American (Eastern) Samoa.

American Samoa- unincorporated US territory in the southern part Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands. Consists of 7 eastern islands of the Samoan archipelago - Aunuu, Tau, Tutuila, Ofu and Olosega (Manua Islands), Swains, Rose. The closest neighboring countries are: in the west - Samoa, in the east - the Cook Islands (New Zealand), in the north - the Tokelau Islands (New Zealand), in the southwest - Tonga (Tafahi Island), in the south - Niue Island (New Zealand) . The land area is 199 km². Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, located on one of the largest islands - Tutuila, which is administratively divided into eastern and western regions. The third area is the Manua group of islands (Olosega, Tau and Ofu islands).

One of the main attractions of the country is National Park American Samoa, created by a special resolution of the US Congress (1988). This park is located on three islands (Tau, Ofu and Tutuila). Of 36.5 sq. km of the total park area is approximately 27 sq. km are made up of relict tropical forests, which have almost disappeared on other islands in the region. Also under protection are the territories of the Swains Island Nature Reserve (158 sq. km, mostly marine waters), Territorial marine park Vaoto (Ofu Island, 0.5 sq. km), Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve (0.7 sq. km), Marine Turtle Sanctuary (entire area around the islands up to 5 km from the shore), Leone Wetlands , Nuuili Pala lagoon and about 10 sq. km of other areas of the sea.

At the same time, access to the territory of all protected areas of American Samoa is limited only to the basic obtaining of a license and sound adherence to environmental standards of behavior for tourists. The National Park Visitor Center is located at Pago Plaza in Pago Pago and is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The city of Pago Pago is one of the most picturesque capitals in the world and one of the deepest harbors in the South Pacific. The town has an excellent Haydon Museum (a wonderful collection of ancient decorative arts). And the main attraction of the capital is the vast and remarkably protected harbor of Pago Pago, made famous by Somerset Maugham and the events of the Second World War.

South of the airport in Fogagogo there is a pretty beach of the same name with the small resort of Maliu Mai. The coastal restaurant offers a beautiful panorama of the wild southern coast and many wave caverns. Almost at the very coastline lies the Vaitogi region, where a small tract of virgin tropical forest is protected, rising like a wall above the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the coast (you can only walk here) there is a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling. Another coastal road leads west to Vailoatai, also known as "Sliding Rock". The islands (Swains and Roses) are in turn divided into 66 village communities.

Square: 199 km 2

Currency: Dollar (USD)

Population: 57881 people

Domain: .as

Visa regime: A visa is not required to enter American Samoa directly for a stay of up to 30 days. To obtain a visa you need valid passport and confirmation of no immigration intentions. You can get to American Samoa only through New Zealand or through the USA, so you will need a transit or regular visa from one of these countries.
There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign or local currency. The import of cash, payment cards and traveler's checks is not limited. Only amounts exceeding $10 thousand need to be declared. When importing gold and jewelry declaration is required.
Duty-free import is allowed up to 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes, or 454 grams of tobacco, up to 4.5 liters or five bottles (1 US gallon) of spirits (for persons over 21 years of age), as well as a reasonable amount of perfumes and perfumes. Personal items are not subject to duty.
It is prohibited to import drugs and drug-containing medicines, weapons and pesticides. It is prohibited to import and export without special permission objects and things of artistic and historical value, meat and non-canned meat products, as well as coral products, sea turtle shells, feathers and skins of tropical birds and animals.
When leaving American Samoa by air A $3 tax will be charged (usually included in the ticket price).

The state of American Samoa occupies seven islands of the Samoan archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It neighbors the New Zealand territories - in the north with the island of Tokelau, in the east - with Cook Island, in the south - with Niue, in the west there is a border with Samoa. The capital of the country is Pago Pago. The total area of ​​the islands reaches 199 square meters. km.

Population of American Samoa

About 70 thousand people live in the country, the majority are indigenous people(Samoans): 83%, Tongans - 3%, Europeans - 2%, Asians - 2%.

Nature of American Samoa

The territory of the state has mountainous terrain, since most of the islands are the tops of a ridge hidden under water. The highest point in American Samoa is Silisili, a mountain with a height of 1858 meters. Many turbulent rivers flow from its peaks. The rainforests of Ofu, Tau and Tutuila are nesting sites for many bird species.

Climatic conditions

American Samoa has a humid tropical climate, with an average temperature of about +27°C in both winter and summer. Tropical hurricanes are considered a frequent occurrence here. The average annual precipitation ranges from 3000 to 7000 mm.

Language of American Samoa

There are two in the country state languages: Local Samoan and English.

American Samoan cuisine

The most common foods in the country, sweet potato and coconut, are eaten at almost all stages of ripening. Also, many root vegetables, vegetables and grains are used in cooking. A lot of dishes are prepared from seafood and fish, sometimes they are eaten half-raw. “Oka” is a popular marinade made from coconut milk, lemon juice, onion and salt; all meat dishes and marine exotics are prepared on its basis: shark meat, octopus meat, shellfish, sea snakes and crustaceans. “Peepee” is served at the table - a sauce made from onions and coconut milk.

Religion

On the territory of American Samoa they profess Christianity, Protestants make up 48%, Catholics - 46%, and there are followers of Mormons.

Holidays in American Samoa

Independence Day is celebrated in American Samoa on June 1, and Mother's Day in Samoa on May 10. Samoans call December 26th Boxing Day. Arbor Day is celebrated on the first weekend of November and the whole country plants trees on this day. April 25th is Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day.

Currency of American Samoa

The currency adopted in the country is the US dollar (USD code).

Time

American Samoa is 15 hours behind Moscow in time.

Major resorts

The tourism sector of American Samoa is developing successfully, its share in the country's total income is 25%. On the islands of Manua, Aunuu, Carter Beach, Olosega, Alofai, Leone Beach, the lack of expensive luxury hotels is more than compensated by the homely comfort of small hotels, well-groomed beaches surrounded by vegetation, excellent conditions for diving, excellent trekking routes and the possibility of long cycling. In the capital of Pago Pago popular place is the Rainmaker Hotel, which meets all international standards and has excellent conditions for entertainment on the water.

Sights of American Samoa

Tourists go to the Islands of American Samoa to plunge into the exotic and escape from civilization, and the country's attractions fully satisfy such desires. For example, in the city of Leon, ancient ruins with a funeral altar of Polynesian tribes have been preserved.

The main natural attraction of the country is considered national reserve, which protects relict vegetation and its inhabitants on the islands of Tutuila, Ofu and Tau from extinction. Access to the territory is possible with a special permit and requires compliance with the rules of stay. Tau Island is sacred place for the indigenous population, since according to legend it was here that the Polynesian race originated.

Basic moments

The total area of ​​American Samoa is almost 200 km². More than 65 thousand people live on the tropical islands, 89% of whom are Samoans, 4% are Tongans, 2% are Europeans and Americans, 5% are from other countries.

Although the Samoan archipelago was inhabited more than 3 thousand years ago, Europeans only “discovered” it in the 18th century. At the end of the 19th century, Samoa was divided into two parts and the United States absorbed it eastern part. Thus, the territory of American Samoa includes the islands of Aunuu, Tau, Tutuila, Ofu and Olosega and two coral atolls - Rose and Swains Islands. The capital, Pago Pago, is located on the largest island in terms of area and population, Tutuila.

Weather

Travelers manage to fully enjoy tropical paradise From May to September, during this time there is the least rainfall, and clear weather prevails on the islands. In addition, the main holidays and festivals take place during the dry season. The most unfavorable time to visit American Samoa is from December to March, as strong tropical cyclones come here that can cause earthquakes and tsunamis. The air temperature throughout the year remains stable at +26 C.

Entry rules

There are 2 ways to get to American Samoa: through New Zealand or through the USA, which means you will need a transit or regular visa from one of these countries. The flight from Hawaii takes 5 hours, and from Samoa it takes only half an hour.

However, if you intend to stay in American Samoa for less than 30 days, you will not need a visa. To enter the country, you will need a valid passport and proof of no immigration intentions.

It is prohibited to import or export into American Samoa, without special permission, objects and things of artistic and historical value, meat and non-canned meat products, as well as coral products, sea turtle shells, feathers and skins of tropical birds and animals.

There is a $3 tax when leaving American Samoa by air. As a rule, it is included in the ticket price.

Safety

Before visiting the country, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, cholera, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and polio are also recommended. It is recommended to carry protection against mosquitoes, as they are carriers of tropical fever. In general, American Samoa is a fairly safe country if you take basic precautions.

Attractions

The main attraction of the country is considered to be the National Park of American Samoa, located on the islands of Tau, Ofu and Tutuila. The area of ​​the park is about 36 km2. Most of the National Park is home to tropical relict forests, which have already disappeared on other islands. The park is home to rare species of animals and birds, as well as picturesque coral reefs that are protected and closely monitored. In the center of the park is Mount Alava, 491 meters high. American Samoa National Park has a network of low-grade trails ideal for walking. They are located within the park itself, along Pago Pago Bay, as well as in the northwest of Tutuila Island. The island also has a good golf club and several tennis courts. In the capital, Pago Pago, you can visit the Haydon Museum to see Samoan arts and crafts.

The highest point in American Samoa is the 650-meter Matafao Peak. At its foot flows the stunning Nuuili waterfall. American Samoa has other attractions that deserve the attention of tourists: the Nuuili Pala Lagoon, the amazing Marine Turtle Sanctuary, the unusual Vaoto Marine Park, Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve and the private island reserve of Swains. All these natural monuments are protected areas of national importance.

Fans of water sports should definitely visit American Samoa, because windsurfing and diving enthusiasts from all over the world come to the country! You can ride the waves at famous beach Carter Beach and in Leone Bay and Alofai. And the best sandy beaches where you can get a bronze tan are the beaches of the village of Alega, located on the island of Tutuila.

We recommend travelers to get acquainted with the underwater world of American Samoa. Here you can see more than 200 species of corals, 890 species of fish and several species of mammals. Fishing is also particularly popular. You can rent a fishing boat from a hotel or local travel agency, or go to the yacht club in the town of Utulei. Skipjack tuna, marlin, wahoo, skipjack and yellowtail tuna can be caught in local waters.

Events

Every July, American Samoa hosts Tourism Week. During this week, you can get acquainted with the country's achievements in the field of tourism, take part in sports competitions, numerous holidays and watch the traditional Miss American Samoa competition.

The national holiday of American Samoa is Flag Day, which is celebrated in the second half of April. The celebrations include a Samoan arts festival, canoe races, song and dance festivals, sports competitions and a fishing competition.

We are sure that every traveler will receive a lot of impressions and vivid emotions in a tropical paradise!

is a group of seven islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country has a population of about 58 thousand people, and total area The islands are 200 square kilometers. Official languages are English and Samoan. One of the atolls of American Samoa, which is called Rose, is the southernmost part of the United States. In fact, American Samoa is a US jurisdiction, but Samoan citizens are not American citizens and are not eligible to vote in US presidential elections. American Samoa has the status of an unorganized and unincorporated territory of the United States. The President of the United States is the guarantor of the local constitution and has the right of sovereignty over the territory. In addition, American Samoa is administered by the United States Department of the Interior's Division of Insular Affairs. The protection of the islands is carried out directly by the US Armed Forces. American Samoa is governed by an elected governor.

American Samoa is best visited between May and September. It is at this time that the weather is clear and there is minimal precipitation. From December to March, powerful tropical cyclones often hit American Samoa, causing earthquakes and tsunamis. average temperature The air temperature stays at +26 C throughout the year.

The most large island in American Samoa is Tutuila, where 96% of the country's total population lives and the capital Pago Pago is located. This island is home to the American Samoa National Park, which is the main attraction of the country. It was opened in 1988 by a special resolution of the US Congress. The park is located on the islands of Tau, Ofu and Tutuila, and its total area is about 36 square kilometers. Most of the park is occupied by tropical relic forests, which have already disappeared on other islands. The park is home to several species of animals and birds, as well as several coral reefs that require protection and close monitoring. In the center of the park is Mount Alava, whose height is 491 meters. However, the highest point in American Samoa is Matafao Peak, which is over 650 meters high. At its foot flows the amazingly beautiful Nuuili waterfall. American Samoa has other areas worth visiting, such as the picturesque Nuuili Pala Lagoon, the amazing Marine Turtle Sanctuary, the extraordinary Vaoto Marine Park, Fagatele Bay National Marine Reserve and the private Swains Island Sanctuary. All these natural monuments are protected areas of national importance. American Samoa has very developed aquatic species sports Fans of windsurfing and diving from all over the world come to the country. You can ride the waves at the famous Carter Beach and in Leone Bay and Alofai Bay. And the best sandy beaches where you can sunbathe are the beaches in the village of Alega, which is located on the island of Tutuila. The underwater world of American Samoa is very rich. Diving enthusiasts will be able to see more than 200 species of corals, about 890 species of fish and several species of mammals. Before diving, you must undergo detailed instructions, since the local waters are inhabited by sharks and poisonous fish, and the huge tracts of coral reefs can seriously injure you. Fishing is also a popular activity for tourists. You can rent a fishing boat from your hotel or local travel agency. There is also a yacht club in the town of Utulei. Skipjack tuna, marlin, wahoo, skipjack and yellowtail tuna can be caught in local waters. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the network of low-difficulty trails developed by American Samoa National Park. They are located within the park itself, along Pago Pago Bay, as well as in the northwest of Tutuila Island. Tutuila also has a good golf club. For tennis lovers, several courts are open in hotels on the island. The capital, Pago Pago, is home to the Haydon Museum, which houses Samoan arts and crafts.

Every year in July, the country's authorities organize a tourism week. During the week, you can get acquainted with the achievements of the country's tourism industry, take part in sports competitions, numerous celebrations and watch the traditional Miss American Samoa competition. The national holiday of American Samoa is Flag Day, which is celebrated in the second half of April. The celebrations include a Samoan arts festival, canoe races, song and dance festivals, sports competitions and a fishing competition.

Before traveling to American Samoa, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, cholera, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and polio are also recommended. Every tourist should have protection against mosquitoes, as they are carriers of tropical fever. In general, the country is quite safe if you take basic precautions. Have a nice holiday and bright impressions!

Mastered already by the 10th century. BC e. The Samoan Islands served as one of the centers of formation of Polynesian culture, from where the development of numerous islands and atolls of the central part of the Pacific Ocean began. The Manua Islands (Ofu, Olosega and Tau) are one of the legendary "original islands" of the Polynesians, which retained their importance and independence even during the expansion of the Tongans, who subjugated almost the entire region to their power. By the middle of the 17th century these exotic islands turn into large shopping mall, connecting the Polynesians who settled the entire region and European explorers actively penetrating the Great Ocean. Much of the early contact degenerated into bloody clashes between the newcomers and the islanders, and the Samoans earned a reputation as hostile and aggressive warriors.

Numerous disputes between European powers over the ownership of these strategically important islands were settled in accordance with the agreements of 1899, thanks to which Germany and the United States divided the Samoan archipelago between themselves. In 1900, the United States formally took possession of the smaller eastern part of this island group with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago. The last sovereign of Manu'a, Tui-Manu Elisala, was forced to sign a series of concessions to the American authorities, and the islands came completely under US control. During World War II, U.S. Marines outnumbered the local population while exerting enormous cultural and material influence on all aspects of local life, and young Samoans served in the U.S. Army and Navy. After the war, through the efforts of Samoan tribal leaders led by Tuiasosopo Mariota, some rights of autonomy were obtained (primarily this was expressed by replacing the governor appointed by the US Navy with a local leader elected by popular vote), and the islands received the status of a self-governing territory with its own Constitution, which came into force July 1, 1967

Tutuila Island

Tutuila (Maouna) - main island American Samoa and the third largest in the group (141.8 sq. km) - located in the very center of Samoa, approximately 70 km east of the island Upolu (Independent Samoa) and 110 km west of the Manua group. Stretching from southwest to northeast for almost 31 km, it is formed by the slopes and ridges of a whole group of ancient volcanoes, the highest of which is considered to be the long-extinct Matafao (654 m), the most beautiful is Pioa (Rhinemaker, 523 m), and the most ancient - Alava (491 m, it is its destroyed caldera that forms the vast Pago Pago Bay). Low mountain ranges running in all directions have fairly steep slopes, which are abundantly overgrown with tropical vegetation, abound in gorges and form many bays and bays along the entire perimeter of the island.

A vast region of plains in local terms - Tafuna is located on southwest coast islands. This is the youngest formation of Tutuila in geological terms - its age is barely 20 thousand years, while the mountainous country that frames it from the north is two orders of magnitude older. Coastline Tutuila is heavily rugged and replete with cliffs, steep cliffs, forested islands, headlands and small bays. And around the entire coast stretches an extensive shallow sandbank with depths of up to 60 m (however, at a distance of about 300 m from the shore, the bottom begins to quickly drop, and 10 km from the island the depth already reaches 5 km), three times the area of ​​the island itself.

Pago Pago

The town of Pago Pago (locally pronounced Pango-Pango) is one of the most picturesque capitals in the world and one of the best natural deep-water harbors in the South Pacific. Pago Pago is actually the collective name of several villages stretching along the shore of the harbor of the same name, so it is customary to use this word to refer to the bay itself, the capital, and this entire area. The government offices themselves and most commercial institutions are concentrated in the village of Fagatogo, which is also part of this “loose conglomerate” of settlements.

The capital is a rather charming mix of run-down box houses and charming local-style buildings. At the same time, the Pago Pago harbor is quite polluted, everywhere a large number of garbage and perhaps the capital's "worst of all vices" - complete disorder. Although great efforts have been made lately to bring the capital back into shape, it will take several more generations before its reputation as "the worst hotel in the South Pacific" fades. Pago Pago, like a hundred years ago, remains small locality(about 4,500 inhabitants) with several banks, shops, restaurants, the excellent Haydon Museum (a wonderful collection of ancient Samoan arts and crafts) and a large number of various departments, including, among other things, the headquarters of the country's national parks and the tourist office, located next to the yacht club in Utulei, close to the governor's office.

And the main attraction of the capital remains the vast and superbly protected Pago Pago harbor, made famous by Somerset Maugham and the events of World War II. Jutting far into the southern coast and almost cutting the island in two, this collapsed volcanic caldera is one of the largest natural harbors in the South Pacific and the best anchorage in the region.

There are enough places around the capital that deserve special mention. Mount Alava lies north of the shoreline of Pago Pago harbor. Walking trails with a total length of about 10 km lead to its top (491 m), from where a majestic panorama of the bay and the surrounding areas opens up. And the mountain itself is the center (9.9 sq. km). Until 1980, it was possible to climb to the top of the mountain by cable car, originating directly from the port area of ​​the harbor, but on April 14 of that year, an American plane, performing demonstrations in honor of Flag Day celebrations, damaged the power cable and crashed into the wing of the Rainmaker Hotel - one from the symbols of the country (currently being intensively reconstructed). And 7 km east of Pago Pago, the lowland part of the park overgrown with forest begins - the Amalau Valley, which can be reached along the road passing through the village of Afono and ending at the picturesque islet of Pola (the island itself can be reached by boat from the village of Vatia).

Just a few hundred meters north of the Rainmaker Hotel is a traditional Polynesian island "mound of stars". These ancient cult sites are scattered in abundance throughout Samoa and many other islands in the region, and although they are superficially uninteresting (a star-shaped low mound of coral and volcanic rubble), their cultural significance is undeniable. Near the embankment rises Matafao Peak, the highest point in American Samoa (654 m) with beautiful waterfall Nuuili is not far from the foot.

South of the airport in Fogagogo The pleasant beach of the same name begins with the small resort of Maliu Mai. The coastal restaurant offers a beautiful panorama of the wild southern coast and many wave caverns. Almost at the very coastline lies the Vaitogi region, where a small tract of virgin tropical forest is protected, rising like a wall above the rocky coast. Just 1.5 km along the coast (you can only walk here) there is a small bay with two sandy beaches and excellent conditions for snorkeling. Another coastal road leads west to Vailoatai, also known as "Sliding Rock". Nearby village Alega Famous for its beach, perhaps the most picturesque on Tutuila, although the almost constant surf makes this place more suitable for surfers than swimmers. The village offers good swimming and diving conditions, as well as the area's famous Tisa's Barefoot Bar, which is a thriving nightclub from Thursday to Saturday and a quiet getaway the rest of the week.

Historic whaling town Leone surrounded by several ancient archaeological sites, including stone quarries in the hills above the city (the stone cut here was used to make various cutting tools) and several burial sites of Polynesian tribes. And in the city itself, the traditional Polynesian meeting house ("phale") and the small but very picturesque city cathedral are noteworthy.

Fagatele Bay, located at the southernmost point of Tutuila, is an underwater volcanic crater surrounded by steep cliffs and is currently designated as a National Marine Reserve. Here wonderful places for snorkeling or scuba diving, almost 200 species of coral, the population of which is now recovering after a massive attack starfish"Crown of Thorns" in the late 1970s, which destroyed up to 90% of corals over a huge area. Tropical fish in these waters are also extremely diverse, and between August and November the bay is visited by herds of southern humpback whales, which spend their time here. the winter vacation". In the eastern part south coast The village of Sailele with its magnificent beach and the safe lagoon near the village of Amouli with its pyramidal volcanic island off the coast and excellent conditions for sea recreation are noteworthy.

Further east, the coastal road passes within sight of a pretty island Aunuu, on which “Samoa’s most Polynesian village” is located - Aunuu, the unusual marshy Lake Pale and Lake Red Lake, which is a crater extinct volcano. Tiny and quiet, Aunuu is a fairly accessible alternative to the chaos of Pago Pago. And in the easternmost part of the island is a sleepy village Thule with a good sandy beach (its color is given by a snow-white strip of sand, framed by an almost gray “frame” of volcanic rocks lying a little further into the sea) and the Meteorological Center on the Matatula Peninsula. The high cliffs and numerous hiking trails of Matatula coexist with turtle beaches and a wall of reefs protruding from the water at low tide.

North coast relatively inaccessible - only three roads lead here, two of them are the end points of the western and eastern branches of the southern coastal highway, and only one goes from Pago Pago to Fagas Bay and the town of the same name in the very center of the northern coast. The main attractions of this region are the picturesque Vatia Bay with its village of the same name and a wall of volcanic peaks in the heart of the National Park, rocky Polar Island, Forbidden Bay (one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific) and the picturesque village of Aasu.

Manu'a Islands

The Manu'a group of islands includes volcanic islands Ofu (4.9 sq. km), Olosega (3.9 sq. km), Tau (39 sq. km) and small island Nuutele (1.08 sq. km).

Twin Islands Ofu(in the west) and Olosega(in the east) are formed by two destroyed volcanoes, which explains their characteristic appearance. Steep slopes and cliffs up to 600 meters high form the southern and northern shores of these islands, which gently slope down to the narrow Asaga Strait that separates them from each other. The landscape of the islands has a clear slope to the west (Ofu) and east (Olosega), while the highest point of Ofu - Mount Tumu (494 m) lies within the Leolo mountain range, and the highest big mountain Olosegui - Puimafua (639 m) is located at the intersection of two ridges - Alei and Mataala, which is quite unusual for such small islands. Both islands are surrounded by a common reef and have a fairly complex coastal bottom, which makes them quite unusual place for diving.

These islands are sparsely populated - only a few hundred people live in each of their 5 villages. The only point of attraction on Ofu, apart from, of course, its amazing landscape, is Ofu National Park(part of American Samoa National Park), which includes a beautiful sand beach more than 5 km long and the adjacent coral reef, considered one of best places for snorkeling in the region (however, you will have to take all diving equipment with you). On Olosega, all the fun lies in walking through unusual mountainous areas island and swimming on its small and mostly isolated beaches.

Island Tau- the largest and westernmost of the Manu'a islands, lies in the very east of the Samoan archipelago, 10 km southeast of Ofu Olosega and 110 km east of Tutuila. It is the second largest island of American Samoa and the fourth largest in the Samoan archipelago.

Almost rectangular in plan, Tau stretches 10 km from east to west with a width of 6 km. Like other islands in the region, it is the result of volcanic activity - Tau is northern slope the colossal ancient volcano Lata, as evidenced by the arched southern coast of the island - Northern part ancient caldera. The surface of the island gradually rises from a relatively low south coast, forming a series of flat terraces known as Liu Bench, to the high northern escarpment, reaching a height of 966 meters at Lata Peak - the most high point American Samoa, which lies at the eastern end of the Mataalaosagamai mountain range. Most of the island's coastline is one long cliff, tapering in places (usually in the southern part) to form small coastal plains. A narrow strip of coral reefs frames the eastern, western and northern shores of Tau.

Tau Island - formerly part of the historical island Manu'a Empire, which existed in these waters until the 17th century AD. Tau was the spiritual capital of Polynesia before Western colonization. The island has many traditional tourist sites, including the tomb of the last Tui Manua (the title of the supreme ruler of these islands), a sacred site Saua, considered the birthplace of the Polynesian civilization as such (local legends attribute to this area the very creation of people by the gods, a sort of Polynesian Eden) and stunning natural attractions - numerous cliffs, beautiful reefs and excellent beaches.

The main natural attraction of Tau is the area that occupies its entire south-eastern part (almost 50% of its territory). American Samoa National Park. Here you can see a relict rain forest, an excellent bird colony and incredibly beautiful coastal cliffs, rising more than 800 meters above sea level and inhabited by thousands of birds. Also interesting is the volcanic Judds Crater, attracting tourists with a six-hour walk. In the near future the administration national park is planning a permanent trail to the crater, which will make the excursion easier, but will significantly reduce the number of adventures for which tourists flock to this unique place.

Swains Island

The private island of Swains lies 350 km northwest of Tutuila and 177 km south of Tokelau. The tiny (only 3.25 sq. km) ring of land surrounding the brackish lagoon belongs culturally and geographically to the Tokelau Islands, but its political status has not been fully determined. In the early 1990s, the Tokelauan government threatened to “declare war on the United States” for this piece of land and even launched a kind of “canoe invasion” (most tourists come here only to look at this “miracle”).

The atoll consists of a low-lying ring of coral surrounding a shallow and extremely saline central lagoon with no connection to the ocean. The outer perimeter of the atoll (approximately 13 km in circumference) consists of flat coral reefs, which are almost completely hidden under water at high tide, and the island itself is a narrow ring between the lagoon and the outer reefs. Almost all of the island's endemic vegetation has long been replaced by groves of coconut palms, and the only in an accessible way pastime here is relaxing on a narrow ring local beaches or snorkeling or scuba diving in the waters surrounding it (the lagoon itself is shallow and deserted).