11 Things to Do on Savai’i with Kids

1. Have a Splash at the Afu Aau Waterfall

Who doesn’t love a good waterfall?! One of the most stunning waterfalls and swimming holes in Samoa (and the South Pacific) awaits down a short and gorgeously maintained jungle trail on the southeast side of Savai’i.

When we visited on our last trip, we were delighted by the refreshing dip in the aqua-blue waters at the base of the Afu Aau Waterfall. There are plenty of shallow sections and rocks to climb, making it an awesome natural playground for kids.

Pay your fees at the fale just off the main road (the entry sign is easy to spot) then it’s a 650 m (711-yard) drive on a flat dirt road to the car park with a toilet block and changing room.

For more waterfalls to find, check out the 10 Best Waterfalls in Samoa.

Location: Palauli village, signposted off the main road on the southeast coast. Tours to Afu Aau Waterfall from Upolu are available with Tai’s Native Experience and Coconut Tours.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

2. Watch the Awesome Alofaaga Blowholes

An icon of Savai’i and Samoa, the Alofaaga Blowholes put on a spectacular show of wave power between the fissures of volcanic rock on the coast.

Although a treat at any time, the best time to go is high tide. Locals will sometimes put coconuts on the blowholes for extra drama (and sometimes for extra tall).

It’s worth asking for directions to the culturally significant Pa Sopo’ia Cave, also at the site.

See more of Savai’i’s top attractions in the 50 Best Things to Do on Savai’i.

Location: Taga village, signposted off the main road on the southwest coast. The road to the blowholes is about 1.5 km (0.9 mi).

Tours to Alofaaga Blowholes from Upolu are available with Tai’s Native Experience and Coconut Tours.

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3. Experience Savaii Lagoon Resort’s Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure with the Savaii Lagoon Resort‘s “Glass-Bottom Boat Tour”!

This affordable 45-minute excursion offers a unique window into Samoa’s vibrant underwater world that kids and adults alike will love. You’ll enjoy gliding over crystal-clear waters, peering through the glass bottom to spot colourful fish, intricate coral formations, and perhaps even a sea turtle or two (if you’re lucky)!

The best part? This tour is open to outside guests, so you don’t need to be staying at the resort to enjoy this marine marvel. It’s a perfect activity for families looking to create lasting memories together.

Location: Fagamalo village opposite Dive Savai’i, Main North Coast Road, northeast coast of Savai’i.

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4. Snorkel Among Coral, Fish and Turtles

Savai’i and snorkelling are just a given, with a new white-sand and blue-lagoon paradise to discover each day.

Popular snorkelling beaches include Lano (safest for young kids), Manase, Asau, Vaisala and Faleaupo where seeing amazing pockets of coral swarming with tiny tropical fish is all part of the experience.

You’re even highly likely to spot turtles too!

Some accommodations hire snorkelling gear for a small fee, but these aren’t always great quality or well-suited to small faces. For this reason, we highly recommend bringing your own or hiring some from Dive Savai’i (open mid-March to October) or one of the gear rentals on Upolu.

Location: All over Savai’i! Check out The Best Snorkelling in Savai’i: Top 10 Places to Snorkel for locations.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

5. Explore the Saleaula Lava Fields

Discover the remnants of the destructive Mt Matavanua 1905-1911 eruption at the enchanting Saleaula Lava Field. When we were there last, we were struck by the eerie beauty of this volcanic landscape.

It’s a short walk to the lava field’s most striking feature, the LMS Church which sits in ruins with a lava flow solidified right through its arching entrances. You’ll love exploring this haunting testament to nature’s power.

Walk approximately 300 m (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 900 m (984 yards) over an exposed lava flow to the striking lava cliffs.

Walks are mostly flat and suitable for most mobile and energetic kids. We recommend bringing sturdy shoes and plenty of water for your adventure!

Location: Saleaula village, signposted off the main road on the northeast coast. Tours to Saleaula Lava Fields from Upolu are available with Tai’s Native Experience and Coconut Tours.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

6. Get the Imagination Running at Laauoleola Cave

Savai’i is home to quite a few exciting caves, with the best one for kids being Laauoleola Cave. The enchanting 15-minute forest trail down a well-maintained track is just the beginning…

As you begin to approach the cave entrance, you’ll hear the unusual clicking of swiftlets as they move in and out of the caves.

Then, it’s up to you to decide how far you dare to walk through the large lava tube that is said to span 5km (3.1 mi) under the surface!

It’s a short flat walk (with a few muddy patches) through the cave to the first descent, which the guides can organise a ladder should you want to continue – let them know you would like to do this before you begin the tour. Otherwise, just the first portion of the cave is exciting enough for little ones.

The walk is fully (and casually) guided. The guide has a torch but you might want to also bring your own.

Location: A’opo village, signposted off the main road on the northern coast.

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7. Spend the Day at the Beach

Beaches are always a reliable go-to for a family day of fun. Savai’i has a wonderous selection of white-sand beaches scattered around its perimeter, with highlights being Falealupo, Manase, Faiaai, Lano (safest for young kids) and Satuiatua.

Some convenience stores sell kids’ beach toys like buckets and spades and inflatables that will provide hours of fun. Otherwise, swimming, snorkelling and crab hunting are some other simple ways for the whole family to enjoy their time.

Note that beaches have entry fees on Savai’i, usually the rate to hire a beach fale for the day.

Location: All over Savai’i! Check out the 10 Best Beaches on Savai’i for recommendations and locations.

© Samoa Tourism Authority

8. Head Out on a Family Kayaking Excursion

Most accommodations on Savai’i, especially the ones listed in the 10 Best Family Accommodations on Savai’i, have kayaks available to hire, usually for a small fee.

Whether it’s your little one’s first or fifth paddling experience, there’s always something fun about drifting over the lagoon, looking at the fish through the clear water, and teaching little ones to paddle.

Be careful of passages in the reef, however, as the currents can be strong even for those in a kayak.

Location: All over Savai’i!

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

9. Take Part in a Weaving or Siapo Demonstration

For some cultural flair to your family getaway, why not join in on a crafting demonstration? From what we’ve experienced, these hands-on activities are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Samoan culture.

Some accommodation staff are happy to show kids and adults alike how to weave baskets, hats and headbands with a fantastic demonstration being on offer at Savaii Lagoon Resort and the Amoa Resort, for example.

Alternatively, next to the Afu Aau Waterfall (see point #1), there’s the refreshingly authentic cultural experience of the “Siapo Demonstration“, where you’ll be invited into a local family’s fale for a demonstration of traditional canvas-making and painting techniques. Kids, mum or dad will be invited to try different parts of the process, from hammering the bark of a mulberry tree to painting with natural materials. The demonstration lasts approximately 45 minutes.

For more ways to immerse in the Samoan culture, check out the 10 Best Cultural Activities on Savai’i.

Location: Amoa Resort – Faga village, just off the main road on the east coast. Siapo Demonstration – Palauli village, signposted off the main road on the southeast coast (near the Afu Aau Waterfall).

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

10. See the Bizarre Moso’s Footprint

There are plenty of quirky attractions in Samoa – just take a look at the 10 Most Unique Things to Do in Samoa, with one of them being the bizarre Moso’s Footprint on Savai’i.

The 2 m (6.6 ft)-long foot-shaped depression on the way to Falealupo Beach has an interpretation panel beside it describing the legend of Moso who stepped his right foot onto Savai’i, extending his left foot across the Pacific onto Suva in Fiji. Trust us, kids will find the story truly fascinating!

The sign also describes the geological interpretation, should you want to get all scientific.

Location: Signposted approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) down Falealupo Road from Falealupo-uta village on the northwest coast. Tours to Moso’s Footprint from Upolu are available with Coconut Tours.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

11. Let the Kids Loose at a Village or Resort Pool

Finally, if you need more excuses to swim, there are plenty of swimming pools across Savai’i.

The local version of a swimming pool is a concreted section on the coast known as a vai taele (village pool), usually where a freshwater spring enters the ocean. Most of these village pools are free; some pools to look out for include Vaga Freshwater Pools (Lefagaoali’i), Vai Safe’e (Safotu) and behind the John Williams Memorial (Sapapalii). Mataolealelo Pool is Savai’i’s most famous village pool and made a paid attraction due to its relation to a Samoan legend of “Sina and the Eel”.

Otherwise, simply choose to stay in an accommodation with a swimming pool, such as Amoa Resort, Stevensons on Manase, Jet Over Hotel or the Savaiian Hotel.

Location: All over Savai’i! Mataolealelo Pool – Matavai village, signposted off the main road on the northeast coast.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com