Lake Lanoto'o
Vaiata o Lanoto'o
A volcanic crater lake in the central highlands of Upolu, with dark green water and a legend of golden fish. It is reached by a hike through rainforest.
Lake Lanoto'o lies in an extinct volcanic crater at an altitude of about 770 meters in the central highlands of Upolu. It is surrounded by cloud-shrouded rainforest and forms part of a national park. The lake contains goldfish that were introduced in the 20th century and have since gone wild. Locals tell legends about the lake being bottomless. From a dirt track beside the Cross Island Road, the walk takes about 1 to 1.5 hours one way, and the path is rough. A local guide or a tour group is recommended. Note that during the rainy season the trail is muddy and hard to walk, so wear hiking boots and bring a raincoat and insect repellent. Swimming in the lake is at your own risk.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Papase'ea Sliding Rocks
- Bahá'í House of Worship, Tiapapata
- Papapapaitai Falls
- Mount Vaea & Stevenson's Tomb
- Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (Villa Vailima)
- Sa'anapu Mangroves & Beach
- Apia Market (Maketi Fou / Fugalei)
- Savalalo Flea Market