Witness the most beautiful part of Samoa - the Aleipata district has a landscape dominated by waterfalls, white-sand beaches and traditional villages. From Apia, a 65km (40 mile) drive leads to the Falefa Falls, Fuipisia Falls and Mafa Pass.
Samoa things to see and do
Aleipat
Auala Green Turtle Conservation
Visit the Auala Green Turtle Conservation, where guides show you turtles before they are released back into the wild.
Beautiful beaches
Enjoy the many beautiful beaches. Excellent freshwater swimming is possible at Falefa Falls, Fogaafu Falls, Papase'ea Sliding Rock (a rock slide down a waterfall into a deep freshwater pool) and Puila Cave Pool. Boats can be hired for net, spear, deep-sea and snorkel fishing.
Discover the rainforest
Discover some of Samoa's stretches of rainforest and conservation areas on an educational tour of Tanumapua, close to Apia. Ecotourism on the islands includes several ecological research programmes and eco-lodges.
Go hiking
Hike the dozens of routes on the islands, ranging from coastal walks to mountain treks. Trails tend to grow over rapidly and can sometimes be difficult to get through. Visitors should ask for local advice and permission before heading off.
Lava caves
Don't miss these sights - the Mu Pagoa Waterfall, the Alofaaga Blowholes and the lava caves and lava fields near the village of Saleaula.
Lefaga Village
See where Return to Paradise was filmed in 1952. The attractive Lefaga Village, on the southwest coast, can be reached by a cross-island road.
Manono Island
Just off the coast of Upolu on Manono Island, see the inspiration for the legendary 'Bali Hai' in the musical South Pacific.
Robert Louis Stevenson
See the tomb of Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, on top of Mount Vaea, from the lawn of his house near Vailima. The house was restored and officially opened as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in 1994 on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Savai'i island
Experience what has been described as 'Polynesia at its truest' on Savai'i, the largest island in the Samoan archipelago.
Snorkelling and diving
Go snorkelling and diving in the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve on Upolu island, the beaches from Safotu to Manase and between Lesolo Point and Tuasivi (Savai'i island).
Surf
Surf on waves that break on coral reefs (making Samoan waters suitable for experienced surfers only). In some villages, surfing is not allowed on Sundays.
Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve
Watch for flying foxes and birds in the Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve, near the coastal village of Tafua.
Tia Seu Ancient Mound
Behold the largest ancient structure in the whole of Polynesia - the Tia Seu Ancient Mound is an awe-inspiring 'pyramid' that stands at 12m (39ft) tall.
Upolu island
Wander around Upolu, Samoa's most populous island. Its capital and main commercial centre, Apia, lies on the beautiful north coast.
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