Samoa: Less Beige, More Beach (and Oka, Oh My!) - Kai's Adventures in Upolu
Talofa, fellow wanderlusters! Kai Ishikawa here, your friendly neighborhood travel photographer and food blogger, fresh off a plane from…paradise! I just spent two glorious weeks exploring Upolu, Samoa, and let me tell you, Instagram doesn't even begin to do this place justice. Forget those beige travel brochures – Samoa is a vibrant explosion of colour, culture, and seriously addictive food. Get ready to ditch your spreadsheets, pack your swimwear, and prepare for a serious case of island fever (the good kind!). This isn't just a Samoa travel guide; it's a deep dive into authentic Samoa experiences, seen through the lens (literally and figuratively) of yours truly. So, grab a virtual coconut, settle in, and let's get this island party started!
Plunging into Palolo Deep: My GoPro vs. Nemo
First up, the underwater wonderland that is Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. Now, I fancy myself a bit of a photographer, but chasing fish with a camera is a whole different ball game. I armed myself with my trusty GoPro Hero 11 Black in its waterproof housing, slapped on a red filter (crucial for correcting those underwater colour imbalances – take note, people!), and plunged into the deep blue.
The water clarity was insane! We're talking visibility for days. And the coral reefs? A riot of colour. I felt like I was swimming through a Jackson Pollock painting, only instead of paint, it was parrotfish in every shade imaginable. I even managed to snag a few decent shots.
Trying to get a decent underwater close-up of a clownfish was like trying to herd cats…underwater. Those little guys are fast. But after what felt like an Olympic-level swimming competition, I finally got the shot.
Here are a few of my winning camera settings:
- Wide shot of the coral reef: f/8, ISO 200
- Underwater close-up of clownfish: f/5.6, ISO 400
Umu-believable! Learning the Ancient Art of Samoan Cooking
Okay, I love food. Like, really love food. So, when I heard about a traditional 'umu' cooking class, I was all in. An 'umu' is basically an above-ground oven using hot rocks, and it's been used in Samoa for centuries.
The whole process was fascinating. We started by gathering wood (specific types are used to get that perfect smoky flavour), then heated up volcanic rocks in a roaring fire. Watching the flames dance and feeling the heat radiating off the rocks was mesmerizing.
Then came the food prep. Layering the ingredients – taro leaves, pork, fish, and veggies – with coconut cream was like creating a culinary masterpiece. It was also a seriously communal affair. Everyone pitched in, laughing and sharing stories. The air was thick with the smoky aroma of the fire and the earthy scent of the ingredients.
I even set up my Sony a7IV on a tripod and shot a time-lapse video of the whole process – one frame every 5 minutes. Stay tuned to my socials, it's coming soon!
Here's a sneak peak!
The best part? Eating the results! The food was cooked to perfection, infused with that smoky, earthy flavour. It was a taste of Samoa's history and culture, and it was absolutely delicious.
Hiking Mount Vaea: Sweating with Stevenson
Okay, let's be real, I'm not exactly known for my athletic prowess. But I couldn't visit Samoa without hiking Mount Vaea and paying my respects to Robert Louis Stevenson, the famous author who spent his final years on the island.
The hike itself was… sweaty. The humidity was intense, and my shirt was soaked within minutes. But the rainforest was stunning. Towering trees, vibrant green foliage, and the sounds of native birds all around. It really felt like stepping back in time.
The view from the summit was worth every drop of sweat. Panoramic views of Apia, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. Just breathtaking.
Then, there's Stevenson's grave. A simple, peaceful spot overlooking the island he loved. It was a humbling experience to stand there and reflect on his connection to Samoa. I grabbed my 50mm lens, cranked it down to f/1.8, ISO 100 and captured a photo of myself paying my respects, blurring the background to focus on the moment.
Food, Glorious Food: A Samoan Culinary Odyssey
Prepare your taste buds, folks, because Samoan food is a revelation.
'Oka': Raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime. Sounds a bit intimidating, right? WRONG! A flavour explosion in my mouth! Who knew raw fish could be THIS good?! The freshness of the fish combined with the tanginess of the lime and the creamy coconut milk is a match made in heaven. I snapped a close-up photo of this dish using natural light and a shallow depth of field to capture all the vibrant colors and textures.
'Palusami': Young taro leaves baked in coconut cream. Comfort food Samoan style! Forget mac and cheese, this is my new go-to. The creamy texture and the subtle earthiness of the taro leaves are simply divine. I even got a photo of me mid-bite, with a look of pure bliss on my face. (My apologies for the less-than-glamorous shot, but hey, authenticity, right?).
Fresh Tropical Fruits: The mangoes here are like sunshine in a fruit! And the passionfruit… pure passion! I visited a local market and was blown away by the abundance and variety of fruits. It felt great buying local and interacting with the vendors.
Waterfalls, Rainforests, and Beaches: Samoa's Landscape is the Real MVP
Samoa's landscape is like something out of a movie – think Jurassic Park, but way more relaxing.
The waterfalls are simply spectacular. I visited Papase'ea Sliding Rocks (SO much fun!) and Sopoaga Falls. I got a great wide-angle shot of Sopoaga Falls, capturing its scale and grandeur. The sounds of rushing water and the mist in the air were incredibly refreshing.
The rainforests in the central highlands are lush and vibrant, teeming with life. Feeling like I'm in Jurassic Park, but way more relaxing!
And then there are the beaches. The black sand beaches of the north coast are dramatic and rugged, while the white sand beaches of the south coast (like Lalomanu Beach) are postcard-perfect. I spent hours just soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear water, and capturing those epic sunsets (tip: use an ND filter and a long exposure for the best results).
Kai's Samoa Survival Kit: Gear and Tips
Alright, let's get practical. Here's a rundown of my gear and some tips to help you plan your own Samoan adventure:
Kai's Gear List:
- Cameras: Sony a7IV, GoPro Hero 11 Black
- Lenses: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, Sony 50mm f/1.8
- Accessories: Waterproof housing for GoPro, Tripod, ND filter
Photography Tips:
- Underwater Photography: Use a red filter to correct colour imbalances.
- Landscape Photography: Shoot during the golden hour for the best light.
- Food Photography: Use natural light and a shallow depth of field.
Practical Travel Tips:
- Transportation: Rent a car for maximum flexibility.
- Accommodation: Recommend a mix of budget-friendly guesthouses and luxury resorts.
- Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting villages and churches. Learn a few basic Samoan phrases (e.g., "Talofa" - Hello, "Fa'afetai" - Thank you).
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Samoa stole a piece of my heart. It's a place where you can disconnect from the world, reconnect with nature, and experience a culture that's both rich and welcoming. I urge you to book a trip and discover the magic of Samoa for yourself.
Ready to book your Samoan adventure? Check out the Samoa Tourism Authority website for more information: https://www.samoa.travel/
Want to explore Upolu with a local guide? Use the code KAI10 for 10% off any tour with [Insert Fictional Tour Operator Name Here].
Now, tell me in the comments: What's your favorite travel destination and why? Let's inspire each other!
Fa'afetai tele lava (thank you very much) for reading! Until next time, keep exploring!