Malie Travel Guide

City Village in Tuamasaga district, Samoa

A coastal village near Apia, Malie hosts chiefly rituals, village fales and short walks to reef flats - ideal for observing traditional ceremonies and market trade.

Costs

Typical daily budget: $40-75

Budget stays and local food keep costs low; island transport adds cost.

Safety

Safe with respect for local cultural rules

Very safe village environment; respect local customs and matai protocols.

Best Time

Best time: May-Oct (drier months)

May-Oct is drier and best for beach and village visits.

In This Guide

Why Visit Malie?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

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Population

2,189

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited public transit, walkable village, basic shops; English commonly used.

Popularity

Attracts cultural tourists and visitors attending traditional ceremonies.

Known For

Fa'a Samoa (traditional culture), village life, chiefly titles, coastal scenery, community ceremonies, local crafts, coconut farming, birdlife

Malie is a historic village on Upolu island in Tuamasaga and is linked to Samoa's chiefly Malietoa title.

Why Visit Malie? #

On Upolu in Tuamasaga, Malie is appealing for travelers wanting a strong dose of Fa’a Samoa-traditional fale homes, siva dances and communal umu (earth-oven) feasts. Close enough to Apia to visit the central market and museums, it still feels rooted in village life with weekly church services and fiafia nights. Fresh fish marinated in coconut (oka) and relaxed beachfront gatherings make Malie a good base for cultural immersion and coastal walks.

Top Things to Do in Malie

All Attractions ›

Papapapaitai Falls

Scenic waterfall plunging into coastal gorge in Samoa

Waterfall

Upolu

Main Samoan island hosting the capital, Apia

Island

Manono Island

Small Samoan island with traditional village life

Island

Apolima

Small Samoan island with volcanic origins

Island

Nuʻulopa

Tiny uninhabited Samoan islet and bird conservation area

Island

National Soccer Stadium, Apia

Multiuse stadium in Apia hosting national football matches

Stadium

Apia Park

Multi-purpose stadium and sports complex in Apia

Park

Piula Cave Pool

Natural freshwater pool in coastal cave, Samoan cultural site

Area

Don't Miss

Malie village malae (central meeting ground) - See the village malae where communal meetings and cultural events are regularly held.
Mulifanua ferry terminal - Catch ferries to Savai'i or watch inter-island ferry operations and coastal activity.
Apia waterfront and harbour - Walk the harbourfront to observe fishing boats, waterfront markets, and daily commerce.

Hidden Gems

Local fale cafés - Enjoy coconut-based dishes and fresh fish at modest seaside fale-run eateries.
Village handicraft stalls - Purchase woven mats and tapa cloth made by local women's groups in Malie.
Sunday church service experience - Attend a village church service to hear traditional Samoan hymn singing and oratory.

Day Trips

Mulinu'u Peninsula (Apia harbour) - Visit the national ceremonial grounds, flagpole, and waterfront memorials in Apia.
Afega Market and Seaside Promenade - Combine market browsing with a coastal walk and local food sampling in Apia.

Best Time to Visit Malie #

Malie has a tropical pattern with a wetter, storm-prone half of the year and a breezier drier season. Visit May-October for more reliable beach weather; watch for cyclones November-April.

Wet Season

November - April · 24-30°C (75-86°F)

Regular heavy rains and high humidity make interior trails muddy, though waterfalls and rivers are spectacularly full.

Drier Season

May - October · 23-29°C (73-84°F)

Breezier and generally more settled weather; best for beach days, sightseeing, and outdoor village visits without daily downpours.

Cyclone Season

November - April · 24-30°C (75-86°F)

Increased risk of tropical storms and rough seas - travel can be disrupted, so keep flexible plans and monitor forecasts closely.

Best Time to Visit Malie #

Climate

Malie's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2943 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit

AugustJuneJuly

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

31°

Warmest Month

23°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (395 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

395 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.7h daylight

February

February is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (335 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

335 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.4h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (342 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

342 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (217 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

217 mm

Rainfall

2.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

11.7h daylight

May

May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

134 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

11.4h daylight

June

June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

138 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.2h daylight

July

July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (142 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

142 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.7

UV Index

Very High

11.3h daylight

August

August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

22° – 29°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

122 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.1

UV Index

Extreme

11.6h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (163 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

163 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (273 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

273 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.3h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (267 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

267 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

December

December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (415 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

415 mm

Rainfall

3.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.8h daylight

How to Get to Malie

Malie (Tuamasaga) on Upolu island is reached via Faleolo International Airport (APW) and a short taxi or public minivan ride into the Apia area. There's no rail; minivans and taxis are the primary ways to get there from the airport.

By Air

Faleolo International Airport (APW): APW is Samoa’s international airport (approx. 35-45 minutes from Apia by road). From Faleolo to Malie (in the Tuamasaga district near Apia) taxis are common and cost roughly WST 40-60; public buses (minivans) run along the main road to Apia for WST 2-5 and take about 35-50 minutes depending on stops.

(No other major international airports): Faleolo is the main international entry point for Upolu island and Apia-area settlements.

By Train & Bus

Train: Samoa has no passenger rail network.

Bus / minivan: Public minivan buses run frequently along the coast between Faleolo, Apia and nearby villages such as Malie. Fares are very inexpensive (a few tala) and minivans are the primary local transport; they can be crowded and often leave when full.

How to Get Around Malie #

Malie is a village on Upolu where walking covers most local needs. To reach Apia or other coastal villages you can use local buses (known as public or passenger buses) and taxis; rides are inexpensive but schedules can be informal. Bring cash and be prepared for flexible departure times; if you need a specific pickup, arrange it through your accommodation. Practical tip: boat transfers exist for some outer villages, but are not typically needed for Malie.

Where to Stay in Malie #

Budget

Apia / Upolu west coast - WST 40-300/night

Malie is a village near Apia with limited on-site lodging. Budget travelers typically stay in Apia where guesthouses and small hotels are available.

Taumeasina Island Resort - Island resort with entry-level rooms.
Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's - Well-known hotel in Apia.

Mid-Range

Apia / Upolu - WST 120-450/night

Mid-range hotels and resorts in Apia offer comfortable rooms, pools, and easy transfers to villages like Malie for cultural visits and beaches.

Taumeasina Island Resort - Mid-range resort with ocean access.
Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's - Comfortable rooms, central Apia location.

Luxury

Apia / resort belt - WST 300-900/night

Luxury options are centered in Apia and nearby resort pockets. Expect full-service resorts with ocean views, private beach access, and organized excursions.