught fish or taro, a pattern linked to the country's health problems. Markets and village meals give a taste of fish, seafood and root crops steamed or cooked in traditional ovens.
Samoan and English are the two official languages. Music, song and dance are part of village celebrations.
Getting around
Ferry, buses and rental cars
Faleolo International Airport lies about 40 km (25 miles) west of Apia on the north coast of Upolu and is served by Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Samoa Airways and Inter Island Airways. To reach Savai'i, take the ferry to Salelologa.
Samoa's time zone is far ahead of the Americas, so double-check flight dates. To combine with other Pacific stops, consider neighbouring Tonga, then New Zealand or Australia. Fiji and Vanuatu are other South Pacific archipelagos to explore.
Before you go
Two seasons, steady warmth
| Area | Climate | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Apia & north coast of Upolu | Tropical rainforest climate, about 26 C on average; flooding possible in the wet season | May to October |
| South and west Upolu | Beaches and lagoons, steady temperatures all year | May to October |
| Savai'i | Humid tropical climate, forests and reefs | May to October |
The wet season runs from November to April and the drier season from May to October. Cyclones typically occur between November and April. Entry conditions depend on your nationality, so check with the authorities before you go.
Flying to Samoa
The Samoan airport covered by SniperAir
Faleolo International
About 40 km west of Apia, the international gateway to Samoa and the departure point for flights to New Zealand and Fiji.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Samoa
Which airport should I fly into for Samoa?
Faleolo (APW), about 40 km west of Apia on Upolu, is the international airport. A smaller airfield at Fagali'i, 5 km from Apia, has been used for flights to American Samoa.
When is the best time to visit?
May to October, the drier season. November to April is the wet and cyclone season.
Is Samoa expensive?
Prices vary with the type of stay and the season, and the islands are far less developed than the big resort islands nearby. Compare options with partners before booking.
Do I need a visa for Samoa?
It depends on your nationality: check with the Samoan authorities before you go and keep a valid passport.
How long should I stay in Samoa?
Plan 5 to 8 days for Upolu and Savai'i, with a ferry crossing between the two.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Samoa drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert with your departure airport and Apia as destination. We watch prices and notify you when an opportunity matches. See how it works.
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