It’s a bit tricky finding Sauniatu Waterfall – but it’s worth the effort! The waterfall and pool is located about 7km inland near the village of Sauniatu, on land acquired by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) in 1904 to resettle Samoans who had been persecuted and turned away by their families after they converted to LDS.
It’s a beautiful waterfall, that plunges into a crystal-clear pool.
Getting to Sauniatu Waterfall
Look for a “Waterfall” sign on the Main East Coast Road near Lufilufi village, and follow the road (which is mostly unsealed) for about 7km until you reach Sauniatu village. Just before the village, you’ll cross the river via a bridge and then continue straight past a guardhouse to the end of the road (don’t turn right into the village). There’s a parking area along the road; walk across a lawn towards a fence to find a set of concrete steps leading down to the river. There’s no entry fee to Sauniatu Waterfall, and it’s open every day except Sunday.
From the steps there’s a nice view of the falls.
The road to the village used to be a lot rougher, and there was no easy access to the waterfall. Both the road and access trail have been upgraded over recent years.
Working on the waterfall was a huge undertaking that took several years and it was one of many projects that Mr Kamauoha initiated to help boost the morale of the young people at the time who had lost their enthusiasm with the constant cloud of uncertainty cast over the future of their beloved village and school.
Mrs Aiono says many of those young people had put in years of labour to clear the trail, plant over 26,000 plants and build the concrete steps down the volcanic cliffside to the waterhole. Today, their hard work lives on in the legacy that is now a breathtaking natural treasure, open and available for all to enjoy.
Samoa Global News: Sauniatu Waterfall – An Exquisite Natural Wonder in Samoa
For more swimming holes and waterfalls, have a look at my 8 Days in Samoa trip report!
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