Main image

Stephen Glauser CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Solosolo Travel Guide

Town

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 Papapapaitai FallsNuʻuteleNamuaNational Soccer Stadium, ApiaFanuatapuNuʻuluaApia ParkLalomanuPiula Cave PoolLake Lanoto'o National ParkRobert Louis Stevenson MuseumApiaUpoluSavai'iSolosolo
In this guide

Solosolo essentials

Country: Samoa
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Tala (T)
Language: Samoan

Where to Go in Solosolo

Solosolo at a Glance

Local Time
4:23 PM
GMT+13
Population
1,487

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.

Solosolo sits on Upolu’s southeast coast in Atua district, facing the Aleipata island group and easy local boat access to nearby reefs.

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

Don't Miss

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.

Hidden Gems

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.

Day Trips

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.

When to Go

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.

Wet Season

November - April24°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.

Dry Season

May - October23°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.

Cyclone Season

January - March25°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.

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3183 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 15 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 24° - 29° 27° 370 mm overcast 82% 3.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.7h
February Good 24° - 30° 27° 311 mm overcast 82% 3.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.4h
March Good 24° - 30° 27° 341 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.8 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.1h
April Good 24° - 29° 27° 227 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
May Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 219 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
June Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 161 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.4 m/s 1.6 very high 11.2h
July Very Good 23° - 28° 25° 156 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.6 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
August Very Good 23° - 28° 25° 161 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
September Very Good 23° - 28° 26° 187 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
October Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 401 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.5 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.3h
November Very Good 23° - 29° 26° 332 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.6h
December Good 24° - 29° 27° 317 mm overcast 81% 3.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Solosolo

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Solosolo

  • -
  • -
  • -
  • -
  • Walking -

Where to Stay in Solosolo

Budget

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.

Mid-Range

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.

Luxury

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.

Eat & Drink

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.

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.