Mataolealelo Pool (Sina and the Eel Pool) | Safotu

Mataolealelo Pool (Sina and the Eel Pool) - View Large Image

Information
Landmark: Mataolealelo Pool (Sina and the Eel Pool)
City: Safotu
Country: Samoa
Continent: Australia

Mataolealelo Pool (Sina and the Eel Pool), Safotu, Samoa, Australia

Mataolealelo Pool is a freshwater spring and bathing pool located on the coastline of Safotu village on the northern shore of Savai'i. It is positioned directly adjacent to the ocean, separated from the saltwater by a narrow strip of volcanic rock and sand.

Visual Characteristics

The pool is a rectangular, walled basin containing clear, cool freshwater that bubbles up from subterranean springs. The water appears transparent with a slight blue tint, set against a backdrop of dark basalt stones and a surrounding concrete apron. A low stone wall protects the pool from the sea, and the immediate area is shaded by several large tropical trees.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated approximately 46km northwest of Salelologa via the North Coast Road. It is located on the seaward side of the main highway in the heart of Safotu village. Parking is available along the roadside or in the small grassy area adjacent to the pool. Public buses traveling to Asau stop in Safotu, placing the pool within a 2-minute walk of the drop-off point.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The pool is a natural artesian spring where groundwater, filtered through the island’s volcanic interior, emerges at the coast. It is managed by the Safotu village council as a communal resource. Historically, the pool is the site of one of Samoa’s most significant cultural narratives, serving as the physical setting for the legend of the origin of the coconut tree.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming and bathing in the cool freshwater are the primary activities for both locals and visitors. The site is a major cultural landmark where visitors can view the setting of the "Sina and the Eel" legend. Snorkeling is possible in the ocean lagoon located just a few meters beyond the pool's protective wall.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes concrete steps for easy entry into the water and a surrounding platform for sitting. There are no formal changing rooms or public restrooms specifically for the pool, although village facilities are located nearby. Cell phone signal is strong (4G/5G) throughout the site. Small convenience stores are located directly across the road from the pool.

Best Time to Visit

The pool is best visited during the high heat of midday (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) to take advantage of the cool water temperature. For photography, the late afternoon provides the best light as the sun begins to set over the northern horizon. As it is a village site, early morning and late afternoon are the busiest times when local residents use the pool for bathing.

Facts & Legends

According to the legend of Sina and the Eel, a pet eel that was in love with a beautiful girl named Sina was buried at this spot; from its head grew the first coconut tree. A unique tip for visitors is to look at the three holes on a husked coconut, which are said to represent the "face" of the eel from this story.