Solosolo City
Coastal village on Upolu island, Samoa
Solosolo sits on Upolu’s south coast, a linear village of fales and fishing boats where visitors join cultural shows, sample coconut-based dishes, and take short boat trips to reef snorkel sites. Community leaders sometimes welcome guided village tours.
Solosolo at a Glance#
Costs: Around $40-80 per day - budget guesthouses, local food, occasional taxis.
Safety: Generally safe with normal precautions - very low violent crime; watch for petty theft on beaches.
Best Time: May-October (avoid wet season Dec-Mar) - drier months offer calmer seas and sunshine.
Why Visit Solosolo?#
Nestled on the Samoan coast, this village attracts travelers seeking an intimate look at island life and customary culture. Visitors witness communal umu feasts, the kava ceremony and traditional fale architecture, and can sample palusami and oka prepared by local families. The low-key beaches and coconut groves offer peaceful walks away from resort crowds. Expect warm village hospitality and chances to learn about matai chiefly customs, weaving and carving traditions.
Best Things to Do in Solosolo#
Solosolo Bucket List#
Apia Market - Bustling open-air market selling taro, fresh fish, handicrafts, and lively local scenes.
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum - Writer’s colonial-era villa preserved with manuscripts, gardens, and historic Samoan artifacts.
Lalomanu Beach - Palm-fringed white-sand beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxed seaside dining.
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve - Protected reef east of Apia, great for snorkeling vibrant coral and fish.
To Sua Ocean Trench - Iconic swimming hole set in a lush sinkhole with ladder access.
Togitogiga Waterfall - Short forest walk leads to cascading falls, shaded pools, and picnic spots.
Apia & Vailima - Capital and nearby Vailima offer cafes, markets, and Robert Louis Stevenson heritage.
Savai’i (Salelologa ferry) - Ferry link to Savai’i for lava fields, blowholes, and traditional villages.
Best Time to Visit Solosolo#
Visit during the dry season (May-October) for sunny, calmer seas and easier village-to-village travel. The wet season (November-April) brings heavy rain and a higher cyclone risk, so pack accordingly.
November - April
24°C - 31°C (75°F - 88°F)
Heavy tropical rains, high humidity, and warm seas; landscape is lush but travel disruptions and mosquitoes increase-skip if you need guaranteed beach weather.
May - October
23°C - 30°C (73°F - 86°F)
Sunny, breezy days and calmer seas make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and village visits-expect warm nights and fewer storms.
January - March
25°C - 31°C (77°F - 88°F)
Peak risk of tropical cyclones; plan with flexible bookings and keep an eye on advisories-don’t travel expecting uninterrupted outdoor activities.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3183 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (370 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (311 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (341 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (227 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (219 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (187 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (401 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (332 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (317 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Solosolo#
How to Get Around Solosolo#
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Where to Stay in Solosolo#
Apia - $25-90/night
Solosolo itself has no formal hotels; budget travelers stay in Apia (30-45 minutes). Expect guesthouses and basic hotels rather than village properties.
Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows - Historic, budget-friendly rooms in Apia.
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel (Apia) - Simple rooms close to downtown Apia.
Apia - $70-180/night
Mid-range options are concentrated in Apia; comfortable hotels and small resorts suitable for day trips to Solosolo and nearby beaches.
Taumeasina Island Resort - Comfortable beachfront resort near Apia.
Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows - Well-located with more comfortable rooms.
Apia / South Upolu - $220+/night
Luxury stays require driving to larger resorts around Apia or the southeast coast. Fewer high-end choices close to the village; plan transfers in advance.
Taumeasina Island Resort - Resort amenities and waterfront dining.
Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa - Upscale beachfront villas and spa services.
Shopping in Solosolo#
Shopping in Solosolo is minimal: small village stores sell groceries, snacks and basic supplies, and occasional roadside vendors offer handmade items. For a wider selection of handicrafts, clothing and souvenir stalls you’ll need to travel into Apia.
Nightlife in Solosolo#
Nightlife in Solosolo is very low-key. Evenings are mostly community and family-focused, with occasional village gatherings or church events. If you want bars or live music, plan a trip into Apia where there are more options.
