Savai'i

Savaii is the largest and westernmost island of the State of Samoa in the Pacific Ocean. It is significantly weaker populated than the second main island of Upolu. Living on Savaii about 43 135 (2010) people; largest city is Salelologa at the eastern end of the island.

Geography

Savaii, the largest of the Samoan islands, is about 40 km wide, 70 km long and covers an area of 1694 km ². The south coast of Savaii is rugged and rocky. The north coast is less rough, there is a natural anchorage at Matautu. From the coast the land rises, extinct volcanoes, towering cone-shaped up individually or in groups. The highest crater is near the village of Mua Aopo.

The highest mountain on the island is the Silisili, with 1858 m the highest mountain of the Samoan islands. End of October and in November 1902 found in his time uninhabited center of the island again instead of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Today you can visit the mighty, solidified lava flows. Interesting are also the Taga- Blowholes, lava tubes, where anbrandet sea water and shoots to the surface.

Nature has plane trees, palms, lemon and breadfruit trees.

History

Savaii was discovered during the expedition of Jean -François de La Pérouse in the years 1785 to 1788 for Europe. Savaii was incorporated on March 1, 1900 part of the German colonial empire and in the management of German Samoa.

Economy

The inhabitants of the islands grow bananas, copra and cacao for export.

Tourism

Of little importance today is tourism. In and around Savaii can go hiking, sailing and diving. Cruise ships are docked now and then, off the north coast at Fagamalo and bring their passengers to excursions into the interior with motorized dinghies ashore.

In the south of the island is the Pulemelei Mound, the oldest structure in Polynesia - a ca 60 × 65 m wide and 12 m high basalt pyramid. It was founded in 2002 and studied scientifically dated to 600-900 years.

Gallery

The village Matautu on the North Coast, 1902

Fale tele, traditional house in Lelepa, 2009