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The island of Upolu is the smaller of the the 2 main islands that make up Samoa, and is where the international airport and the capital, Apia, is located.

The island is 75km/47m long and almost 75% of the Samoan population,  just under 150,00, live here with around 40,000 living in or around Apia itself.  Upolu itself, and especially the capital, Apia, are more westernised than quieter Sawai'i, and has a more modern way life, though you still have to bear in mind that unless it is made or grown here in the islands, everything else has to be brought in by ship or plane, so the variety of goods, and their price, is not going to be the same as at home!

Although Upolu has a more modern feel, many of the local population still have traditional beliefs and way of life, and the village chiefs still have a lot on influence over local government decisions.  Only chiefs with the Matai title (head of a family) can become a Member of Parliament.  Every village and town has its own Christian church and almost every islander goes to service on Sunday, a day of rest, so shops, bars and some restaurants may not be open Sundays.

The main road runs right around the coastline of the island, and although you can easily go all the way round in a day, there are plenty of villages, secluded beaches and stunning waterfalls to delay your journey, and they are worthy distractions!

Around the town of Apia, there are sacred burial grounds, the 19th century Moamoa Cathederal, many churches, several historical buildings and memorial sites, picturesque parks and gardens, and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.  The famous Scottish writer settled on Upolu in 1890 with his family, and became a well respected, influential member of the community and was revered by the local leaders, so much so that when he died, aged just 44, the chiefs kept watch over his body all night, then buried him on a sacred spot on Mount Vaea, overlooking the sea.

Elsewhere on Upolu, you can visit local markets and shops, tour through tropical rainforests and small local villages, up mountains and down valleys, and stop for photos, or even a swim and some beautiful waterfalls.