WS
Savai’i
Samoa’s biggest and quietest island, with lava fields, blowholes, rainforest and beach fales
Samoa’s biggest and quietest island, with lava fields, blowholes, rainforest and beach fales
At Taga on the south coast, waves force sea water up through holes in the lava rock in tall jets. Locals may throw coconuts into them for a fee.
Agree any coconut-throwing price beforehand.
Photo: Original uploader was CloudSurfer at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
In the north-west, a rope-and-plank walkway and tree platform take you into the rainforest canopy. The forest is protected by the village.
Photo: Teinesavaii, CC BY-SA 3.0
At Samoa’s western tip, the peninsula has white beaches, sunset views and the shell of a church damaged by a cyclone.
Photo: Rickard Törnblad, CC BY-SA 4.0
The far west, around Cape Mulinu’u, is linked in Samoan tradition with the journey of souls to the afterlife.
Photo: CloudSurfer, CC BY-SA 3.0
Open-sided fales, churches and village greens line the coast. On the north coast, the Saleaula lava field still surrounds the ruined churches that survived the eruption.
A guide and fee are needed at most sites.
Photo: Teinesavaii, CC BY-SA 3.0
Most beach fales include dinner and breakfast. Try oka, palusami and the Sunday umu (earth oven) meal.
Salelologa has the main shops, market and ATMs.
Ferries run between Mulifanua on Upolu and Salelologa on Savai’i several times a day; the crossing takes about an hour and a quarter. Check the Samoa Shipping timetable.
Buses run around the island but are slow. Car hire needs a temporary local licence, bought in Samoa.
Samoa uses the tala (WST).
A loop around the island by car.
Take the ferry, then see the Alofaaga blowholes.
Walk the Falealupo canopy and watch the sunset at the western tip.
Visit the Saleaula lava field, then return to the ferry.
Village sites charge small fees in cash.
Expect closures; respect church time.
Samoa drives on the left; watch for pigs and children.
Cover up in villages.
Quick answers for planning time in Savai’i.
By ferry from Mulifanua on Upolu to Salelologa, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Blowholes, lava fields, rainforest walks, waterfalls and beaches.
Yes, with a temporary Samoan licence.
Yes, most village sites charge small fees in tala.
May to October, the drier season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Samoa travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.