Nature has blessed these pristine islands with a diverse range of wildlife species. The native forests are absolutely captivating and vary from the high elevation cloud forests of the mountainous interior to the unique coastal rainforests and mangrove swamps. Most of the low lying areas are devoted to cultivation but majestic lowland rainforest can easily be visited in the nature preserves at Falealupo and on the Tafua Peninsula in Savaii, in the large National Park on the south coast of Upolu, or in the Mt Vaea Scenic Reserve adjacent to the beautiful Vailima Botanical Garden just outside Apia near the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.

Plants still play a central role in the culture of Samoa. The mulberry tree or ‘u’a’, is still used today for making tapa cloth which traditionally was used for clothing. The beautifully grained ‘ifilele’ tree of coastal and lowland forests is still highly-prized for carving such cultural items such as ‘ava’ bowls or ‘tanoa’ and the traditional orator’s staff called ‘to’oto’o’.

The trunks of the huge Hernandia tree called ‘pu’a’ are hollowed out for making canoes called ‘paopao’ , still so important for fishermen. The long leaves of the pandanus tree called ‘laufala’ are woven into different kinds of mats, including the fine mat, which is culturally very significant. Native plants are also used for traditional construction materials, and for traditional medicine which is still widely practiced. Native species of attractive and fragrant flowering plants are many and varied and includes numerous kinds of Orchids. Many are grown around homes, including the Hibiscus (aute), Frangipani (puafiti), and the Perfume tree (Mosooi). 

Bird lovers are in for a treat as there are many unique species to seek. Found in littoral forests, the Tooth-Billed Pigeon (Manumea), the timid many-coloured fruit Dove (Manuma) and the Mao, known for its loud wailing call, are just a few of the rare but exciting sighting possibilities.

At dawn or dusk you may glimpse two species of Flying Fox (fruit bat) as they circle high up over the forest canopy. Excellent off-shore bird breeding colonies on an uninhabited Nuulua and Nuutele islands at the eastern end of  Upolu Island, ensure the survival of many species of sea birds including the delightful cliff dwelling Red Footed Booby (Taio) and the Brown Noddy (Fuao).

The marine environment provides a significant food source for the Samoan people. The reefs and the lagoons abound with myriads of tropical fish, shellfish and the rare and highly delectable Palolo Worm which rises from the coral only once a year in October and/or November and is gathered with great festivity.