Mulivai (Upolu Coast)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Mulivai on Upolu offers a small, sandy launch area over very clear water with flatwater conditions inside the lagoon. Typical conditions for wind sports are driven by the South-East trade winds, which are most reliable from May to October, with the strongest kitesurfing months listed as June through September. For kitesurfing, the spot supports freeride on the flatter lagoon water, while wave riding is possible at the reef pass. Riders commonly use around 9–12 m² kites in the stated trade-wind range, and winds are described as steady with the southeast trades behaving very consistently during the winter months. The spot’s main challenge is safety: currents and reefs are prominent hazards, and the lagoon can contain coral heads, sea urchins, and sharp coral. Low tide can significantly reduce rideable depth, so tide timing is important; at low tide the lagoon may become too shallow to ride. Booties are specifically recommended to reduce the risk of foot injury. Local access and etiquette also matter. Kitesurfing on Sundays is discouraged as a matter of Samoan custom, and respect for village land boundaries and resort guests is advised. Lifeguards are not present, so plan for self-reliant safety and rescue readiness.
- Consistent South-East trade winds from May to October
- Crystal-clear, high-visibility water
- Flatwater lagoon for freeride plus wave riding at the reef pass
- Small beach with straightforward access (but limited space at high tide)
- Consistent South-East trade winds in the winter months.
- Crystal-clear water and small, manageable waves for freeride and wave styles.
- On-site style variety: flatwater inside the lagoon and wave potential at the pass.
- Reef and current hazards (including sharp coral and sea urchins).
- Shallow lagoon conditions at low tide can prevent riding.
- Sunday restrictions for kitesurfing.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — South-East trade winds.
- Reliability
- The Southeast trade winds are very consistent during the winter months.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with a narrow launch strip.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small to medium waves depending on conditions; wave potential exists at the reef pass.
- Launch
- Small — Launch from a narrow sandy beach strip; space can be limited at high tide with palm trees along the shore.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate due to narrow beach access and changing depth with tide.
Through the year
Generally quiet and low-profile; a few surfers and kiters may be present during peak swell/wind months.
November to April (wet/cyclone season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A versatile kitesurf spot with flat water inside the lagoon for freeride, plus wave riding at the reef pass.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible in the lagoon, but depth is a major concern at low tide due to coral heads.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- Only rideable at mid to high tide to avoid hitting the reef.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Mulivai (Upolu Coast) in the full forecast view.
Mulivai (Upolu Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–13 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ESE112°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Mulivai (Upolu Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–2.2 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- currents
- reefs
- sea urchins
- sharp coral
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No formal public lifeguard or dedicated kite/windsurf rescue service; safety is typically managed by boat operators of local resorts or surf camps.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect local village land boundaries and resort guests. No kitesurfing on Sundays due to Samoan custom.
- No kitesurfing on Sundays.
- Access may require permission from the local village or resort.
- Do not kitesurf on Sundays due to Samoan custom.
- Wear booties to protect against sharp reef and sea urchins.
- Check the tide schedule carefully—at low tide the lagoon can become too shallow to ride.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Apia
- Nearest Town
- Mulivai
- Nearest Airport
- Faleolo International Airport (APW)
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the resort or village entrance.
- Public Transport
- Local buses operate on an informal schedule and generally do not accommodate large sports equipment; taxis and rental cars are the most reliable options.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Samoan, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa and Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa are located directly at/near the spot area.
- Food & Drink
- Resort restaurants and bars are available nearby.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated kite centers; riders should bring their own equipment. Equipment rental is not generally available for kitesurfing/windsurfing.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is usually provided by resorts for their guests; no public gear storage facilities.
- Gear Repair
- No professional repair services available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Mulivai area is a mix of rugged volcanic coast and tropical lagoon environments, with a smaller, resort-centered scene and strong emphasis on respect for reef and village boundaries.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Mulivai (Upolu Coast)?
The best overall months at Mulivai (Upolu Coast) are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Mulivai (Upolu Coast)?
Mulivai (Upolu Coast) works with SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Mulivai (Upolu Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Mulivai (Upolu Coast): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Mulivai (Upolu Coast) suitable for?
Mulivai (Upolu Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced.