O Le Pupu-Pue National Park

O Le Pupu-Pue was declared in 1978 as the country's first national park and runs in a strip from the top of Upolu's central ridge down to the southern coast, taking in montane forest, lowland rainforest and a stretch of black lava cliff where old flows meet the sea. The O Le Pupu lava coast walk follows that shore. Flying foxes and forest birds use the higher ground, and Togitogiga falls are within the park.

What you actually see

• The lava coast walk - the shore route along black cliffs where old flows meet the sea.
• The forest belt - the strip running from coast to ridge through several forest types.
• The flying foxes - the fruit bats using the higher forest.
• Togitogiga falls - the swimming pools inside the park boundary.

When to go

May to October is the drier season and best for walking. The wet season makes trails muddy and streams high. Mornings are best for birds.

Honest expectations

Trails are poorly maintained and signage is limited. The coast walk is over sharp lava and needs proper shoes. Facilities within the park are minimal.

Nearby

Togitogiga Falls are inside the park, and Sa'anapu is west along the coast.