Apia, the charming capital of Samoa, is a place where vibrant culture knocks at the door of Samoa’s incredible natural beauty. While you can definitely choose to navigate around the town and its immediate surroundings using taxis or local buses, getting behind the wheel of a car allows you to venture a little further afield and unlock some key highlights of Samoa. That's where a two-day car hire from Apia comes in! Having the freedom of your own wheels allows you to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems alongside the must-see attractions.
Here’s a potential itinerary for making the most of a short but sweet road trip around Apia:
Day 1: Waterfalls, Culture, and Slippery Fun
Your adventure begins bright and early, picking up a rental car (a trusty little number that’s perfect for navigating Samoan roads). Your first destination? The exhilarating Papase’ea Sliding Rocks (about a 15-minute drive from central Apia).
Forget water parks; this is nature's own playground! Smooth, naturally formed rock slides cascade into refreshing freshwater pools. It’s an absolute blast for all ages (just be sure to take the safety instructions seriously). You can spend a couple of hours here having fun, cooling off and enjoying the unique experience is a fantastic way to start your day.
After cooling off, you can drive south along the Cross Island Road for 30 minutes out of town to witness the majestic Papapapaitai Falls (also known as Tiavi Falls). The drive is magic in itself as you drive through lush rainforests and through epic mountains.
While you can't swim at the base of these incredibly tall falls, the sheer power and beauty of the cascading water are truly awe-inspiring. There are several viewpoints offering fantastic photo opportunities, so take your time to soak it all in.
After the falls, keep taking the road south and depending on the time of the day it might be a great opportunity to stop for a spot of lunch. There are some lovely resorts on this side of the island that welcome day guests to relax and eat by the pool. Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa is a popular tourist stop, 40 minutes along the coast from the falls if you are venturing east towards Lalomanu, our recommended last destination of the day.
After lunch the To-Sua Ocean Trench is a must-see and only 9 minutes from the resort. Located in the village of Lotofaga, To-Sua is a stunning 30-meter deep swimming hole formed by a collapsed lava tube. It’s a great place to get those epic holiday photos so make sure you pack your togs.
Once there you descend a long, sturdy wooden ladder to a platform from which you can swim in the crystal-clear water. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Our final recommended destination for the day is Lalomanu Beach: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lalomanu is a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand with a protected turquoise lagoon and offshore islets. It's a great place to relax, swim, and if you haven’t already eaten have some lunch at one of the many beach fales or resorts. You can spend a couple of hours here relaxing and snorkelling before heading back to Apia for the night.
The majority of the roads you will travel are pretty easy to navigate and enjoyable for all the family. With the total drive time of the day is around 3 hours and there are plenty of options on the way to stop and see village life, explore other resorts and take those impromptu pictures along the way
Day 2: History, and the East Coast Wonders
Day two begins with a journey into the past at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Vailima (a short drive uphill from Apia). Explore the beautifully preserved home of the famous Scottish author who spent his final years in Samoa. Wander through the rooms filled with his belongings, learn about his life and connection to the island, and stroll through the tranquil gardens. Time here is a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and the life of this famous writer.
From there, today we go east on a journey along the beautiful East Coast, another day filled with stunning natural attractions.
- Total Distance (starting from Apia): 60.2 km
- Approximate Driving Time: 1 hour, 29 minutes
Our first stop on this route is Piula Cave Pool, a beautiful spot for a swim in a natural freshwater pool located next to the ocean. The pool is fed by a spring that flows from the volcanic rock and into the sea.
Next, drive to the stunning Fuipisia Falls. This spectacular 55-meter-high waterfall is a must-see. You can view the cascading water from the top, which provides excellent photo opportunities and a stunning vista of the jungle landscape.
Our final stop is the scenic Falefa Falls, where you can get a great view of the cascading waterfall from the road. It's a beautiful reward and a fitting end to your East Coast exploration before heading back to Apia.
The total drive time is much shorter today at 1 hour 29 mins, but that leaves time for some extra relaxation time along the way or some pool time back at your resort.
Get out & Explore with a Samoan Car Rental
With our two days of car hire drawing to a close, we return to Apia, filled with memories of exhilarating slides, vibrant markets, stunning waterfalls, historical insights, and a secret swimming oasis. Renting a car for even just a couple of days provides the freedom to explore beyond the immediate city limits and truly discover the diverse beauty and charm that Apia and its surroundings have to offer. So, grab your license, book your car rental, and get ready to uncover the magic of Samoa on your own terms!
Book your rental car today