Savaii is the largest island of Samoa, a small island nation in Polynesia in South Pacific Ocean. It lies northwest of the island of Upolu across the Apolima Strait. Savaii is the largest island landmass (1708 square kilometres) in Polynesia outside Hawaii and New Zealand. Savaii is often referred to as ‘Salafai’, a classical Samoan term, by the inhabitants of Samoa. Savaii has a population of over 43,000 people (about a third of Samoa’s population).

About Samoa:

Independent State of Samoa is the western half of Samoan island chain in the South Pacific Ocean and was ruled by New Zealand until 1962. The two main islands of Samoa are Upolu and Savai’i. Samoa has an area of 2,860 square kilometres and a population of 1,59,000.

Geogrpahy:

Savaii has an active volcano in the form of Mt Matavanu, which last erupted in 1905 and had destroyed all settlements in the central north eastern part of the island.

Savaii and Upolu are separated by the Apolima Strait, which is about 8 miles wide. Small inhabited islands of Manono and Apolima lie between them. The island of volcanic origin features mountainous terrain covered by dense rainforest. There are also fertile plateau region and coastal plains with several rivers and streams. Salelologa in the eastern part of the island is a major centre of shopping and public activities on the island.

The island of Savaii is surrounded by coral reefs. Mt Silisili in the island has the maximum altitude (1,858 metres), the highest in Samoa. Palm fringed beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, caves are other geographical features.

Savaii Attractions / Savaii activities:

• Archaeological sites, fortifications and pyramids like Pulemelei Mound in Palauli district.
• Pre-historic settlements at Vailoa and Sapapali’i
• Dive Savaii natural pool
• Satoalepai Wetlands

• Falealupo Rain Forest Reserve
• The village of Falealupo at the western most point of Savai’i, (just 20 miles from the dateline), is claimed to be the last place in the world to see the sunset each day.
• Surfing on the waves

Climate:

Savaii experiences oceanic tropical climate marked by high temperatures and humidity. It receives most rainfall between November and April, the months that are also marked by frequent cyclones. Cyclones Ofa and Valerie in the early 1990s had caused extensive damage to the coastal regions of Savaii.

Society and Culture:

Fa’a Samoa, the unique traditional culture and way of life of the Samoan society, is more prominently visible in Savaii than for instance, the island of Upolu, which is more developed. Fa’a Samoa values are closely associated with concepts of love (alofa), service (tautua) to family and community, respect (fa’aaloalo) and discipline (usita’i). The heads of the family are called ‘matai’, the Samoan word for chief.

Flora:

Littoral, wetland and volcanic vegetation is found here. Cloud forests are located in the highest elevations of the island. There are nearly 500 species of flowering plants and about 200 species of ferns in Samoa.

Fauna:

Samoa has about 82 animal species including fruit bats, birds, skinks and geckos. The Tooth-billed Pigeon, also known as Samoan Pigeon is the national bird of Samoa and is known by the name of Manumea. The surrounding reefs and lagoons are inhabited by dolphins, whales and porpoises.

Reaching Savaii:

By air:
Savaii is served by Maota Airport, located south of Salelologa. Regular flights connect Maota and Faleolo International Airport in Upolu. There is also Asau Airstrip located at the north west corner of Savaii and is mainly served by chartered flights.

Local water transport:
A regular passenger and vehicle ferry operates every day a week between Salelologa and Mulifanua wharf on Upolu (journey time about 90 minutes). There is also a wharf at Asau at the north west coast region of the island.

Accommodation:

• Savaii Lagoon Resort
• The Savaiian Hotel
• Le Lagoto Beach Resort
• Siufaga Beach Resort, Savai’i
• Auga Seaside Resort
• Regina’s Beach Fales
• Jetover Motel