Gaga-emauga and Gaga’ifomauaga

Gaga’emauga

The district is situated on the central north side of Savai’i. The name Gaga’emauga literally means: “near side of the mountain” meaning the eastern side of the mountain chain running through the centre of Savai’i.

The relocated villages of Gaga’emauga district on the main island Upolu was a result of 1905 – 1911 volcanic eruptions of Mt Matavanu, situated about 11kms (7 mi) inland from Matautu on the central north coast. Lava flows from eruptions destroyed villages in its path, including Saleaula and Salago villages, transforming the northern half of this district into lava fields which are still visible today, especially at Saleaula. However Virgin’s Grave, and two church buildings, the Methodist Church and the London Missionary Society are still standing.

Fagamalo is by the sea at the northern most point of Savai’i. In Samoan mythology, Fagamalo is the home of Tui Fiti, a spirit deity who resides in the sacred forest, vao sa, an area that is tapu in the village. More recently, the small village made the headlines when the chiefs declared Fagamalo smokefree.

Le’auva’a and Salamumu are villages on the island of Upolu. Although the villages are geographically located on Upolu, the village is politically (and historically) part of the political district of Gaga’emauga. The settlements were relocated to Upolu in the early 1900s following volcanic eruptions from Mt. Matavanu which destroyed villages on the central-north coast of Savai’i. The eruptions have left behind extensive lava fields at Saleaula.

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.

Mauga is another village on Savai’i The word mauga means ‘mountain’ in the Samoan language. The settlement is built around the crater of a small volcano. The main island road passes by the village that is situated about a 40-minute drive northwest from Salelologa township and ferry terminal. To the southeast is Samalae’ulu village and to the west Saleaula where the main road cuts through large areas of black lava fields.

Patamea is a village on the island of Savai’i in Samoa. While most villages on Savai’i are situated near the sea, Patamea is situated inland, away from the coast. Patamea is based on a cash economy driven by traditional work, mostly in plantations although there is some cattle farming.

Sato’alepai is a village situated on the central north coast of the island of Savai’i. The village is by the sea with several small shops selling basic groceries. There are mangroves and wetlands inland, a short stroll from the main road circling Savai’i. Behind the village is an eco-tourism area in the wetlands with green turtles (Chelonia mydas) for visitors and tourists. 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.

Gaga’ifomauga

Gaga’ifomauga is situated on the northern side of the island with a population of around 5,000.

Aopo is a village on the island of Savai’I and is in the political district of Gaga’ifomauga. The village is located inland from the north coast of Savai’i, close to the main lava field from the island’s volcanic cones.

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.

Lefagaoali’i is another village on the central north coast of Savai’i. The settlement is situated on a thin spit of land, with the ocean on the north side and an inland lake on the south side that flows out to the open sea. There are reef breaks for surfing directly in front of the village but note, the waves are for experienced surfers only.

Manase is a village on the central north coast of Savai’i. Situated by the sea with a white sandy beach, Manase has become a popular tourist destination since the 1990s with low budget and locally owned beach faleaccommodations.

Safune is a traditional village district on the central north coast of Savai’i. In Samoan mythology, the fresh spring pool Mata o le Alelo, in the village of Matavai in Safune is associated with the Polynesian legend of Sina and the Eel. Safune is the birthplace of Mau leader Olaf Frederick Nelson and the filming location of Moana (1926 film), one of the first documentaries made in the world. The Mata o le Alelo pool associated with the Sina and the Eel Polynesian legend is also in Safune.

Sasina is a village on the north coast of Savai’i. The village is part of a conservation area that includes the village of Aopo. In 2008, an American company, South Pacific Development Group (SPDG), obtained a 120-year lease for 600 acres of prime oceanfront customary land to build a luxury resort estimated to cost $450 – $500 million US dollars.