By Martha Taumata Faavae.
(From a recent site visit by the local media to Savaii)
If you’re passing through the Palauli district area in Savaii take a detour to the Afu Aau Fall. In short it’s a waterfall but it is more than that.
The site is at Vailoa, one of the villages that make up the district and it is truly worth checking out?
For starters, the water flows down from the mountain ranges of the big island and falls into several drops to form a fresh water pool.
Unlike the swimming pools we see around hotels in Apia and a few homes in the affluent society of the township, this one is natural.
Keeping the water clean, fresh and healthy is looked after 24/7 by nature. How is that for a thought to take back of your visit to the island?
If you’re looking for a spectacle, the imagination wanders by taking in the simple less complicated view of the waterfall and its surroundings.
To say that the image will forever remind you of Samoa as your island paradise is not far from the truth as some already have.
You can never go wrong if you have time for a dip in a pool of water that went through a process of natural treatment by the elements of nature?
No chlorine to rinse off or water that must be drained regularly to remain fresh.
Island mythology has it that Afu Aau Fall was the selected meeting and vacationing place for the spirit world in Samoa.
An inspection tour will easily tell you why the surroundings are ideal as a hangout even for the living spirits after a walkabout.
The old folks in the district tells of how there was so much water washing down from the mountains the whole area was so waterlogged it was referred to as ‘vailoaloa’.
When the area became habitable enough to be settled they named it Vailoa and the name has stuck to this day.
The Afu Aau Fall has over the many years become a landmark for the whole Palauli district and very recently an attraction for the Vailoa villagers to boast of.
Chiefs and orators have been working with the Samoa Tourism Authority to spruce up the site and have it opened up for everyone to enjoy.
Tourists to Savaii are being directed to the site as one of the attractions the big island has to offer and it is a win win for everyone.
Holidaymakers from the more populated Upolu Is. are jumping at the chance of down time swimming and enjoying an outing with the family.
“This is our village contribution to the National Tourism Development Plan that we have too have benefitted from as a source of income,” a Vailoa spokesman proudly declared.
Much remains to be done to improve on the site including a better road to make access easier for the visitors.
The STA is putting in much needed support the village is encouraged to work closely in partnership.
The site is under the close care of the chiefs and orators even when the COVID -19 has kept visitors away.
Before the health pandemic slowed the flow of visitors to a standstill, Afu Aau Fall used to drag in more than 1000 visitors a year.
Entry is a mere $10 but have fun bargaining it down to half the price. The whispered secret of success is to tug on the famous tradition of hospitality Samoans are known for.
