Manono

Travel Guide

Manono featuring a house, rocky coastline and tropical scenes
Manono featuring tropical scenes, landscape views and general coastal views
Manono showing boating and tropical scenes as well as a small group of people
Manono featuring tropical scenes and boating as well as a small group of people
Samoa showing general coastal views

Explore the historical treasures of this tranquil Samoan island paradise where the only sounds are the lapping of the waves and the rustle of palm leaves overhead. 

Manono is the third-largest island in Samoa, but even at a leisurely pace, a walk around Manono’s perimeter will take little more than 2 hours. So, take your time choosing your favourite beach and cool down in the tranquil lagoons or nap under the shade of a palm grove. Extend your walk by exploring the island’s interior, where archaeological sites are waiting to be discovered. If you have time to spend the night here, sleep in a fale, a traditional hut, and eat traditional food prepared by the welcoming locals.

Manono measures just 3 square kilometres (1 square mile).With a population of less than a thousand people, spread between four sleepy fishing villages, this island is the perfect place to come to if you are hoping to find true peace and quiet. Cars, bicycles and even dogs and horses are banned on the island. Electricity was only introduced in 1995 but it doesn’t seem to have affected the traditional way of life a great deal yet.

Explore rock pools in empty coves at low tide and swim in the clear waters of the lagoon at high tide. Bring mask, fins and snorkel to dive beneath the water and see the colourful fish and coral species in this protected marine environment.

Make sure you also visit Manono’s historical sites. At the top of the island’s highest mountain, the 360-foot (110-metre) Mount Tulimanuiva, you’ll find the ancient 12-pointed star. Head to the village of Lepuiai to see the Grave of 99 Stones. Each of the stones is said to represent one of the wives of Vaovasa, an ancient chief.

Get to Manono by taking the ferry from Manono-uta on Upolu Island. The journey takes about 20 minutes. You can easily see all the sites in a day, but if the clear waters and serene atmosphere have an irresistible appeal to you, then arrange with a local to stay a night or two in a traditional, open-air fale. Be aware that Sundays are strictly reserved for churchgoing and that almost all the island’s facilities close.

Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort
Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
Entrance Road, Mulifanua
The price is ¥21,653 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥21,653
¥24,901 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Mulifanua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (638 reviews)
"Always a must for our last stay on the island to relax and book a massage - food, staff and room were great"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort
Return to Paradise Resort and Spa
Return to Paradise Resort and Spa
4 out of 5
Lefaga, Matautu
The price is ¥45,260 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥45,260
¥52,049 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Matautu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (362 reviews)
"It feels like we paid 4 star rates for a 3 star resort. Location and people were amazing.! Accomodation options when booking through expedia were not clear. Buffet dinner was disappointing."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Return to Paradise Resort and Spa
Amoa Resort Savaii
Amoa Resort Savaii
3.5 out of 5
Siufaga, Savaii, Tuasivi
The price is ¥23,824 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
¥23,824
¥27,795 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Tuasivi. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (148 reviews)
"Great location and very nice resort. Very friendly staff (same every where in Samoa). great location to relax away from crowds either by the pool or beach. Cool dive platform into the ocean. Only negative : ROOSTERS!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Amoa Resort Savaii
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ifiele'ele Plantation
Ifiele'ele Plantation
3.5 out of 5
Satui Road, Lepale, Fasito'o Uta
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Fasito'o Uta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Papasee'a Sliding Rock and Robert ...
"The host was so welcoming and approachable. He was amazing he welcome use with ilopen arms. We will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2024

Ifiele'ele Plantation
Highland Hideaway above Apia nestled in your own private little valley
Highland Hideaway above Apia nestled in your own private little valley
Apia
Stay at this vacation home in Apia. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and a hot tub. Popular attractions Faleata Golf Course and Papaseea Sliding Rocks are ...
Beyond Expectations
"We had a beautiful stay and Tim and Maria’s home. They were so welcoming and accommodating throughout our stay. The grounds were immaculately kept by gardener Ioane. Great big space for families. Clean and tidy and kept nice and cool with fans in every room. Well equipped kitchen, great washing machine ..."

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2025

Highland Hideaway above Apia nestled in your own private little valley
Most unique traditional Fale Samoa with hand woven decor
Most unique traditional Fale Samoa with hand woven decor
Tuamasaga
Stay at this vacation home in Apia. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Faleata Golf Course and Papaseea Sliding Rocks are located nearby.
Family holiday
"The property is lovely, everything you need to have a gorgeous getaway and holiday. The fale is beautiful and really nice and comfortable. The owners were at the property the entire time, even staying underneath the neighbouring property where our family were staying which was a bit awkward. The ..."

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Most unique traditional Fale Samoa with hand woven decor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.