Where to go in Samoa

Hi,

I am in the early stages of planning for my trip to Samoa in May. I am only there on a 5 day stopover on my way to New Zealand. I am looking for relaxation, scuba diving, gorgeous beaches, and good food. I would ideally like to stay Upolu, due to the dive/fly and time restrictions. Also, are motor bike hires common in WS, as they are in other parts of the Pacific, such as Raro?

thanks in advance!

kind regards,
Andrew

Good beach on Upolu is Lalomanu.
Not a lot of scuba diving is done in Samoa. We spent 6 weeks there last year and saw the dive boat out only a couple of times.
There were no scooter or motor bike rental places, they were still advertising them but they had all broken down and not been repaired.
Good food is also hard to find, most of the restaurants serve fatty fried stuff.
We did find one good cheap Chinese restaurant off the tourist strip and just hope it is still in business as we head back to Samoa this friday. It was on the oposite side of the road from Pasefica Inn and just before the next intersection heading out of town. Cant remember its name.
We spend most of our time snorkeling at Palolo Deep.
Samoa is a great place this will be our 4th visit.

The restaurant's name might have been "Chopsticks" but it has closed down again. Good Chinese food at the Treasure Garden, near to the Fugalei market. Quite expensive for Samoan standards though (US$10-15 per plate). In Lalomanu there is Moanalei Dive'N'Surf on the premises of Taufua Beach Fales. Booking is recommend as they are quite popular. Check out their websites. There are some other fales around there as well though, less nice but not that busy. I recommend to spend two days in Apia (try "Aniva's Place") and three days in Lalomanu (Taufua Beach Fales).

The restaurant at the Millineum hotel is good, fridays is happy hour around 4:30 with cheap beer, live music, frequented by mostly locals try the oka (raw fish in cocunut milk, a little spicy deeeeeliciious)! Also off Beach Rd (the main street in apia opposite the harbor) is a pizza place right next to Crabbers. The pizza is sooooooooo good. Also Lalomanu beach is very nice. Stayed at Taufua fale which i recommend. If you want to experience a fiafia (dance show with buffet) i recommend the one at Laumei Faiaga (which means turtle, take it easy :) its not as touristy, is good because its mostly locals and family coming home from overseas wanting to hear some live music, see traditional and fire dancing (the shows are Tuesdays (strictly Samoan) and Fridays (samoan and other polynesian dances). Have a great trip, Fa.