Tucked inside the manicured grounds of the Piula Theological College, outside of Apia, is the Piula Cave Pool. The cool, freshwater offers a refreshing change from your time hopping from beach to beach while in Samoa. Perhaps most surprising for us was not the crystal clear waters of the pool, but rather the ornately planted Garden Toilets available for use. It’s the combination of these two gems that has us recommending you seek out the Piula Cave Pool while exploring Upolu.
The Piula Cave Pool
Piula Cave Pool was formed when an extinct lava tube was infiltrated with fresh ground water. Eventually the ceiling of the lava tube collapsed, creating the perfect fresh water getaway. Unlike Samoa’s famous swimming hole To Sua Ocean Trench, Piula is not salt water filled despite its close proximity to the ocean.
Getting to Piula
Piula Cave Pool and the Piula Theological College can be found in the village of Lufilufi, on Samoa’s Upolu Island. From Apia, travel east along the Main East Coast Road for 45 minutes. There are no addresses in Samoa, but village names are well labeled. Pick up a copy of Samoa Tourism’s paper map while in Apia, and follow the village names as you drive.
The sign for the Piula Theological College is large and obvious when traveling from Apia, but easy to miss when traveling from the south side of the island.
Hours and Entrance Fees for Piula Cave Pools
- Monday – Saturday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- $5 Tala per Adult
- $ Tala per Child
- $10 Tala for each vehicle
Once you turn into the Theological College, an attendant will come out and meet your vehicle and collect the fees. You will follow a short road through the beautiful manicured Theological College and down to the Piula Cave Pools.
Spend an Hour or a Whole Day
We didn’t have an entire day to spend at Piula, but can see how it would be a lovely place to enjoy a hot Samoan day. There are a handful of day use fales and umbrellas looking out over the ocean to relax in. The pool water is as cool as it is clear, so Piula is no doubt a great place to beat the heat.
If you are like us and didn’t have enough time in Samoa to devote an entire day relaxing at Piula Cave Pool, then plan on arriving first thing in the morning. Rumor is the area can get a bit crowded, especially on Saturdays.
The fish at Piula are very bold and curious, so bring along your mask and snorkel if you want an up close experience with them. With how clear the pool water is, masks/snorkels show off all the nooks and crannies of the refreshing cave.
Garden Toilets
The Garden Toilets at Piula Cave Pool were an amazing surprise to discover. OK, we admit that we have fun discovering funky toilets while traveling, but these toilets are likely to dazzle just about everyone. Both “stalls” are filled with beautiful tropical flowers growing alongside the porcelain throne. It was easy to forget they are toilets, and rather admire them for their intricate landscaping.
The sign that once read “Ladies Only” was definitely not missed by our family. Us ladies held it over the men that these beauties are too good for them, but rest assured that Bucky and Ty still defiantly used the toilets!
Finding Tiny Travel Gems
We loved exploring Piula Cave Pool and its unique garden toilets on a quiet morning before hitting all the busy events in Apia for the day. While it’s not as dramatic as To Sua Ocean Trench or Lalomanu Beach, we love taking the time to find under rated travel gems. There are so many things to do in Samoa, but we hope you find the time to explore Piula Cave Pool!
Looking to schedule in all the iconic sites that Upolu Samoa has to offer? We outline our favorite spots (including Piula Cave Pool!) at Samoa Vacation. Need more in depth information about traveling in and around Apia itself? Take a look at our Guide to Apia Samoa Travel.
Like This Article? Pin It!
This post was first written in May, 2019 and recently updated in May, 2021
Leave a reply