World Country Guide

Introduction

A drive anywhere on the two larger islands, Upolu and Savai’i, will inevitably pass through regions of remarkable beauty; ferries sail regularly between them. The smaller islands are more difficult to reach; boat trips and information on island tours and accommodation can be obtained from the Samoa Visitors Bureau (see Contact Addresses section). Some hotels and eco-villages (see the Accommodation section) also arrange their own trips to neighbouring islands and villages.
The most populous island. Apia, the capital and main commercial centre, lies on the beautiful north coast. Nearby at Vailima is the house built by the Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson (the local name for him was Tusitala, meaning ‘teller of tales’), who lived there from 1889 until his death on 5 December 1894. From the lawn you can see his tomb on top of Mount Vaea. The house has been restored, and was officially opened as the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in 1994 on the 100th anniversary of his death.
This is the most beautiful part of Samoa, with a landscape dominated by waterfalls, white-sand beaches and traditional villages. From Apia, a 65km (40 mile) drive leads to the Falefa Falls, Fuipisia Falls and Mafa Pass. Four offshore islands are within accessible distance.
On the southwest coast, an attractive village can be reached by a cross-island road. The film Return to Paradise was filmed here in 1952.
Just off the coast of Upolu, this island was the inspiration for the legendary ‘Bali Hai’ in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical, South Pacific.
The largest island in the Samoan archipelago, this has been described as ‘Polynesia at its truest’. There are scheduled flights and a regular car ferry from Apia on Upolu.
Ideal for seeing flying foxes and birdwatching, this Preserve is situated near the coastal village of Tafua.
An awe-inspiring ‘pyramid’ and the largest ancient structure in the whole of Polynesia at 12m (39ft) tall.
This, along with the Alofaaga Blowholes, lava caves and lava fields, makes for interesting sightseeing, as does the Auala Green Turtle Conservation; a programme managed by the women’s committee, where guides show you turtles before they are released back into the wild.