Chasing Waterfalls on Upolu Island, Samoa

Let’s go chasing waterfalls on Upolu Island, Samoa!

“Ian, your driving is so bumpy!

“It’s not me it’s the road!” Ian replies, whipping along the little roads and trying to avoid the big pot holes.

Have you been to Samoa?  If you haven’t then the top thing on your list to do, would be to go chasing waterfalls on Upolu Island, Samoa.  Compared to the Samoan island Savai’i, Upolu may be smaller but makes up for it with the lush green rainforests, beaches, lagoons and of course, waterfalls.  There’s so much to see and do around the island – but ultimately be mesmerised by the stunning views of the various waterfalls.

The best way of chasing waterfalls on Upolu Island, Samoa is to hire a car.  We hired a car from our resort and just followed the map … easy peasy!  It’s so simple as there’s only single roads on the island and you end up doing a loop around where the waterfalls are located.

Let’s show you the five waterfalls we discovered during our stay in Samoa.

Sopoaga Waterfall

Now, if you happen to be staying at Seabreeze resort, this will be the first waterfall you’ll stop at.  As you drive through Lofotaga village, you’ll notice the sign for Sopoaga Falls.  It’ll seem as if you’re driving into and then parking in someone’s driveway – well you are 😉  Please remember to pay the guy or girl before heading down the garden.  We followed the path through the garden and immediately noticed how immaculate the garden was.  Seriously, not one grass blade out of place … the pretty garden was well cared for and you could tell that the owner took pride in his property.  And what did we see at the end of the footpath?  The most beautiful waterfall surrounded by a stunning green landscape.  You could even hear the power of the water pummeling down into the pool below from our lofty viewpoint.

To take in the beautiful view of the waterfall, there was a small viewing area to relax and be whisked away with your head in the clouds.  Of course, there was an obligatory selfie!  (Not another selfie says Ian!)

Price: $5 per person

Fuipisa Waterfall

From the village of Lofotago, continue along the road and the second stop is for Fuipisa Waterfall.  The guy pointed to the direction for the waterfall, through his lush tropical garden.  Again, the garden was immaculately kept, dotted with bright and colourful tropical flowers and plants.  I was so busy taking photos of the beautiful garden, my flip flop got stuck in the mud and I almost fell flat on my face!  That’ll teach me to watch where I’m walking.  I had forgotten that it had rained during the night so the area was a little boggy.  We could hear the sound of the waterfall in the background as we approached.

Wow!  Set amidst the tropical rainforest and there it was … a 55m high waterfall tumbling down.  I wouldn’t mind having one of these at the end of my garden. Stunning views of the Fuipisa waterfall.

Follow the muddy track down on the right and you’ll end up at the top of the waterfall.  Isn’t this a pretty sight!  Walk across the large stones but just be careful you don’t fall in.

Price: $10 per person

Falefa Waterfall

Falefa waterfall is on the way to Piula Caves and we somehow managed to miss the sign twice!  For us, this waterfall wasn’t as extravagant compared to the others with the entrance hidden away through a small gate where you can drive in and park.  Walking through the magical garden, follow the steps down to reach the side of the river with views of a small cascading waterfall on your right.  Head to the Falefa bridge for a closer view of the waterfall.  There are fales there where you can purchase drinks and relax by the river.

Price: $5 per person

Papapapaitai Waterfall

This is the one not to be missed!  From Apia drive south past ‘The Shrine of the Three Hearts’ and ‘Bahia Temple’ and don’t miss the sign!  Again we ended up doing an emergency stop, almost driving past it – good job we were the only ones on the road 😉  The sign post did look a little worse for wear, so it couldn’t be helped!  You’ll find parking off road on the right with the waterfall in the background.  Hands down this dramatic waterfall is definitely worth seeing. 

The view point gives way to a stunning view of the amazing waterfall cascading down into a gorge.  Papapapaitai Waterfall is 100m high, making this the longest waterfall in Samoa.  If you’re looking for picture perfect views of waterfalls, then definitely visit here!  Oh, and did I mention that this is free to visit!

Togitogiga Waterfall

To reach Togitogiga waterfall it’s a little bit tricky and can be easy missed (seems to be theme here).  Drive along the unsealed road for ‘O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park’ and park up as the rest of the way is on foot.  Walk along the rugged footpath, through the tropical gardens and you’ll be met by a gentle cascading waterfall feeding into the swimming holes.

When we arrived there were only a couple of people splashing around in the swimming hole.  What a wonderful hidden spot to relax, have a picnic and cool off from the heat.  If you’re brave enough, try leaping off the waterfall.  The water in the swimming area is clear and refreshing.  There are changing rooms and toilets available too.  Again this is free to visit.

Tips:

• Remember to bring cash ( small denominations) to pay for the entrance fees.  Note that Papapapaitai and Togitogiga waterfalls are free to visit.
• Wear trainers or water shoes to access Togitogiga waterfall with the path being uneven and sometimes wet & a little slippery.
• We highly recommend hiring a car to explore the island.  This way you can explore each waterfall at your own pace.
• Watch out for the signpost for the waterfalls.  Some were very small or almost unreadable – a few times we were driving back and forth trying to spot them.

What to Bring

• Camera
• Towel
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses

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Chasing waterfalls on Upolu Island, Samoa was so much fun!  We thoroughly enjoyed hiring a car and exploring the island at our own pace.  Some of the waterfalls were truly spectacular, hidden at the end of a tropical garden and surrounded by lush green landscape.  Samoa does really have some of the most beautiful waterfalls.

Have you chased waterfalls in Samoa?  Where’s your favourite waterfall?

 

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