Samoa: Lalomanu Beach

Lalomanu beaches at the southeastern end of Samoa are often named best in the Pacific – white coral sand and reef starting within just feet of the water’s edge. Palms bending over ocean in impossible shapes, and everywhere are beach fales – a typical Samoan structure of a wooden platform and thatched roofs. One can rent one just for the beach time or even stay overnight. This area took a direct tsunami hit in 2009 and 36 people died when it struck at 7am.