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Museum · Upolu
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Photo: Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is the restored colonial house at Vailima where the author of Treasure Island spent his final four years. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through family rooms, the library, and his writing study, sharing stories of how Stevenson earned the name "Tusitala"—teller of tales—among the Samoans who adopted him. He is buried on the mountain above the house. The experience takes about ninety minutes for the house tour, with an additional hour available for the Mt Vaea trail to his tomb. Located in Apia, Upolu, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday.
The restored colonial house at Vailima where Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson spent his last four years and is buried on the mountain above. Knowledgeable guides walk you through the family rooms, library and his writing study, with stories of how he became "Tusitala" — teller of tales — to the Samoans who adopted him. Allow ninety minutes for the tour plus an extra hour for the Mt Vaea trail to his tomb. Closed Sundays.
Also known as: RLS House, RLS Museum, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum Samoa, Stevenson's House, Vailima, Vailima Museum
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Best stays in Upolu, Samoa
Upolu is where most Samoa trips start. Faleolo International Airport, the capital Apia, and the bulk of the country's resort-tier accommodation all sit here. The south coast (Lalomanu, Lotofaga, Siumu) is the postcard side; the north has Apia and the working harbour.
Things to do in Samoa: tours, activities, and day trips
Samoa rewards travellers who get out of the resort. Most of the iconic photos (To-Sua, Lalomanu, Alofaaga blowholes, the canopy walk) are 60–90-minute drives from wherever you're staying — and the easiest way to see them is on a guided tour with a local operator who knows the village fees and the best swimming windows.
Stay nearby on Upolu
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in detail
- About
- The restored colonial house at Vailima where Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson spent his last four years. Knowledgeable guides walk you through family rooms, library and his writing study, with stories of how he became 'Tusitala' — teller of tales — to the Samoans who adopted him. He is buried on the mountain above.
- Best time to visit
- Year-round. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm–4 pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
- Getting there
- Cross Island Road, Avele, Apia, Upolu.
- What to expect
- The house tour takes about ninety minutes. An extra hour is available for the Mt Vaea trail to his tomb.
About Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Is there an admission fee?
Many cultural and historical sites are free to visit; some museums charge a small admission (typically WST 5-30). Donations to village or church custodians are appreciated.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing is expected at cultural and religious sites — shoulders covered and skirts or shorts at knee length or longer. Avoid swimwear away from the beach.
Are these sites accessible on Sundays?
Most cultural sites and museums close on Sunday in observance of the rest day; churches hold services and welcome respectful visitors. Plan general sightseeing for Monday-Saturday where possible.
Can I take photographs?
Outdoor photography is generally welcome. For interiors of churches, museums, or sacred sites, ask permission first.
Last updated 28 August 2026