Old traditional buses are a must do. They are quite cheap, but can be uncomfortable. Buses leave from two locations in Apia: behind the flea market on the waterfront and next to the produce market "Marketi Fou". Ask the drivers for information on which buses to catch to your planned destination.
You can hire cars from Apia, sometimes for less then 50 Tala a day. Rental companies include:
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Fill the tank in Apia as opportunities for refills are limited elsewhere.
Totally destroyed by the Tsunami, FaoFao has been attractively restored. Eight fales.
* Includes meals and launch transfer. This place should definitely be included in your itinerary.
* Arguably the best place to stay on Upolu with the best beach on the island. The reef inside the lagoon was badly damaged by the Sept 2009 tsunami. There are still heaps of beautiful fish but the reef itself is stark and has no color. Also, as a result of the tsunami when snorkeling you will see pieces of lino, clothes, building debris, etc. which are a very sad and heart-wrenching reminder of what the people have been through. There is a dive shop on premises that can also organize snorkeling and surfing trips. The fales are basic but in good shape and are right on the beach. It's social but also quiet (except for the constant pounding of the surf out on the reef). Meals are served long table style and are a mix of western, eastern, and traditional Samoan food. Bar on premises. Internet access available. Bodega 5 minute walk away for beer and basic food. There's a couple other places to eat and drink on this beach if you feel like some variety but there's nothing fancy.
Eight villas in a garden setting, a short walk from the sea. Ten minutes from the airport and three minutes from the Savaii ferry.
* Unique mountain-top lodge with rainforest right below you.
* Resort by the sea with a small beach. Good restaurant.
* Tranquil Manono island - no vehicles - no roads - no dogs. Free launch transfer from 'Upolu. All meals included. Boat trips to reef. Outrigger canoe. 5 fales on the waters edge. Samoan family environment. Ferry wharf phone: 46177
* Back to nature style resort with the most beautiful beach on the Island. Stay in a beach fales or a bungalow. Restaurant and bar available.
* A small, private and unpretentious resort with white sandy beach and lava rock infinity pool. Accommodation options include Beach Front Bungalows, Beach House and Dorm Style all inclusive surf package. Bungalows and Beach House have outdoor lava rock showers. Restaurant, bar, children's activities and tours onsite.
Not to be confused with the original Aggie Grey's in downtown Apia, this is a new development with 140 rooms
* Coconuts started as a beach bar and has grown from there. Set up by two Californian lawyers, the resort has very spacious fales and consistently gets high ratings.
* Attractive location. For the price charged you would expect to be right on the beach but here there is a strip of volcanic rock between the fales and the sea.
* Beautiful, but very upmarket development on the south coast.