Gagaifoolevao: Local History on Upolu

Gagaifoolevao is located in Lefaga on the island of Upolu. Due to the cyclones of the early 1990s, the village was officially relocated inland. If you are looking for a hotel in Gagaifoolevao, this local history provides a concrete point of reference for your travel decision.

History and Surroundings of Lefaga

Nearby is the Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary. There, visitors can look for giant clams with a mask, snorkel, and fins for a small fee. A marine reserve focused on protecting giant clams was established in Savaia in 1997. Return to Paradise is a tourist destination in the Lefaga and Falease’ela district. The wider travel area therefore offers different points of interest: the village’s history, a marine attraction in Savaia, and a tourist destination in the district.

Upolu and Other Places in Samoa

Of Samoa’s ten islands, four are inhabited: Upolu, Savai‘i, Apolima, and Manono. Gagaifoolevao is on Upolu. Other places in Samoa add nature and culture to the regional picture, each rooted in its own location. In Apia, the Samoa Cultural Village is on Beach Road in the city center. The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is said to be the place where the Scottish poet and author Robert Louis Stevenson fell in love. The Palolo Deep Marine Reserve is a five-minute walk from central Apia; actual walking time may vary.

At To-Sua Ocean Trench in Lotofaga on Upolu, the water pool is 30 meters deep. A long ladder leads to a platform in the water. A cave leads to the open sea; it is recommended for experienced divers. The pool, platform, and cave connection give the site different facets, while the recommendation to enter the cave applies to experienced divers.

Piula Cave Pool is on Main East Coast Road, beside Piula Theological College in the village of Lufilufi, about 45 minutes from Apia. Travel time may vary depending on conditions. The underwater cave connects to a second cave. Day fales and toilets are available there; check their current availability before your trip.

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. Sopoaga Waterfall has an area for demonstrations of umu preparation and coconut husking.

Cultural traditions also form part of the wider picture of travel in Samoa. According to Samoan tradition, Pa Sopo’ia Cave is considered an ancient path along which the spirits of ancestors travel to Devil’s Haden at Cape Mulinu’u. This is considered their final meeting place before Pulotu, the spirit world.

Discover more destinations: Lalomanu, Tuana'i, Tafatafa, Aufaga, Falease'ela, Solosolo

See the broader travel guide: Upolu.