Piula Cave Pool

Below the church of a Methodist theological college on Upolu's north coast, fresh water rises into a pool cut into the lava at the edge of the sea, clear and cold, with a second chamber behind it connected by a short underwater passage that swimmers duck through. The sea is a few metres away over the rocks. The site belongs to the college, which collects a small fee and closes it on Sundays.

What you actually see

• The cave pool - clear cold fresh water in a chamber at the sea's edge.
• The second chamber - the inner pool reached through a short underwater passage.
• The church above - the theological college building on the terrace over the pool.
• The sea beside - the coast a few metres away over the lava.

When to go

Year round; the pool temperature is constant. It closes on Sundays. Weekends and holidays bring local visitors.

Honest expectations

It closes on Sundays and access depends on the college. The underwater passage between chambers is short but not for nervous swimmers. Facilities are basic.

Nearby

Apia is west, and Fagaloa Bay is east.