Many people associate Samoa with the island of Upolu, which serves as the capital and arrival point for all visitors. But there's much more to this South Pacific archipelago, from the main island, known as the "Cradle of Polynesia," to the off-shore lagoon islets that provide an uninhabited paradise. In this guide, we outline some of the best islands to visit in Samoa for the adventurous visitor!

Upolu

Upolu is the greatest island to visit in Samoa due to its easy accessibility and plenty of amenities. For most folks, we'll get to that later...

Upolu is the arrival island for foreign flights to Samoa, but it's also an island that you'd be remiss to miss if you jumped right on the ferry to the next island. The island is home to some of Samoa's most recognizable natural features, but the capital, Apia, offers a another side of urban attractions with a variety of restaurants, marketplaces, stores, and spas.

Tourist activities range from epic inland adventures on ATVs to abseiling down waterfalls, and everything in between - simply check out the 50 Best Things to Do in Upolu. The island also has the most lodging options in Samoa, ranging from an adults-only resort to family-friendly hotels in the city, as well as beach fales scattered throughout the sands.

So, if you're seeking for convenience, a nice blend of nature and culture, diversity and more luxury accommodations, and more activities than sightseeing, Upolu is the island to visit in Samoa.

Savai'i

Savai'i, which has a terrain similar to Upolu but is far off from the "hustle and bustle" of the main island, is a location to immerse in Samoan peacefulness and culture. Life moves at a slower and more leisurely pace here, and it's not uncommon to find yourself alone at a waterfall or beach.

Although the tourism sector is much less than on Upolu, there is still a wide range of accommodations available, from full-service resorts to more frequent beach fales that provide genuine local hospitality.

In terms of activities, sightseeing at the island's lava fields, which are hardened via old settlements, magnificent blowholes, and amazing lava tunnels are just a few of the experiences you won't discover (as easy) on other Samoan islands. Alternative activities are limited in contrast to Upolu, but you may still enjoy scuba diving, cultural demonstrations, and plantation visits.

Overall, if you want to get away from it all and enjoy breathtaking island beauty and an authentic piece of Samoan life away from the throng, Savai'i is the greatest island to visit in Samoa.

Manono

Upolu and Savai'i are Samoa's most visited islands. However, when the third-most populated island in Samoa is seen in close proximity on the Upolu-Savai'i ferry, it cannot help but entice more adventurous tourists. Manono is home to about 800 people. It has no roads and no dogs; life here is simple, lovely, and peaceful.

The journey from Upolu's west coast takes about 20 minutes by boat across a lagoon. You can either visit for the day, meandering about the island on its well-kept walkway, or stay overnight in some sunset-facing enclosed fales.

Namu'a

Samoa may not be as well-known for its little islands and lagoon islets as some of its South Pacific neighbors, but visitors may still enjoy that experience in the Aleipata Lagoon to the east of Upolu, particularly at Namu'a.

With practically daily boat departures (except Sunday) and a 5-to-10-minute voyage across the lagoon, there's no reason not to see this little slice of unspoiled beauty. If you don't see turtles on the boat ride to Namu'a, pack your snorkeling gear; you might see them when snorkeling amid the coral off the island's beautiful beach.

Namu'a is all about embracing nature, whether it's climbing through the jungle to the mountain or beachcombing. Staying overnight in one of the beach fales provides a really unique experience.