Manase

Manase sits on Savai'i's north coast behind a stretch of white sand and reef, and it holds the largest concentration of beach fales on the island: open-sided huts on the sand with mats, mosquito nets and shutters, priced with breakfast and dinner included, run by several families along the same shore. Snorkelling is straightforward off the beach. It is where most visitors to Savai'i end up staying.

Background

Manase lies in the district of Gagaifomauga and had 123 residents in 2016. Visitors began coming in numbers in the 1990s, drawn by budget beach fales owned by local families. At the village's east end, a petrol station also runs a shop, and Tanu Beach Fales runs a small store for basic goods. The nearest hospital is in neighbouring Safotu, and Fagamalo, a five minute drive east, has a post office. Going west along the coast, Safotu comes first, then Samauga and the Safune settlements. The ferry terminal at Salelologa is 45 km away.

Source: Wikipedia, "Manase"

What you'll find

• The beach fales - open-sided huts on the sand run by village families.
• The reef - snorkelling ground within swimming distance of the beach.
• The white sand - the north coast beach the village sits behind.
• The fale arrangement - accommodation with meals included, in the Samoan way.

When to go

May to October is the drier season and the busiest. Sundays are strictly observed with services in the morning. Cyclone season runs November to April.

Before you go

Fales are open-sided with shared washing and no privacy to speak of. Sunday observance is strict and affects what visitors can do. Reef damage from bleaching and storms is visible.

Nearby

Satoalepai is east, and Falealupo is west.

Key facts