The Territory of American Samoa
American Samoa has a total land area of 76 square miles, consisting of five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’u) and two atolls (Rose and Swains). Including surrounding marine waters and a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, the total area is 117,500 square miles, similar in size to Oregon or New Zealand. The landscape features steep volcanic mountains, with the highest peak, Mount Lata at 3,170 feet, on Ta’u Island, and Mount Matafao at 2,142 feet on Tutuila Island. The tropical climate averages between 84° and 86° Fahrenheit throughout the year, with ocean temperatures around 82°-86° Fahrenheit. Ninety percent of the islands are covered in untouched tropical rainforest, home to unique plants and animals. The National Park of American Samoa is the only U.S. national park in the South Pacific, featuring challenging hiking trails, secluded beaches, and historic sites. The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is the largest of its kind in the U.S., part of 13 conservation areas nationwide. With opportunities for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing, American Samoa offers an eco-tourism destination for visitors seeking an undiscovered paradise.
Tutuila & Aunu’u Islands
Tutuila is the largest and the main island of American Samoa in the archipelago of the Samoan Islands. It is the third largest island in the Samoan Islands chain. Tutuila is fairly small and narrow, measuring roughly 25 miles across and little more than 3 miles from north to south at its widest point. The area of this volcanic island, of early Pliocene Age, is 54.9 square miles with a shoreline of 62.9 miles. The mountain range, which runs from west to east, is rugged and winding with the northern coastline having steep cliffs and unusual coastline. However, the southern part of the island has flatter terrain. The highest point in the Tutuila Islands is the Mount Matafao, which is at an elevation of 2,142 ft.
Aunu’u is a small volcanic island off the southeastern shore of Tutuila. It has a land area of a half square miles and features the Faimulivai Marsh, a freshwater marsh in the Aunu’u Crater and the largest such wetland in American Samoa. It was formed from drainage of the low-lying crater and is a protected National Natural Landmark which was designated in 1972.
Manu’a Islands
The Manu'a Island group, 60 miles east of Tutuila, includes the volcanic islands of Ofu and Olosega (joined by a bridge), and Ta'u. They are sparely populated - each village has only a few hundred people.
On Ta'u the national park includes the south eastern half of the island. American Samoa's tallest peak, Mount Lata (3,170 feet) lies within the park and overlooks the island's rainforest and steep cliffs. The national park area on Ofu features sand beaches and coral reefs with a mountain backdrop.
Besides their natural features, the Manu'a Islands provide many opportunities to experience Samoan culture.
Swains Island & Rose Atoll
Swains Island is located 350 miles north of Tutuila Island and has a total area of 461 acres, of which 373 acres is land. The central lagoon accounts for the balance of 88 acres. There is a small islet of 914 square yards in the eastern part of the lagoon. Access to Swains is limited with an unscheduled ferry service from Pago Pago throughout the year, so check with the Department of Port Administration in Pago Pago for the next sailing.
Rose Atoll is located 75 miles east of the Manu’a Islands, is an uninhabited wildlife refuge. Environmentally, Rose Atoll is home to the largest population of seabirds in American Samoa. Some species such as the Sooty Tern, Brown Booby and Red-Tailed Tropic Bird next on the ground, while others including the Ref-Footed Booby and Brown Nobby nest in the trees. Permission is needed from the US Fish & Wildlife Service to visit the atoll.