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Alaoa Dam
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The Alaoa Dam is a vital multi-purpose facility near Apia that serves both water supply and power generation. Built in the 1950s, the reservoir captures water from the surrounding hills and directs it through a system of pipes to a small hydropower plant. In addition to energy production, Alaoa is a primary source of drinking water for a large part of the capital's population. The dam also plays an important role in flood control by retaining water during heavy rains, mitigating the impact of flooding in the Vaisigano valley. In recent years, studies have been conducted for an expansion of the dam to increase storage capacity in light of climate change and population growth. It is a central element of the national infrastructure for resource management.
- Location: Samoa
- Top sights: Magiagi Uta Methodist Church · Tanoa le i'a Methodist Church · Tanoa le ia Congregational Christian Church
- Nearby: Vaiala (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 269 | 247 | 175 | 181 | 135 | 88 | 78 | 57 | 91 | 146 | 224 | 240 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Typically accessed via a winding inland road from Apia; while the route is scenic, it can be steep in places, and reaching the immediate dam area might require a short walk from the main track.
Best season
The drier months from May to October are usually preferable, as heavy tropical rains during the wet season can make the access roads slippery and the surrounding jungle paths quite muddy.
Terrain & paths
The area around the infrastructure features a mix of paved service roads and uneven, muddy tropical trails; the surrounding slopes can be steep and require careful footing, especially after rain.
What to bring
Reliable rain gear, sturdy walking shoes with good traction, and mosquito repellent are highly recommended due to the dense surrounding vegetation and the frequency of sudden tropical showers.
Parking
Parking is informal, typically consisting of small clearings or widened sections of the access road near the dam infrastructure; visitors must ensure they do not block official service vehicles.
Safety
Visitors must stay away from restricted operational areas and steep, unprotected drops near the water; the surrounding jungle can be disorienting, so sticking strictly to known paths is crucial.
Time needed
A typical visit, mostly to appreciate the impressive engineering and the surrounding lush valley views, generally lasts about one to two hours, not including the driving time from central Apia.
Geography
Facts
- Commissioned in 1957
- Combines hydropower and water treatment
- Nominal power of the hydropower plant: approx. 1.0 MW
- Main drinking water reservoir for eastern Apia
- Important tool for flood mitigation
- Managed by the Electric Power Corporation and the Water Authority
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Alaoa Dam (9)
Tanoa le ia Congregational Christian Church
Congregational Christian church in Tanoa le ia, Samoa.
Robert Louis Stevenson's Museum🏛 museum
Biographical museum about Robert Louis Stevenson in Samoa.
1927 Magiagi Hydro Scheme Building Ruins🏛 museum
Ruins of a 1927 hydroelectric plant in Magiagi.
Robert Louis Stevenson Scenic Park
Park with viewpoints named after R.L. Stevenson in Samoa.
Lelata Reserve
Lelata nature reserve in Samoa.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alaoa Dam reservoir?
A reservoir for drinking water supply and electricity generation.
Is swimming allowed?
No, strictly prohibited due to importance for drinking water quality.
Are there hiking trails there?
There are hiking trails in the area, but not directly at the reservoir.
Is it safe near the dam?
Yes, it is a quiet place, but warning signs must be observed.
Can you photograph the reservoir?
Yes, the view of the surrounding nature is beautiful.
Alaoa Dam: where is it located?
Alaoa Dam is located in Samoa.
Alaoa Dam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Magiagi Uta Methodist Church, Tanoa le i'a Methodist Church, Tanoa le ia Congregational Christian Church.
Alaoa Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Alaoa Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Alaoa Dam is a vital multi-purpose facility near Apia that serves both water supply and power generation.
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