Solosolo Travel Guide
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.
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.
Top Things to Do in Solosolo
All Attractions ›- 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.
Best Time to Visit Solosolo #
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.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (311 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (341 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (227 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (219 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (187 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (401 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (332 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (317 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Solosolo
How to Get Around Solosolo #
Solosolo is a compact coastal village and very walkable for day-to-day errands and beach access. The main road links it to nearby villages and Apia; local minibuses and shared taxis run the route for short fares (a few tala) while private taxis and car hire are available for longer trips. Bring cash for bus/taxi fares, expect irregular schedules, and allow extra time for connections - roads are narrow and stops are informal.
Where to Stay in Solosolo #
- Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows - Historic, budget-friendly rooms in Apia.
- Tanoa Tusitala Hotel (Apia) - Simple rooms close to downtown Apia.
- Taumeasina Island Resort - Comfortable beachfront resort near Apia.
- Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows - Well-located with more comfortable rooms.
- Taumeasina Island Resort - Resort amenities and waterfront dining.
- Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa - Upscale beachfront villas and spa services.
Where to Eat in Solosolo #
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.