Upolu is the most important of Samoa's islands. The Region of Upolu also includes all other islands of the country apart from the so-called "big" island of Savaii. Upolu was formed by a massive volcano, but there have been no recent eruptions. The island is 75 km long and contains Samoa's capital, Apia, which is in the middle of the north coast and Faleolo International Airport, which is towards the western end of the island. The island is fringed by reefs and has some beautiful beaches. Inland is hilly, with tropical vegetation and numerous waterfalls.

Upolu was affected by a major tsunami on 29 September 2009. Twenty villages in its eastern, southeastern and southern sides were destroyed or badly damaged. Deaths exceeded 100 and more than 3000 people were made homeless. Considerable tourism infrastructure was affected but several facilities have been rebuilt. In addition to its impact on land, the tsunami also had considerable impact on the area's coral.

13°55′50″S 171°45′27″W

Map of Upolu

• -13.8359-171.76891 Apia, the capital of Upolu, situated on the north coast. This is a rapidly modernising city, backed up with considerable history. The population is close to 40,000.

There are many attractive villages throughout the island and on Manono island. Upolu also has some interesting natural reserves, lovely waterfalls, good diving and snorkelling and fantastic beaches. There is more information in the "See" section below.

Be respectful whilst traveling around the villages and the quiet outskirts of Upolu. Samoa is a very traditional society and it is important to respect Fa'a Samoa, the "Samoan Way". See Samoa.

The Samoan language is the official language, but many Samoans speak English fluently.

Most visitors arrive by plane at Faleolo International Airport, which has flights from various countries. The other options are Fagalii Airport, with flights from American Samoa, and boat service from Tokelau and American Samoa. For more information, see Samoa.

• -13.910401 Lake Lanoto'o National Park (take the cross-island road that goes south from Apia; the turn off is 2 km after the Bahai temple -- a 4WD vehicle and good walking shoes needed from there). Contains a rare and important swamp forest ecosystem. The lake is full of goldfish, which have thrived since being introduced by expatriate residents. You can take a guided tour to the Lake with Manoa Tours or Samoan Island Adventures. (updated Mar 2024)
• -14.045971-171.4453412 Lalomanu. An area in the South East with beautiful beaches and sights of small idyllic islands. 

• -14.014831-171.7367093 O Le Pupu-Pui National Park.. It has Samoa's highest mountain, Mt. Fito at 1100 m, Togitogiga Falls the Ma Tree and Coastal Lava Cliff Walk. Some good hiking trails. 
• -13.942896-171.7759084 Papapapai-Tai Falls (near the north-south road, 2 km south of the turn off to Lanoto'o). A 100-m drop makes these spectacular falls. 
• -13.869336-171.804565 Papase'ea Sliding Rocks. 6 km southwest of Apia, these water falls are a major attraction. A soft vegetation under the water makes it possible to easily slide down the falls into the pool below. Better in the rainy season. Fun for all ages. WS$5. 
• -13.833333-172.0833336 Manono Island (a 20-minute ferry ride from Manono-uta on the western tip of Upolu island). Manono Island is a low-lying island that has no cars or roads. There is a footpath that follows the coast. Dogs and horses are banned for environmental reasons. Things to see include a prehistoric Mound temple. This is one of the most traditional parts of Samoa and a very pleasant place to visit. Beach fales are available. (updated Sep 2020)
• -14.021057-171.4165887 Namua Island (The boat leaves from the mainland a few minutes drive from Lalomanu Beach.). Beautiful secluded island for day trips, off the eastern tip of Upolu, within the reef. Often turtles spotted on the short boat trip. 

• -13.87316-171.5966358 Piula Cave Pool (Fatumea Pool) (east of Apia on the north cost, near Saoluafata; entrance via the Piula Theological College). In the grounds of a church and closed on Sundays. Attractive spring-fed freshwater pool by the sea for swimming and exploring of the caves. 5 per person, and additional 10 to take your vehicle down the road. 
• -13.974444-171.9508339 Return to Paradise Beach (Southwest coast near Lefaga). A beautiful beach, but particularly interesting for fans of old films who remember the 1953 film starring Gary Cooper and written by James Mitchener, which was filmed here. (updated Sep 2020)
• -13.866151-171.76565410 Robert Louis Stevension Museum. Home of Robert Louis Stevenson. His grave is above at Mount Vaea, accessible free by walking trail. See Apia for more info. 

• Surfing. There is good surfing in many locations but it is only for the experienced as the reef can be dangerous. Several resorts specialise in surfing. Check the web before committing to a surf tour operator as one or two do not have good reputations.
• Fishing. There is an abundance of fish in Samoa's waters. Charter companies mainly operate from Apia's harbour, and one operating from Sinalei Resort on the South Coast.
• Golf. Two courses are close to Apia: the Royal Samoan Country Club, for a long time Samoa's only golf course, and a more recent development, the Faleata Country Club, which is close to the sports complex constructed for the South Pacific Games. On the south coast the Sinalei Reef Resort has a nine-hole pitch and putt course.
• Snorkelling. There are around 900 fish species and 200 types of coral in Samoa's waters. One company that rents equipment on Upolu is -13.827341-171.7588182 Aquasamoa, ☏ +685 7774744, info@supsamoa.com. Snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddleboards. 
• Beaches. Upolu has lengthy stretches of beautiful beaches. All beaches are Customary Land (owned by a village) and you may be asked to pay a small fee for their use. It would not be appreciated if you tried to argue.

Most restaurants are in Apia or at the hotels around the island.

The usual kinds of European, Asian and fast foods are available, but be sure to try the "umu", which is made in a traditional pit-oven, using red hot lava stones heated by charcoal. Whole pigs, fruits, chickens, fish, etc., are placed among the rocks for many hours, and covered with banana leaves. The food has an absolutely delicious smoked flavour, and meats are as tender and juicy as possible. Traditional food can be purchased from Apia. If you must, you can also visit the only fast food outlet in Samoa, McDonald's, which is on Centre Road, Apia.

Vailima was the local beer but now brewed in Fiji. Taula is 100% Samoan owned and brewed beer. Bottled water is recommended.

See Samoa for more information.

In addition to hotels in Apia there are some good resorts, guest houses and fales on other parts of the main island and outer islands. Some hotels damaged by the tsunami are still recovering and are not listed here.

Do not walk alone at night, and stay with people you know and trust. Free roaming dogs can be a safety problem in the capital Apia. The Government of Samoa (GoS) passed the Canine Control Act in 2013 as a first step toward addressing dog management. Most dogs ignore you and don't see you as a threat if you ignore them.

No visit to Samoa is complete without a visit to Savaii. This is the larger but less developed of the two main islands.