Faleolo – Getting There and Finding Your Way for Your Samoa Trip

Faleolo is an important arrival point for Samoa, served by Faleolo International Airport. The airport is Samoa’s main international gateway by air and handles both international and domestic air traffic. If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Samoa, you can plan around your arrival time and your preferred onward travel option.

Getting to Samoa via Faleolo International Airport

For daytime arrivals before 5 p.m., a local bus runs from the airport’s main entrance to Apia. If Apia is your destination, take this timetable into account and check current availability before travelling.

Shuttle buses also run from the airport to Samoa’s major resorts and hotels. The bus to Apia and the shuttles to resorts and hotels have different destinations. Consider which service suits your planned stay, and check the availability of the relevant service in advance.

Finding Your Way and Airport Services

Faleolo International Airport has a Samoa Tourism Information office, souvenir shops, two banks, several car rental agencies and currency exchange facilities. These provide several points of contact for finding your way around and handling practical matters at the airport. As individual providers and services may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling.

Two telecommunications providers also have a presence at the airport. They may be useful if you need a local SIM card.

Plan your onward journey according to your destination rather than assuming the same transport option will suit every accommodation.

Samoa as a Wider Travel Destination

Faleolo is part of Samoa, a destination made up of ten islands. Four are inhabited: Upolu, Savai’i, Apolima and Manono.

In central Apia, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is a five-minute walk from the town centre. Driving times from Apia are given for two other places: Piula Cave Pool is about 45 minutes away, and Papase’ea Sliding Rocks is about a 15-minute drive away. These times are estimates and may vary depending on conditions.

Nature and Culture in Samoa

Piula Cave Pool is on Main East Coast Road by Piula Theological College in the village of Lufilufi. Its underwater cave is connected to a second cave. Day fales and toilets are available at the pool; check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

Papase’ea Sliding Rocks are in Se’ese’e in the Faleata district. There are two sliding areas: one for children and one for adults.

To-Sua Ocean Trench is in Lotofaga on Upolu. It is 30 metres deep, and a long ladder leads to a platform in the water pool. A cave at To-Sua leads to the open sea and is recommended for experienced divers. The same natural site therefore offers distinct features: a deep water pool with a ladder and platform, as well as a cave recommended for experienced divers.

Cultural experiences are also part of a trip to Samoa. At Sopoaga Waterfall, there is an area for demonstrations of umu cooking and coconut husking. According to Samoan tradition, Pa Sopo’ia Cave is an ancient route taken by the spirits of the ancestors to Devil’s Haden at Cape Mulinu’u. Tradition holds that this is their final meeting place before Pulotu, the spirit world.

For the broader travel overview: A'ana.