Free Aua Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Aua trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Discover Aua, American Samoa's best-kept secret, where stunning coastal landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality await you.

Nestled on the eastern side of Tutuila Island, Aua is a quaint village in American Samoa that offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming community, Aua is a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and traditions of the South Pacific.

When is the best time to visit Aua?

Best: January–March · 33°C

Best 33° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm J

Best 33° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm F

Best 33° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm M

33° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm A

33° Temperature Range for MayLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm M

33° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm J

33° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm J

33° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm A

33° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm S

33° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm O

33° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm N

33° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 24.5°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 300 mm, High: 400 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January (best)	33	350
February (best)	33	350
March (best)	33	350
April	33	350
May	33	350
June	33	350
July	33	350
August	33	350
September	33	350
October	33	350
November	33	350
December	33	350

Getting to and around Aua

How to get there

Aua is located on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa. The nearest airport is Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), located about 12 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to Aua, which typically takes around 20 minutes by road. Alternatively, car rental services are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Transportation

Aua is a small village and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses, known as 'aiga buses,' are readily available and provide an affordable way to get around. Taxis are also available but may be more expensive. Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the island at your own pace. Be aware that driving is on the right-hand side of the road in American Samoa.

Explore Aua on the map

Plan your Aua trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Aua, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Aua essentials

Currency and Payment

The official currency in American Samoa is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Pago Pago, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Aua to ensure you have enough funds.

Safety

Aua is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Emergency Situations

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in the nearby village of Fagatogo, and medical facilities are available in Tafuna and Pago Pago. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Pago Pago where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Do's and Don'ts

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight nod. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

Local Tips

To experience Aua like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Samoan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the village's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby Tisa's Barefoot Bar, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. For a unique experience, take a hike to the nearby Rainmaker Mountain for breathtaking views of the island.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Talofa	[Tah-loh-fah]
Goodbye	Fa	[Fah]
Yes	Ioe	[Ee-oh-eh]
No	Leai	[Leh-eye]
Please/You're welcome	Fa'amalie	[Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
Thank you	Fa'afetai	[Fah-ah-feh-tie]
Excuse me/Sorry	Tulou	[Too-loh-oo]
How are you?	O a mai oe?	[Oh-ah-mah-ee-oh-eh]
Fine. And you?	Lelei. O a oe?	[Leh-leh-ee. Oh-ah-eh]
Do you speak English?	Ou te lea fa'ainglisi?	[Oh-oo-teh-leh-fah-ah-eeng-lee-see]
I don't understand	O le a ou te malamalama	[Oh-leh-ah-oh-teh-mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Ou te fia vaega i le menu, fa'amalie	[Oh-teh-fee-ah-vah-eh-gah-ee-leh-meh-noo-fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
I don't eat meat	E le ou ai ni mea	[Eh-leh-oh-oo-eye-nee-meh-ah]
Cheers!	Manuia!	[Mah-noo-ee-ah]
I would like to pay, please	Ou te fia totogi, fa'amalie	[Oh-teh-fee-ah-toh-toh-gee-fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Fesoasoani!	[Feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee]
Go away!	Alu i le auala!	[Ah-loo-ee-leh-ah-oo-ah-lah]
Call the Police!	Faaofi le Polisi!	[Fah-ah-oh-fee-leh-poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!	Faaofi se foma'i!	[Fah-ah-oh-fee-seh-foh-mah-ee]
I'm lost	Ua ou taulima	[Ooh-ah-oh-oo-tah-oo-lee-mah]
I'm ill	Ua ou mativa	[Ooh-ah-oh-oo-mah-tee-vah]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Ou te fia faatau...	[Oh-teh-fee-ah-fah-ah-tah-oo]
I'm just looking	Ou te le taliina	[Oh-teh-leh-tah-lee-ee-nah]
How much is it?	E fia le tau?	[Eh-fee-ah-leh-tah-oo]
That's too expensive	O lelei le tau	[Oh-leh-ley-leh-tah-oo]
Can you lower the price?	E te faauma le tau?	[Eh-teh-fah-ah-oo-mah-leh-tah-oo]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	O le a le taimi?	[Oh-leh-ah-leh-tah-ee-mee]
It's one o'clock	O le tasi i le tasi	[Oh-leh-tah-see-ee-leh-tah-see]
Half past (10)	I le mavae (ese)	[Ee-leh-mah-vah-eh]
Morning	Taeao	[Tah-eh-ah-oh]
Afternoon	Afiafi	[Ah-fee-ah-fee]
Evening	Aso	[Ah-soh]
Yesterday	Ananafi	[Ah-nah-nah-fee]
Today	A le aso nei	[Ah-leh-ah-soh-nay-ee]
Tomorrow	Aso ma le lagi	[Ah-soh-mah-leh-lah-gee]
1	Tasi	[Tah-see]
2	Lua	[Loo-ah]
3	Tolu	[Toh-loo]
4	Fa	[Fah]
5	Lima	[Lee-mah]
6	Ono	[Oh-no]
7	Fitu	[Fee-too]
8	Valu	[Vah-loo]
9	Iva	[Ee-vah]
10	Sefulu	[Seh-foo-loo]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	O fea le...	[Oh-feh-ah-leh]
What's the address?	O le tusi tupe?	[Oh-leh-too-see-too-peh]
Can you show me (on the map)?	E te fesoasoani mai ia te a'u (i le mapa)?	[Eh-teh-feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee-mah-ee-ee-ah-teh-ah-oo-ee-leh-mah-pah]
When's the next (bus)?	O le a le taimi e ao ai le susu?	[Oh-leh-ah-leh-tah-ee-mee-eh-ah-oh-ah-ee-leh-soo-soo]
A ticket (to ....)	Se lipoti (i le...)	[Seh-lee-poh-tee-ee-leh]

History of Aua

Origins and Early Settlement

Aua, located on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa, is one of the oldest villages in the region. The area has been inhabited for over a thousand years by the Samoan people, who are believed to have migrated from Southeast Asia and Polynesia. The village of Aua was strategically positioned along the coast, providing its inhabitants with rich fishing grounds and fertile lands for agriculture.

European Contact and Missionary Influence

The first significant European contact with Aua occurred in the 18th century when European explorers and traders began to arrive in the Samoan islands. In the late 1830s, Christian missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived in Aua, bringing with them new religious beliefs, education, and Western customs. The introduction of Christianity had a profound impact on the social and cultural fabric of the village, leading to the establishment of churches and schools.

The Treaty of Berlin and American Samoa

In 1899, following the Second Samoan Civil War, the Treaty of Berlin was signed, which divided the Samoan islands between Germany and the United States. Aua, along with the rest of Tutuila, became part of American Samoa, a territory of the United States. This marked the beginning of significant political and infrastructural changes in the village, including the construction of roads, schools, and health facilities by the U.S. government.

World War II and Military Presence

During World War II, Aua and the rest of American Samoa played a crucial role as a strategic military base in the Pacific theater. The U.S. military presence brought economic growth and modernization to the village. Infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of roads and the development of the Pago Pago Harbor, were undertaken to support military operations. Many locals were employed by the military, and the village saw an influx of soldiers and military personnel.

Cultural Revitalization and Modern Era

In the decades following World War II, Aua experienced a period of cultural revitalization, as efforts were made to preserve and promote traditional Samoan customs and practices. The establishment of cultural centers and the organization of traditional ceremonies helped reinforce the village's cultural identity. Today, Aua is a vibrant community that harmoniously blends its rich cultural heritage with modern influences. The village is known for its warm hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and commitment to preserving its historical legacy.

Aua in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Cities near Aua

The closest cities to Aua, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of American Samoa

Discover American Samoa, where pristine nature meets rich culture in the heart of the South Pacific. Enjoy untouched landscapes, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality.

Explore American Samoa