Looking back to the Piula Cave Pool and church
1 / 10

Piula Cave Pool

4.6
·338 reviews·Faleapuna, Samoa

A breathtaking natural freshwater cave pool with crystal-clear waters, teeming with fish, offering a unique swimming and picnicking experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Afternoon

Less crowded, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Looking back to the Piula Cave Pool and church

Piula Cave Pool

Best Time

Morning or Afternoon

Less crowded, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking natural freshwater cave pool with crystal-clear waters, teeming with fish, offering a unique swimming and picnicking experience.

4.6
(338 reviews)

"Amazingly beautiful cave pool with crystal clear water. Great place to swim or snorkel."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear

Crystal clear water and lots of fish! Essential for enjoying the underwater views.

🚗 Car Entry Fee

A $10 car fee applies in addition to the $5 per person entry.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Cave Pool

The Main Cave Pool

Freshwater pool with cave entrance

Swim into a stunning freshwater cave with crystal-clear water and abundant fish. A truly unique natural wonder.

Underwater Exploration

Underwater Exploration

Within the cave pool

Don goggles or a snorkel to marvel at the vibrant underwater world and the amazing view from inside the cave.

Beach Access

Beach Access

Oceanfront area

Enjoy swimming in the ocean from the beach, accessible via concrete steps before the volleyball court.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Crystal Waters

Visit Piula Cave Pool in the morning or afternoon to experience its peaceful atmosphere and crystal-clear waters with fewer people. Pack a snorkel or goggles to fully appreciate the underwater world.

Convenient Amenities & Entry

Piula Cave Pool offers surprisingly nice bathrooms and showers. Entry is $5 per person, with an additional $10 fee for cars. A small cafe is available for takeout food.

Best Times

When
Morning or Afternoon
Why
Less crowded, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear

Crystal clear water and lots of fish! Essential for enjoying the underwater views. Reddit

🚗 Car Entry Fee

A $10 car fee applies in addition to the $5 per person entry. Reddit

🚿 Clean Facilities

Surprisingly nice and clean bathrooms and showers available on site. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Swim Deep (with caution)

You can swim deep into the cave, even underwater to another pool if experienced. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear

Crystal clear water and lots of fish! Essential for enjoying the underwater views. Reddit

🚗 Car Entry Fee

A $10 car fee applies in addition to the $5 per person entry. Reddit

🚿 Clean Facilities

Surprisingly nice and clean bathrooms and showers available on site. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Swim Deep (with caution)

You can swim deep into the cave, even underwater to another pool if experienced. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Lunch

While there's a cafe, packing your own food is a great option for a full day. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(338 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunningly clear waters and the unique experience of swimming into the cave at Piula Cave Pool. The surprisingly clean facilities, including bathrooms and showers, are a pleasant surprise. While some mention the possibility of swimming deeper into the cave, caution is advised for inexperienced swimmers. Overall, it's considered a beautiful and worthwhile natural attraction.

"Worth a visit and the drive from Apia is lovely. Keep swimming into the cave (if confident) and you can sit/stand at the end. REALLY nice bathrooms and showers which surprised. A nice place to chill in the water or shade."

Marc Stevenson

"So you can go very deep into the pool where it goes quite dark and then you can swim under the water into another pool Where at a lot of locals are swimming. It is a little dirtier on that side.

It isn’t recommended. But it is an option.
We really enjoyed it here.
The bathrooms and Showers are VERY NICE and CLEAN.
There is a little cafe type place where you can get take out food. Hot chips etc. we packed a lunch so we didn’t eat there.
But definitely could spend the day.

You can swim in the beach. Before the volleyball ball court there are concrete steps to the sea water."

Tulani Lea'uanae

"Price: $5 per person, $10 for car.

Piula Cave is such a beautiful spot to visit! I recommend going in the morning or afternoon when it’s less crowded so you can really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Definitely bring a snorkel or goggles because the water is crystal clear, and you’ll get to see plenty of fish swimming around.

If you’re a good swimmer, make sure to swim all the way to the end of the cave there’s another cave on the other side. Locals are used to diving under, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re experienced. Overall, it’s a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy nature in Samoa."

B Une Passi

What People Like

Crystal clear water
Cave swimming experience
Clean facilities

What People Dislike

Car entry fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Piula Cave Pool is located on the island of Upolu. The drive from Apia is described as lovely. While specific public transport details are scarce, renting a car or hiring a taxi are common ways to reach this beautiful spot. Reddit

The location is generally well-known and accessible, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring Upolu. The drive itself is part of the experience. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is $5 per person. There is an additional charge of $10 for vehicles entering the premises. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always listed, visiting in the morning or afternoon is recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy the best experience. Reddit

Yes, swimming in the cave is a highlight! The water is crystal clear, and you can swim right into the cave. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Piula Cave Pool offers surprisingly nice and clean bathrooms and showers. There's also a small cafe-style place for takeout food. Reddit

Absolutely! The water is crystal clear, and visitors highly recommend bringing a snorkel or goggles to see the abundant freshwater fish. Reddit

Yes, you can swim in the ocean. There are concrete steps leading to the sea water located before the volleyball court. Reddit

You can swim very deep into the pool where it gets dark, and it's possible to swim underwater into another pool. However, this is not recommended unless you are experienced. Reddit

The best way is to visit when it's less crowded, bring snorkel gear, and explore the main cave pool. Don't miss the chance to swim into the cave and observe the underwater life. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small cafe-type place where you can get takeout food like hot chips. Many visitors also choose to pack their own lunch. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most striking photos will be of the crystal-clear freshwater pool, especially capturing the light filtering into the cave. Underwater shots with the fish are also highly recommended if you have waterproof gear. Reddit

Visiting in the morning or afternoon when it's less crowded allows for more unobstructed shots. The natural light filtering into the cave can create beautiful effects. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piula Cave Pool is a fantastic spot for families. The main freshwater pool is generally calm and shallow enough in parts for children to enjoy safely, and the abundance of fish is sure to captivate young minds. Reddit The clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus for families needing to freshen up after swimming. Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as it allows for a relaxed mealtime with the kids. Reddit

While the deeper parts of the cave might be for older, more confident swimmers, the main area offers plenty of fun. The beach access also provides an alternative for those who prefer ocean swimming. Ensure children have appropriate flotation devices if needed, and always supervise them closely, especially near the cave entrance. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Piula Cave Pool offers excellent value for money. The entrance fee of $5 per person is very reasonable for such a unique natural attraction. Reddit By packing your own food and drinks, you can significantly cut down on expenses, making it an affordable day out. Reddit

While car entry is $10, carpooling with other travelers can help mitigate this cost. The availability of clean facilities like bathrooms and showers means you don't need to worry about those extra expenses. It's a great way to experience Samoa's natural beauty without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Piula Cave Pool

Piula Cave Pool is a unique natural attraction on Upolu, Samoa, featuring a stunning freshwater pool fed by a spring that flows into a cave. The water is renowned for its exceptional clarity, making it an ideal spot for swimming and observing the abundant freshwater fish that inhabit the pool. Visitors can swim directly into the cave, experiencing a cool, shaded environment. For those feeling adventurous, it's possible to swim deeper into the cave system, even going underwater to reach another pool, though this is only recommended for experienced swimmers. Reddit

The surrounding area also offers a beach with ocean access, providing a different swimming experience. The facilities at Piula Cave Pool are a pleasant surprise, with very nice and clean bathrooms and showers available for visitors. There's also a small cafe offering takeout options, though many choose to pack their own picnic to enjoy the day. The entrance fee is $5 per person, with an additional $10 charge for vehicles. Reddit

To truly appreciate the beauty of Piula Cave Pool, it's advised to visit during the morning or afternoon when crowds are thinner, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience. Bringing snorkel gear or goggles is highly recommended to fully explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with fish. The drive from Apia to Piula Cave Pool is also noted as a scenic part of the visit. Reddit

Practical Tips for Your Visit

When planning your trip to Piula Cave Pool, remember to pack essential items that will enhance your experience. Snorkel gear or goggles are a must-have, as the crystal-clear water and abundant fish make for incredible underwater viewing. Reddit Consider bringing a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the unique scenery, both above and below the water. Reddit

For a comfortable day out, packing a picnic lunch is a great idea, even though there is a small cafe on-site. This allows you to relax and enjoy your meal at your own pace. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also advisable, as you'll be spending time outdoors in a tropical environment. Reddit Remember that there is a car entry fee of $10 in addition to the per-person entrance fee of $5, so be prepared for that cost. Reddit

Finally, while the facilities are generally well-maintained, it's always good to have your own towel and any personal toiletries you might need. The experience of swimming in the cave and enjoying the natural beauty makes Piula Cave Pool a worthwhile destination for any visitor to Upolu. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2