Return to Paradise Beach

The beach at Lefaga on Upolu's southwest coast took its present name from the film shot there in 1952 with Gary Cooper, based on a Michener story, and the name has stuck for seventy years. The beach itself is black sand and boulder with palms behind and a heavy shore break, backed by cliffs, which makes it more dramatic than swimmable. The village collects a fee at the access track.

What you'll find

• The boulder beach - black sand and rock with palms behind.
• The shore break - heavy surf coming straight onto the beach.
• The cliffs - the headlands enclosing the bay at both ends.
• The film association - the 1952 shoot the beach took its name from.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Swell is heavy on this coast at most times. Village fees are collected at the track.

Good to know

Swimming is genuinely dangerous here with a heavy shore break and rip. Facilities are basic fales and a fee hut. The access track is rough.

Nearby

Sa'anapu is east along the coast, and Apia is north.

Key facts