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Island in the Samoan Islands chain
Photo: Author and original uploader was CloudSurfer at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Savaii (Savai'i) is the larger, but less developed, of the two main islands of Samoa.
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Taga Blowholes
Lava flows created a series of tubes connecting the cliff top with the ocean. Waves send water at high pressure through the tubes, creating fountains. The rocks can be quite slippery, so make sure to take appropriate shoes with you. Also beware of tourist traps in this area - the guides here might ask you to take photos as they throw coconuts into the blowholes and then demand money from you afterwards. They can be very persistent, but just maintain your distance and say no.
This cave is over a kilometre long. he legend is that this cave is home to a race of small people. The legend has never been disproved as the end of the cave has apparently never been reached. Exploring the cave can take almost an entire day. A guide from Paia village is essential.
Includes a 25m canopy walkway and a platform in the trees that sleeps six (beware, there is no toilet!).
You will have to walk three hours from Paia village to visit these lava fields that look like a barren moonscape. They were caused by the eruptions of the mountain between 1905 and 1911.
Afu Aau Waterfall
The most spectacular of the many jungle waterfalls in Savaii. A half-hour walk from a 4WD track.
This is the largest ancient structure in Polynesia, with a base of 60 m by 50 m and 12 m tall.
This lava cave is in the north close to Letui village and a ten-minute walk from the road. A guide can also be easily found, which is essential as the entrance to the cave is locked.This cave is home to hundreds of white rumped swiftlets. The 'clicking' noise of the birds is clearly audible as they fly in the dark.
These were also caused by volcanic eruptions of Mt Matavanu in central Savai'i. The lava flowed over 40 square miles to the sea and destroyed Sale'aula and Salago villages. The depth of the lava is up to 400 feet. Sale'aula fields are much more accessible than the Mt. Matavanu fields. You will need a guide if you want to visit the two churches that avoided complete destruction as well as the grave of a Catholic nun, known as the Virgin's Grave, that escaped destruction. A fee is charged.
Features a monument where John Williams, the first missionary to bring Christianity to Samoa, landed here in 1830.
Good stands of rainforest and excellent birdwatching. Take a walk up to the volcanic crater that dominates Tafua.
Rare experience of swimming with turtles rescued from fishermen's nets.
Best suited for experienced surfers. November to April has northern swells while May to October has big swells from the south. Savaii Surfaris are at Aganoa Beach in the south, and there are also good spots on the north coast (Dec. to April) at Manase, Fagamalo and Lesolo.
There is an abundance of marine life around Savaii and diving to suit all levels. The Wreck of the Juno dates back to 1881 and provides a popular dive site. There is only one company, Dive Savaii, providing dive services, however. This is in the Fagamola/Manase area on the northeast of the island.
LeSogaimiti, meaning the Samoan tattoo, is a new restaurant which is part of the Savaiian hotel. There is a beautiful oceanfront views from where you can see the neighbouring islands of Manono, Apolima and Upolu. The name is a tribute to the local tradition of tattooing, which is carried on by the owner's family.
Cocktails on the beach, Italian coffee, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, etc.
Eight beach fales right on the waterfront. Tasty and abundant meals. The water is great for swimming, while not much coral, you may see turtles. Nearby is the Mataolealelo fresh water spring and the lava fields.
Large fales on the beach, a nice dining area with tasty but moderate sized meals. The protected reef is great for snorkelling, full of fish and a few turtles.
Basic fales near one of the best beaches on the island. The swimming is ok, with some patchy reef and a smattering of fish. The facilities are more like those of a camp. The food is local and hearty.
Run by Sioni and Falesao and their family. They make you feel like part of the family instead of a customer. Fishing rods and outrigger canoe are available if you want to contribute to dinner.
The name is a bit of a tongue twister but these are attractive beachfront fales.
2 fales on beautiful secluded beach. Run by Tafa & Salia Seumanutata and their family who really look after you (and if you're lucky tell some excellent stories.)
Ten bungalows, five with air conditioning, on the beach.
24 rooms and six fales by the sea. Convenient if you want to rest up before heading to the ferry and the airport. Sea views but not right on the beach.
The Savaiian Hotel is a family-owned and -run hotel. It offers comfortable accommodation in stand-alone units with airconditioning, hot water ensuite and kitchen facilities. Kayaks and snorkelling available. Doctor on site.
Very democratic resort that offers accommodation from WS$100 a night for open fales to WS$1000 a night for luxury vilas.
Beachfront fales at Savaii's major surfing location.
15 rooms on the beach.
Well-regarded ten-bungalow resort run by a New Zealand couple.
By taxi
Generally your best bet. They are cheap and plentiful. Agree on a price ahead of the journey as none have meters.
By rented car
You need to obtain a local licence, which is very easy to get from the Transport Control Board at the police station in Apia (international licences are not accepted) or from just next to the exit…
By bicycle
Possible and quite enjoyable. Most of the island is flat and there is only one main road that circumnavigates the island. So there is no chance of getting lost.
By hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is not very common, but can be a fun and entertaining way to travel like the locals at the back of a ute (pick-up truck).
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
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