Plizio Visual Lab
Vailima
ℹ️Practical info — Vailima
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is; check opening hours before heading up the hill.
- The hike to Stevenson's tomb on Mount Vaea is steep and humid; go early in the morning and bring water.
- The climate is slightly cooler and breezier here than in downtown Apia due to the elevation.
- Parking at the museum grounds is usually plentiful, but arriving early avoids tour bus crowds.
🍽 Food
A traditional side dish to look out for at nearby cafes.
A refreshing treat after hiking up Mount Vaea.
Enjoy a locally brewed cup at the museum cafe or nearby eateries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Excellent for books by Robert Louis Stevenson and quality Samoan souvenirs.
Sometimes local vendors sell botanical-themed crafts nearby.
The resting place of R.L. Stevenson gives peaceful, sweeping views over Apia.
A tranquil green space surrounding the museum, first-rate for a quiet walk.
Water temperature…
Vailima is a historically significant locality situated in the foothills of Mount Vaea, overlooking the capital city of Apia in the Vaimauga district. It gained worldwide fame as the final residence of the renowned Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent his last years here. The magnificent estate built by Stevenson in 1890 now serves as a museum and is a cornerstone of Samoa's cultural heritage. The name Vailima translates to 'water in the hand,' referencing a local legend about the surrounding natural springs. Its geographic elevation provides a cooler climate than the coastal plains, which made it attractive to European settlers as early as the 19th century. Following Stevenson's death, the house served as the official residence for German governors and later for New Zealand administrators. Nearby Mount Vaea is the site of Stevenson's tomb, reachable via the 'Road of Loving Hearts.' Today, Vailima is not only a tourist destination but also an upscale residential area and the site of the Samoa Botanical Garden.
- Location: Samoa
- Top sights: Vaoala Congregational Christian Church · Robert Louis Stevenson's Museum · Robert Louis Stevenson Residence
- Nearby: Lepua (4 km)
- Population: ~854
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 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 258 | 241 | 165 | 169 | 128 | 91 | 75 | 56 | 92 | 141 | 213 | 229 |
Geography
Facts
- Vailima served as the home of Robert Louis Stevenson from 1890 until 1894.
- The Vailima Museum showcases personal artifacts and furniture of the author.
- The name Vailima means 'water in the hand' in the Samoan language.
- The estate was formerly the official residence of the Head of State of Samoa.
- Stevenson's tomb is located atop the 472-meter summit of Mount Vaea.
- Vailima is the location of the Samoa Botanical Garden and Nature Reserve.
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Vailima (10)
Vaoala Catholic Church
Vaoala Catholic Church is a Catholic church in Vailima.
Vaoala Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter-day Saints
Vaoala Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter-day Saints is located in Vailima.
Robert Louis Stevenson Scenic Park
Robert Louis Stevenson Scenic Park is a viewpoint park in Vailima.
Samoa Conservation Society Moamoa Reserve
Samoa Conservation Society Moamoa Reserve is a nature reserve in Vailima.
Bahá'í House of Worship
Bahá'í House of Worship is a house of worship for the Bahá'í faith in Vailima.
Baha'i Temple
Baha'i Temple is another Bahá'í temple in Vailima.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum?
What are the opening hours for museums here?
Are there hiking trails in Vailima?
Do I need a guide for the hike?
What is the best time for a visit?
Vailima: where is it located?
Vailima: what is there to see?
Vailima: when is the best time to visit?
Vailima: why is it worth visiting?
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