Savai'i: Volcanic Landscapes, Coastal Views and History

Savai'i is a volcanic island and the largest island in Samoa. Samoa comprises ten islands, four of which are inhabited: Upolu, Savai'i, Apolima and Manono. On Savai'i, numerous unspoiled beaches and lava fields shape the landscape. There are also historically significant sites, a coastal lookout and opportunities for water activities. When planning a hotel stay, you can first consider what you want to focus on during your trip: volcanic and cultural history, coastal views, waterfalls or time on and in the water.

Volcanic Traces and Historic Sites

At the Saleaula Lava Field on Savai'i, the eruption of Mt Matavanu left lava flow patterns, hills with tree casts and the surviving stone outer wall of a church. Visitors can walk across the lava field among partly buried churches, Virgin’s grave and lava mounds. The LMS Church is also one of the site's features; lava fields bear witness to the destructive 1905 eruption. Here, visitors can focus both on volcanic formations and on the churches and grave that contribute to the site's historic character.

Another historic landmark is Pulemelei Mound, also called the Pyramid. It lies within the Letolo Plantation in Palauli, at the eastern end of Savai'i, and is believed to have been built around 1400 AD. Its exact purpose is unknown; it may have served as a ceremonial or burial site. The open question of its use sets it apart from the lava and church remains that characterize Saleaula.

Coast, Waterfalls and Traditions

Lover’s Leap in Falelima on Savai'i's south coast offers a 300-meter-high clifftop lookout. From there, you can look out over foaming seawater flowing into a small bay. The focus here is on the cliff, water and bay—a different landscape from the lava fields in the island's interior.

At Afu Aau Waterfall, also called Olemoe Falls, admission is collected at a Samoan fale about 650 meters from the main road. Visitors are encouraged to park there and walk for ten minutes to the pool and waterfall. The fale as the admission point, the recommendation to park there and the walk that follows are all part of the visitor guidance.

Near the Blowholes lies Pa Sopo’ia Cave. According to local belief, it is an ancient path along which the spirits of ancestors travel to Devil’s Haden at Cape Mulinu’u and onward to Pulotu, the spirit world. This tradition links the cave to the belief that it is a route taken by ancestral spirits, giving the site a cultural significance distinct from Saleaula's geological traces.

Getting Around and Activities

Ways to get around Savai'i include rental cars, scooters, bicycles, public transport and taxis. Travelers may also have different interests: on the island, you can snorkel, kayak and dive, as well as take in the beaches, waterfall, lava field and coastal lookout. You can then factor your choice of transport into your plans without assuming that every destination calls for the same kind of island trip.

Discover more destinations: Asau, Sale'aula, Gaga'emauga, A'ana, Aiga-I-Le-Tai, Palauli, Tuamasaga, Fa'asaleleaga.

For the broader travel overview: Samoa.