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Lalomanu Beach
White sand, clear lagoon water and traditional beach fales on the south-east tip of Upolu
White sand, clear lagoon water and traditional beach fales on the south-east tip of Upolu
The long beach and lagoon are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, with coral close to shore.
Watch for currents beyond the reef.
Photo: Rickard Törnblad, CC BY-SA 4.0
Traditional fales with woven blinds sit steps from the water; dinner and breakfast are usually included.
Photo: amanderson2, CC BY 2.0
A short drive west, this deep sinkhole filled with sea water is reached by a long wooden ladder; swimmers can float in the clear pool below gardens.
An entry fee is charged.
Photo: amanderson2, CC BY 2.0
Nu’utele and the other small islands offshore are protected nature areas and frame the views from the beach.
Photo: NASA, Public domain
Meals at the fales are usually included, often fish, taro and palusami (taro leaves in coconut cream). Try an umu feast if your fale prepares one, usually on Sunday.
There are few shops nearby, so bring snacks from Apia.
Lalomanu is around one and a half to two hours by road from Apia, and about two hours from Faleolo International Airport. Buses run from Apia but are slow; most visitors hire a car or taxi.
Sundays are quiet days for church and family; plan travel accordingly.
Samoa uses the tala (WST).
Three days to slow down.
Swim and snorkel in the lagoon.
Visit To Sua Ocean Trench and nearby waterfalls.
Relax on the beach and enjoy a Sunday umu.
Bring tala; few ATMs nearby.
Respect quiet Sunday customs.
Use repellent and nets.
Swim inside the lagoon.
Quick answers for planning time in Lalomanu Beach.
A traditional open-sided hut on the beach, usually with meals included.
Around one and a half to two hours by road.
Yes, a short drive west.
Yes, it was badly hit in 2009 and has since rebuilt.
May to October, the drier season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Samoa travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.