Asau, Samoa Travel Guide

City City in Samoa with coastal views

Asau’s harbor opens onto Savai’i’s rocky northwest - fishermen, divers and off-roaders arrive for reef drops, coastal cliffs and the slow commerce of a small port town.

Locator map
Costs
Moderate remote: $50-$110/day
Remote Savai'i port town with few services, imports raise prices.
Safety
Safe but remote; limited emergency services
Low crime; medical and transport services sparse.
Best Time
May-October (drier months)
Calmer seas and best ferry reliability.
Time
Weather
Population
6,643
Infrastructure & Convenience
Port and roads present; few hotels, limited shops and medical services.
Popularity
Serves locals and visitors heading into Savai'i's interior.
Known For
deep-water port, ferry access, beaches, coastal scenery, fishing, local markets, logging history, Savai'i gateway
Asau is Savai'i's main port and was once proposed for large-scale development because of its deep-water bay.

Why Visit Asau, Samoa? #

Asau sits on Savaiʻi’s northwestern shore with rugged coastline and broad beaches that appeal to visitors after fewer crowds. The port’s mining history contrasts with coral-fringed bays where fishing and reef snorkeling are common, and local feasts (fiafia) serve grilled fish and palusami. Expect rustic lodgings, aloha-style hospitality, and easy access to west-coast beaches for sun and sea.

Top Things to Do in Asau, Samoa

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Asau Harbour - Main coastal port serving northwest Savai'i and local fishing fleets.
  • Saleaula Lava Fields - Lava-scarred coastline with church ruins dating to the 1905-1911 eruptions.
  • Asau local market - Asau local market with fresh catch and artisan goods daily.
Hidden Gems
  • Tonumea Beach - Quiet Tonumea Beach with dark sand and local fishing boats.
  • Small coastal coves - Hidden coves west of Asau offering sheltered swimming and picnic spots.
  • Village craft stalls - Local stalls selling woven handicrafts and home-cooked snacks within town.
Day Trips
  • Aopo Conservation Area - Inland reserve with rainforest trails and viewpoints over central Savai'i.
  • Saleaula Lava Fields - Explore nearby lava fields and ruined churches created by early 20th-century eruptions.

Best Time to Visit Asau, Samoa #

Asau is best visited in Samoa's dry season (May-October) for steady weather and offshore calm. The wet/cyclone season (Nov-Apr) raises the risk of heavy rain, storms and travel delays.

Dry Season
May - October · 23-28°C (73-82°F)
Cooler breezes, lower humidity and calm seas-perfect for beaches, snorkeling, and hiking inland without constant rain; crowds small and travel reliable.
Wet Season
November - April · 25-31°C (77-88°F)
Hot, humid days with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms; lush scenery but higher insect activity and disrupted ferry schedules and cancellations common.
Cyclone Season
December - April · 25-31°C (77-88°F)
Peak cyclone risk brings dangerous storms, flooded roads, and travel cancellations; plan contingency time and travel insurance if visiting during these months.

Best Time to Visit Asau, Samoa #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2820 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (324 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

324 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (256 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

256 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

March

March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (335 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

335 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (240 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

240 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

May

May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (178 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

178 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

June

June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

July

July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

August

August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (180 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

180 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (305 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

305 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (341 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

341 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

December

December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (407 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

407 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

How to Get to Asau, Samoa

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Asau, Samoa #

Asau is a small port town on Savai’i; it’s walkable within town and connected to other parts of Savai’i by the island’s bus and taxi services. Services can be sporadic, so plan trips in advance and allow extra time for inter-island transfers if combining with ferry or flight schedules.

Where to Stay in Asau, Samoa #

Budget
Asau / Apia - $20-90/night
Asau is remote with very few formal accommodations. Visitors often arrange local homestays or overnight in Apia and travel to Asau by arrangement.
Mid-Range
Apia / Savai'i access - $90-180/night
Mid-range options near Asau are scarce; travellers typically stay in Apia or at resorts and arrange day trips or charters to Asau on Savai'i.
Luxury
Apia / Savai'i resorts - $200+/night
Asau lacks luxury hotels. For high-end stays, book resorts on Upolu or established Savai'i resorts and arrange transport into Asau.

Where to Eat in Asau, Samoa #

Nightlife in Asau, Samoa #

Nightlife in Asau is sparse: a few local bars and guesthouse gatherings rather than formal entertainment venues. If you want more options, travel to larger settlements on Savai’i or return to Upolu.

Shopping in Asau, Samoa #

Shopping is basic - small general stores and market stalls cover daily needs, but there are few tourist shops. For a greater choice of crafts or supplies, head to larger Savai’i towns or Apia on Upolu.

Nearby Cities #