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Manono Island
A small island with no roads or cars, four villages and a footpath around the shore
A small island with no roads or cars, four villages and a footpath around the shore
A path circles the island, past fales, churches and small beaches. Walking slowly, it takes a couple of hours.
Greet people as you pass; this is their home.
Photo: Виктор Пинчук, CC BY-SA 4.0
Each of the four villages, Salua, Apai, Lepuia’i and Faleu, has its own church. Sunday services are a highlight if you are invited.
Dress modestly in church.
Photo: Виктор Пинчук, CC BY-SA 4.0
On the island’s highest point, a hill of about 110m, is an ancient stone star mound, thought to have been used for catching pigeons. Nearby is the grave of a chief said to have been buried standing up to guard the island.
Ask a villager to show you the path.
Photo: NASA, Public domain
Daily life is organised around the extended family and village council. Staying in a family-run fale is the best way to see it.
Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CC BY 2.0
From Manono’s west coast you can see the small volcanic island of Apolima, and Savai’i beyond.
Photo: Neil, CC BY 2.0
Meals come with your fale stay, usually fish, taro, breadfruit and palusami (taro leaves baked in coconut cream).
There are only small village shops, so bring snacks and cash.
Small boats leave from the Manono-uta jetty on Upolu’s west coast, near the Savai’i ferry terminal. The crossing is short; arrange it with your accommodation or at the jetty.
There is no transport on the island; you walk everywhere.
Samoa uses the tala (WST).
Agree boat prices in advance.
Take it slowly.
Cross from Upolu and settle into your fale.
Walk around the island and up to the star mound.
Sunday is for church and rest; keep quiet and dress modestly.
Cover shoulders and knees in villages.
There are no ATMs; bring tala.
Stop and wait quietly during the evening curfew for prayers.
Quick answers for planning time in Manono Island.
By small boat from the Manono-uta jetty on Upolu.
No, there are no roads or cars.
A couple of hours at an easy pace.
In family-run beach fales with meals included.
No, bring cash from Upolu.
Planning a wider trip? Our Samoa travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.