Famous Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson, and his family, arrived in Samoa in 1890 and built a large character home on his Vailima estate, in the foothills above Apia, where he spent the last four years of his life. “Tusitala”, teller of tales, as he was affectionately known, was much loved by the Samoan people and he continued to write up until his death in December 1894.

Robert Louis Stevenson was buried, according to his own wish, on the crest of Mt Vaea overlooking his beloved Vailima estate and Apia. His enchanting home, and his tomb, can still be seen today within the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Reserve and Museum.