Samoa Travel
Upolu and Savaii Islands

About the Islands of Samoa

	Samoa Fire Dancer

History

Samoans are believed to have migrated from the West, (the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula or the Philippines).

The oldest known site of human occupation in Samoa is Mulifanua on Upolu dating back to about 1000 BC (about 3000 years ago).

By far the most important agents of change in Samoa were the Western missionaries. The missionary influence on Samoan life was so strong they are now a devoutly religious people with much time devoted to church activities.

After the outbreak of World War I, New Zealand took administrational control of Samoa from 1914 up to the day of independence in January 1962. Between 1962 and 1997 Samoa was known as the Independent State of Western Samoa (or more simply Western Samoa), but has since dropped the 'Western' from its name.

Both Samoa and American Samoa sprang from the same roots, however developed differently. Samoans have retained their ancient customs as nowhere else in Polynesia, and the fa'a Samoa, or Samoan way, continues to flourish.

Samoa's Islands

	Waterfall - Upolu, Samoa

Samoa is made up to two main islands, Upolu and Savaii.

Upolu is the more developed and populous of the two islands of Samoa available to tourists. The capitol, Apia, is located on Upolu.

Upolu is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. From its velvety green jagged peaks created by ancient volcanic forces, to the rich rain forest which gives way to spectacular canyons, towering waterfalls and pristine spring water holes. Upolu’s coastline is dotted with secluded coves and magnificent white and black sandy beaches, invitingly fringed with palm trees and sparkling water of the South Pacific Ocean.

Savaii the “Other Island” is about an hours ferry ride from Upolu. It is different to the main island. It is larger and less developed, the pace is slower but it too is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions. Beautiful water as blue and clear as you have ever seen, perfect beaches with traditional fales, blow holes, rain forest, canopy walkway and miles of Lava fields. Friendly people, fascinating traditional culture, everything you would imagine paradise to be.

Savaii is a volcanic island, a massive shield-type island formed by fast-flowing lava building up in layers over a long period. The low coast gradually slopes upward to a broad, 1,858-meter center of several parallel chains. Upolu's elongated 1,100-meter dorsal spine of extinct shield volcanoes slopes more steeply on the south than on the north. The eastern part of the island is rough and broken, while broad plains are found in the west.

Things to see on Upolu Island, Samoa

 

	Fruit and Vegetable Market Upolu, Samoa

Piula Cave Pool:
Located just after Saoluafata, the pool is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and picnicking.

Lalomanu Crater Walk
Behind the hospital at Lalomanu is the start of the short walk to a long extinct volcanic crater. The crater is home to big population of flying foxes. Ask for a guide at Lalomanu.

Laomanu to Latofago
This stretch of coast has plenty of swimming and snorkeling beaches. Many are associated with commercial fales, so please ask permission from fale owners and villagers.

Le Pupu-pue National Park National Park:
This 29sq km national park was created in 1978 to protect the area from the summits of Mount Fito (1100m) and Lepu'e (810m) to the southern coast. The park is adjacent to the Togitogiga Scenic Reserve.

South Coast Swimming Beaches:
These beaches stretch from Matatufu to Savaia along the south coast including Vaiula at Tafatafa, Siumu, Anapu, Aganoa, Salamumu, Lefaga, Return to Paradise and Savaia.

Lake LanotooLo:
Up Cross-Island Road, about 2.3km past the Bahai Temple is the entrance to Lanotoo Road. A 4WD trail (3-5kms) leads to a track to Lake Lanotoo. You will need good walking shoes, long pants and water. This is a popular site for gold fish. A guide is advisable.

WATERFALLS & CAVES:

Papapapaitai Falls:
This spectacular 100m waterfall is 2.3km south of Lanotoo Road on the right. There is a viewing area. Do not go near the cliff edge, as it is unstable.

Togitogia Fallsa Falls:
These waterfalls are located within the Togitogiga Scenic Reserve. There are excellent swimming areas, with toilets and changing rooms.

Fuipisia Waterfall Waterfall:
There is a 300m walk from the car park to this 55m waterfall.

Peapea Cave:
You will need a torch, plenty of water and some tramping or hiking experience to explore this lava tube. The track (2.5 - 3 hrs) begins at the Togitogiga Falls car park and is difficult to find.

Things to see on Savii Island, Samoa

Alofaaga Blowholes
The entrance to the blowholes is at the village of Taga. A coastal track can be followed west for several hours to the ancient village of Fagaloa.

Aopo Conservation Area
Village guides conduct a short walk to the Aopo lava cave. More determined hikers can be guided to the summit of Mount Silisili (one day).

Auala Green Turtle Conservation

A green turtle conservation program is managed by the Auala women's committee. Guides can show you the turtles before they are released back into the wild.

Falealupo Lava Tube Trail
On the southern side off the road, jsut west of the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve, are lava tubes in which villagers sheltered during the severe cyclones. A village guide can take you on a short (500m) tour.

Lava Caves

Caves include Peapea (Letui), which is home to the white-rumped swiftlet, and Paia Dwarf's Cave (the main cave is over 1km). The latter requires a full day and a guide from Paia village.