Savai’i’s Most Fascinating Historical Landmarks
Most travellers flock to the sandy shores and verdant jungles of Savai’i to bask in its tropical beauty. However, a tiki tour around the island will reveal fascinating historical sites relating to lava flows, cyclones, Samoan legends and ancient Polynesian civilisations. Take a step through time with the help of this guide to the best historical sites on Savai’i.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i and The Complete Travel Guide to Savai’i.
1. Saleaula Lava Field
Discover the remnants of the destructive Mt Matavanua 1905-1911 eruption at the enchanting Saleaula Lava Field. It’s a short walk to the lava field’s most striking historical feature, the LMS Church which sits in ruins with a lava flow solidified right through its arching entrances. Walk approximately 300m (328 yards) west following the sign and you’ll encounter the mysterious “Virgin’s Grave” where the lava flow is said to have avoided the grave of a young girl. Past the church ruins is an attractive wetland viewpoint, then head back on the trail and go northeast for approximately 900m (984 yards) over an exposed lava flow to the striking lava cliffs. With a small entry fee, this attraction easily makes it into the 25 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Savai’i.
Location: Saleaula village, signposted off the main road on the northeast coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com2. Cape Mulinuu – Mauga Fetu Star Mound
At the westernmost point of Samoa, accessed via a flat dirt road (suitable for 2WD) through the coconut groves, Cape Mulinuu is home to several well-preserved historical sites. If there are locals around taking entry fees, they are usually happy to tell you about the legends of these sites. Otherwise, the interpretation panels here are sufficient enough. The first site you’ll come across is the Mauga Fetu Star Mound. The rocks here have been placed into a rough star shape, which, if you look closely, have carved grooves where they were once used for grinding tools and ‘ava bowls. There are more star mounds to be found on Upolu, which you can learn more about in the 10 Best Historical Sites on Upolu.
Location: Falealupo Road, approximately 2.2km (1.3 mi) south of Falealupo Beach on the northwest coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com3. Cape Mulinuu – Ana O Vaatausili Giant’s Cave
Follow the short rocky trail from Cape Mulinuu and the Mauga Fetu Star Mound and you’ll quickly come across a hole in the ground with a sign saying “Ana O Vaatausilli” also known as “The Giant’s Cave“. Locals (or the interpretation panel) will tell you of the legend of a scrawny young man who entered the cave for three nights and emerged as a giant to fulfil his destiny of avenging his nephew who was killed by his enemies.
Location: Falealupo Road, approximately 2.2km (1.3 mi) south of Falealupo Beach on the northwest coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com4. Cape Mulinuu – Vaisuatoto Well
Directly opposite Ana O Vaatausili is a well called “Vaisuatoto” translating to “water flows red”. Local villagers remember the water of the well being strangely red, which ignited the legend of a man called Taotunu who would clean out the internals of his atu fish (skipjack tuna) in the well before poking the lower part of the fish and releasing them back into the sea alive. Recently, however, locals undertook repair work to restore the well’s stone walls. Once they did, the water disappeared…
Location: Falealupo Road, approximately 2.2km (1.3 mi) south of Falealupo Beach on the northwest coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com5. Cape Mulinuu – Fafa o Sauali’i
The final historical site of Cape Mulinuu is the tranquil rockpool at the northern end of its beach. The pool here, Fafa o Sauali’i, is said to be the place where the spirits of Samoa depart to the afterlife. As the sun sinks to the west, its rays cast a reflection upon the sea that forms a golden pathway upon the waters, said to be the pathway of the spirits. That’s also why “Mulinuu” translates to “land of the last village”. Needless to say, after you’ve seen the historical sites of this area, stick around for the magnificent sunset as one of the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Samoa.
Location: Falealupo Road, approximately 2.2km (1.3 mi) south of Falealupo Beach on the northwest coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com6. Falealupo Church Ruins
On the way to Falealupo Beach and Cape Mulinuu stands the ruins of Falealupo’s Historic Catholic Church. A plaque attached to the front of the church describes how the church was destroyed by the waves of Cyclone Ofa in 1990. The site was free when our research team last visited but there are sometimes villagers taking a small entry fee to see this site.
Location: Cape Vaitoloa, Falealupo Road on the northwest coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com7. Mataolealelo Pool
The most famous freshwater village pool on Savai’i is Mataolealelo Pool. The village pool is also a historical site thanks to its association with the famous Samoan legend of “Sina and the Eel”, which explains the origins of the first coconut tree. The pool offers an ultra-refreshing dip after exploring in Savai’i’s hot climate. Split into two sections, one pool is for the men and the other is for women and children. Note that prices are per car, so if you’re travelling solo or as a couple, the attraction will feel a little pricey compared to others on this list. Otherwise, the site is well maintained with changing rooms and bathrooms. For more amazing swimming holes, check out the 10 Best Swimming Spots in Samoa.
Location: Matavai village, signposted off the main road on the northeast coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com8. Safotu Catholic Church
After (or before) having a dip in the Mataolealelo Pool, visit the neighbouring village of Safotu to check out one of the most significant churches on Savai’i. Safotu Catholic Church is Samoa’s first Roman Catholic Church, made from bleached coral and impeccably maintained for an interesting visit. Learn more about Samoa’s churches in The Guide to the Religions in Samoa.
Location: Safotu village, easily spotted along the main road on the northeast coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com9. John Williams Memorial
Standing in front of the London Missionary Society/Congregational church in Sapapali’i village is the stone memorial commemorating the landing of British missionary John Williams who arrived in 1830 to introduce Christianity to Savai’i. He came at a time of war when he successfully converted the victorious Malietoa Vainu’upo, who accepted the Christian message as a fulfilment of an ancient prophecy of a new religion by the goddess Nafanua. Thanks to Maleitoa’s example, many Savai’ians were encouraged to convert. It wasn’t until some 45 years later that other missionaries started arriving on Savai’i to establish missions. Learn more about this history in A Brief History of Samoa.
Location: Sapapali’i village, along the main road on the east coast.
© SamoaPocketGuide.com10. Pulemelei Mound
Although one of the most interesting and impressive historical landmarks on Savai’i, we list the Pulemelei Mound last as it’s the hardest to get to. Measuring 61m x 50m (200 x 164ft) but reclaimed by dense forest and vegetation, Pulemelei Mound is Polynesia’s largest ancient structure. The use of the structure, which was thought to be built around 1,400 AD, whether it was ceremonial or a burial site, still remains a mystery.
Location: Letolo Plantation, Palauli village on the southeast coast of Savai’i. You can enquire with locals about getting there – it’s not too far from the Afu Aau Waterfall, but even locals struggle to find it.
© SamoaPocketGuide.comMore About Historical Sites in Savai’i and Samoa
Now that you know some of the fascinating historical sites on Savai’i, how about finding more through the following guides:
- 15 Best Historical Sites in Samoa
- Sightseeing in Savai’i: Top 10 Sights on Savai’i
- 10 Best Churches in Samoa to Experience as a Visitor
Finally, complete your itinerary with the 101 Best Things to Do in Samoa: The Ultimate List and learn more about Samoa’s history in A Brief History of Samoa.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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