Discover Fa'asaleleaga. In the wider surrounding region on Savai‘i, you’ll find striking landscapes: the island’s attractions include tall waterfalls, caves and blowholes. The Saleaula lava fields and large lava tubes were formed during the eruption of Mt Matavanu in the early 20th century. Savai‘i is 80 kilometres long and 40 kilometres wide; the dormant volcano Mt Silisili is its highest peak at 1,858 metres. The island’s dimensions provide a geographical frame of reference, while the peak gives a specific elevation point.
Salelologa is also on Savai‘i. Buses depart there from the wharf or the market. The market offers fresh produce and traditional dishes to try. Salelologa therefore provides both a transport landmark and an opportunity to discover Samoan food.
Samoa and its islands
Samoa comprises ten islands, four of which are inhabited: Upolu, Savai‘i, Apolima and Manono. Savai‘i is therefore one of several inhabited islands in the country, not the same as the entire archipelago. This broader geographical context helps put Samoa’s varied natural and cultural sites into perspective.
Water and routes in Samoa
The To-Sua Ocean Trench is in Lotofaga on Upolu. The water pool is 30 metres deep, and a long ladder leads down to a platform in the water. A cave in the trench leads to the open sea and is recommended for experienced divers. The Palolo Deep Marine Reserve in Apia is a five-minute walk from the centre. Actual walking time may vary.
Piula Cave Pool is on Main East Coast Road, by Piula Theological College in the village of Lufilufi, about 45 minutes from Apia. Travel time may vary depending on conditions. The underwater cave at Piula Cave Pool is connected to a second cave. Day fales and toilets are available there; as facilities may change, check their availability locally before your visit.
Natural and cultural sites
Papase’ea Sliding Rocks are in Se’ese’e in the Faleata district, about a 15-minute drive from Apia; driving time may vary depending on conditions. There are two sliding areas, one for children and one for adults. At Sopoaga Waterfall in Samoa, there is an area for demonstrations of umu cooking and coconut husking.
Samoa Cultural Village is on Beach Road in central Apia. The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is described as the place where the Scottish poet and author Robert Louis Stevenson fell in love. Apia therefore has a cultural site and a museum with a literary connection, though they do not tell the same story.
According to Samoan tradition, Pa Sopo’ia Cave is considered an ancient route by which the spirits of ancestors reach Devil’s Haden at Cape Mulinu’u. This is considered their final meeting place before Pulotu, the spirit world. Afu Aau Waterfall is also known as Olemoe Falls. Together with Savai‘i’s volcanic landscapes and the sites around Apia, these examples show the range of natural and cultural themes you can discover at the destination of Samoa.
Discover more destinations: Salelologa, Tuasivi, Atua, Vaisigano, Savai'i, Upolu, Tuamasaga, Aiga-I-Le-Tai.
Back to the main travel overview: Samoa.
