Mount Vaea & Stevenson's Tomb
Mauga Vaea
A trail behind Vailima ends at Stevenson's tomb, with views over Apia Harbor and the coastline. The gravestone is inscribed with his famous poem 'Requiem'.
Mount Vaea lies behind the Vailima house. After Stevenson died in 1894, local people carried his body up to the summit to be buried. From the trailhead beside the house, the short route is steep and takes about 30 to 45 minutes, while the longer route is gentler and takes about an hour, through dense rainforest. From the hilltop cemetery you can see Apia city and its harbor. The gravestone is inscribed with the line 'Home is the sailor, home from sea'. The trail is free. Note that after rain the path becomes muddy and slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and bring water and insect repellent. Setting out in the morning is cooler.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Robert Louis Stevenson Museum (Villa Vailima)
- Apia Market (Maketi Fou / Fugalei)
- Museum of Samoa (Falemata'aga)
- Bahá'í House of Worship, Tiapapata
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Apia
- Papase'ea Sliding Rocks
- Samoa Cultural Village
- Savalalo Flea Market