Mount Matavanu Crater
Mount Matavanu
A volcano whose 1905-1911 eruption created the lava fields on the north coast. A forest track leads on foot to the crater rim, overlooking the deep crater.
Mount Matavanu is the site of Savai'i's most recent major eruption. Its lava flows lasted six years and pushed all the way to the north coast. From villages near Safotu, take a 4WD or hike along forest tracks up the mountain, finally walking to the crater rim, where you can see the vegetation-covered pit and the coastline in the distance. Along the way, local 'volcano guides' charge a fee and provide commentary. One villager who calls himself the 'Volcano Guardian' is well known. The dirt roads are bumpy and muddy after rain, so visiting in the dry season is recommended.
Opening hours
Daytime (guide/entry fee required)
Nearby sights
- Dwarf's Cave
- Pe'ape'a Cave
- Manase Beach
- Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary
- Saleaula Lava Fields
- Lano Beach
- Pulemelei Mound
- Afu Aau Waterfall