The hiring of a car can be hit or miss and waste valuable time. I arrived at 9 am to find the car wouldn’t be ready till 1pm - I had emailed to book in advance and then rung to confirm I would be there at 9 am the next day . Another time the car I was given was not the car I booked and barely made it up hills so I had to turn back and get another one.

When you get off the ferry you will be approached by some pushy taxi drivers, the trick is to find a knowledgeable one who speaks good English. AND who will do what they promise. If you consider this option take your time talk to the person about where you want to go, the price etc and then do not pay the full price till finished- you will probably be asked for petrol money at some point- only pay half of the trip money. One couple I met paid all at the petrol station and then their driver left them to get the bus back from their last stop ( the beach at Lano) a problem is often drivers only know their own locality so may not have in depth knowledge of all the places you want to go. Try emailing takemetosavaii@ gmail.com. This is the info centre at Salelologa. They did have some touring info written up for a small cost ( if it is still available ) explaining where to stop on the way to Taga blow holes to see the sea arches ( free) and the mu pagoa waterfall ( 5 tala) who to pay at the blow hole etc they often know of a good taxi driver too and can pre arrange that for you.

Who is the private tour with? Does it cover all the points you want to see? It’s probably not a paid price if it’s with a knowledgeable driver with a comfortable vehicle.