Savaii

Savaii is an adventurer’s dream. With a mountainous interior, waterfalls, secluded beaches and lush rainforests, this sparsely populated island is the largest in Polynesia. Savaii has managed to maintain its pristine beauty and most of the island is uninhabited. The coastline is wild and lined with traditional Samoan Villages. Inland you will find rambling plantations, tropical rainforests and lava fields, including the dramatic features at Mount Matavanu and Saleaula. The island of Savaii is connected to the neighboring island of Upolu by a 1 ½ hour ferry ride.

Salelologa, is the island’s main town located in the south-east near the ferry terminal. You can rent a car here, change money and stock up on supplies. There are a couple of cafes as well as a local market selling food and produce.

Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Reserve is near the coastal village of Tafua. This rainforest is ideal for seeing flying foxes, and bird watching, including the rare Samoan tooth-billed pigeon. You can also walk to the Tarfua Savaii crater.

The Tia Seu Ancient Mound is a 12m high stone ‘pyramid’. This is the largest ancient structure in Polynesia. This is located near Olemoe Falls on the Letolo plantation. Research is still going on, as it is not sure why it was built or its significance.

Mu Pagoa Waterfall is where the water from Samoa’s largest river tumbles into the sea. This is about 100m from the bridge between the villages of Puleia and Gautavai. This river is where you will often see women washing clothes and children splashing in the water.

Alofaaga Blowholes are spectacular displays of the ocean at the end of a 4 wheel drive road. The entrance is to be found in the village of Taga.

Satuiatua Beach is great for swimming and snorkeling. However you must ask the village for permission. Behind the village you can often see owls and flying foxes.

Cape Mulinuu is an area where you can see several different sites, including an ancient star mound. However you will need a guide to find the site. There is a beach with several fales but it is necessary to ask permission to use.

Falealupo Rainforest Preserve contains a forest canopy walkway where you have excellent views of the summits of Savaii and the surrounding rainforests. It is a good location to bird watch.

Falealupo Lava Tube Trail is west of the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve. On the southern side off the road are the lava tubes which the villagers use for shelter during cyclones. You can go on a short tour with a village guide.

Aopo Conservation Area is home to the Aopo lava cave, which you can explore with a village guide. More experienced hikers can go with a guide up to the summit of Mount Silisili. This is a two day round trip hike, through pristine rainforest with stunning island views.

Mount Matavanu Lava Fields are one of the island’s most impressive sites and are located a 3 hour walk from Paia Village. They have an eerie moonscape look which can be seen from the crater walk.

Paia Dwarf’s Cave is undeveloped and untouched, and the main cave is over 1 kilometer. To explore Paia Dwarf’s Cave will take you a day, and you need a guide. This is quite an adventure and the local village chief’s say that nobody has ever reached the edge of this cave.

Saleaula Lava Fields are where lava destroyed one of the villages when Mount Matavanu erupted in 1905 – 1911. The lava covered most of the village. However Virgin’s Grave, and two church buildings, the Methodist Church and the London Missionary Society are still standing.

Afu Aau Falls or Olemoe Falls are located en route to the Pulemelei Mound. Crashing from the rainforest into a natural deep swimming pool, it can be reached by 4 wheel drive or a 30 minute walk from the main highway.

Pe’ape’a Cave is a 10 minute walk from the road in the village of Letui. It is home to many native Polynesian swiftlets.

It is possible to swim with the turtles at the village of Satoalepai. These turtles are kept in captivity and this is not a conservation attraction. There is a small fee.