Free Aunu'u Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Aunu'u with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Aunu'u
Aunu'u photo 2
All photos

Aunu'u in American Samoa offers a locally guided island escape with volcanic wetlands, forest paths, village culture and open Pacific views.

Aunu'u is a small volcanic island lying off the south-eastern coast of Tutuila in American Samoa. Reached by boat rather than by road, it offers a markedly quieter experience than the territory's main island, with a compact village, forested slopes, coastal rocks, cultivated land and broad views across the South Pacific. Its isolation is part of its character: visits depend on local boat arrangements and weather, and facilities are very limited.
Read more about Aunu'u
The island's most distinctive landscapes are geological and wetland features. Aunu'u contains a volcanic crater lake commonly known as Red Lake, together with marshy ground, taro fields and forest habitats that contrast with the surrounding ocean. The island's small scale makes it possible to appreciate several environments within a short outing, although paths can be muddy, uneven or difficult to follow without local guidance. The shoreline is shaped by surf, reefs and dark volcanic rock rather than by a developed beach-resort landscape.
Aunu'u village remains the centre of community life. As elsewhere in American Samoa, the social landscape is influenced by Samoan customs, family connections, church life and communal responsibilities. Visitors should treat the village as a lived-in home rather than an open-air attraction, asking permission before entering private areas or photographing people. A visit is most rewarding when arranged respectfully through local contacts and paced according to island conditions.
The island also provides a useful perspective on American Samoa's wider geography. Tutuila's roads, shops and public services are nearby in a physical sense but separated from Aunu'u by open water, while neighbouring islands and the ocean horizon emphasise the territory's Polynesian setting. Aunu'u is best approached as a half-day or day excursion from eastern Tutuila, with time allowed for boat travel, walking, conversation and observation rather than a tightly scheduled list of sights.
There is no substantial tourism infrastructure on Aunu'u, so visitors should bring drinking water, food, sun protection, suitable footwear and a means of carrying rubbish away. The island's value lies in its natural setting and community character, not in formal visitor facilities. Careful planning, local advice and a flexible attitude are essential, particularly during periods of heavy rain, strong swell or changing sea conditions.

When is the best time to visit Aunu'u?

Best: April, October–November · 29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30270
February30270
March30270
April (best)29270
May29300
June29280
July29280
August29280
September29280
October (best)29270
November (best)29270
December29270

Getting to and around Aunu'u

How to get there

Aunu'u has no airport or road connection to Tutuila. Visitors normally reach it by a small local boat from eastern Tutuila, commonly arranging departure through the coastal community of Auasi or another agreed landing point. The trip is short in suitable conditions, but there is no dependable public ferry timetable for tourists, so arrangements should be made locally before setting out. International travellers generally reach American Samoa through Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila, which is outside Aunu'u; onward travel requires a locally organised boat crossing.

Transportation

There are no cars, buses or formal public transport services for visitors on Aunu'u. Travel on the island is on foot, using local paths and village access routes, some of which can become slippery or muddy after rain. A local guide is strongly advisable for reaching natural features and for understanding which areas are appropriate to enter. Boat transport is the essential link with Tutuila, and departure and return times should be agreed clearly because sea conditions can change. Do not assume that a boat will be immediately available for an unscheduled return.

Destinations in Aunu'u

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Aunu'u

Aunu'u's attractions are principally natural and community-based rather than built for mass tourism. The island's volcanic crater and Red Lake are its defining features, with surrounding wetlands, forest and cultivated ground creating a compact but varied landscape. Paths and viewpoints reveal the relationship between freshwater, volcanic terrain and the ocean, although conditions can be muddy and access should be guided locally. The coastline offers views of reefs, surf and Tutuila, while the village provides insight into everyday life in a small Samoan island community. Birdlife and other wildlife may be observed, but visitors should keep their distance and avoid disturbing habitats. The island is not a resort destination: there are no substantial museums, visitor centres, formal attractions or large recreational facilities. Its appeal lies in a locally arranged excursion, quiet walking, geological observation and respectful contact with a living community. The surrounding sea is also part of the experience, yet swimming, snorkelling and landing conditions depend on local knowledge, tides and weather rather than on developed beach infrastructure.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Aunu'u

Aunu'u's most significant landmark is its volcanic crater lake, widely known as Red Lake, whose unusual colour and setting distinguish the island from the surrounding ocean landscape. The crater and associated wetland form a natural record of Aunu'u's volcanic origins, while the surrounding vegetation demonstrates how quickly tropical forest and cultivated ground occupy a small island environment. The island itself is also a geographic landmark: a compact volcanic landform separated from Tutuila by a short but meaningful stretch of open water. Its village, church and traditional settlement pattern are important cultural reference points, though they are living community spaces rather than monuments to enter freely. Along the coast, dark volcanic rock, reefs and exposed surf provide a visual contrast with the inland wetland and forest. These places are best understood together, as parts of a small cultural landscape where geology, agriculture, ocean travel and Samoan village life remain closely connected.

Show more landmarks

Explore Aunu'u on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Aunu'u

Aunu'u has no established restaurant district or dependable café scene, so visitors should bring food and drinking water from Tutuila unless a meal has been arranged directly with local residents. The island's culinary context is Samoan, with household and communal cooking traditionally drawing on taro, breadfruit, bananas, coconut, fish and other locally available ingredients. Visitors may encounter home-prepared food only by prior arrangement and should not assume that private hospitality is part of a commercial excursion. For a wider choice of meals, shops and markets, eat before departure or return to Tutuila, where American Samoan food commonly combines Samoan staples with broader Pacific and United States influences. Pack food securely for the boat journey, avoid leaving scraps around village or natural areas and carry all packaging back with you. Respect for food, household privacy and customary sharing is more important here than seeking a formal dining experience.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Aunu'u

Aunu'u has no nightclub district, bar strip or established evening entertainment scene. Social life is centred on the village, family gatherings, church connections and everyday community activities rather than commercial nightlife. Visitors should not plan a late return from Tutuila or expect to buy alcoholic drinks on the island; boat arrangements and sea conditions make an evening excursion impractical. The most appropriate way to experience Aunu'u after arrival is through quiet conversation, walking in suitable areas and observation of the island's natural setting, always respecting village routines and private homes. For restaurants, bars, live music and other evening options, Tutuila is the practical base, but travellers should arrange their return boat in advance rather than rely on spontaneous transport after dark.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Aunu'u

Aunu'u has no nightclub district, bar strip or established evening entertainment scene. Social life is centred on the village, family gatherings, church connections and everyday community activities rather than commercial nightlife. Visitors should not plan a late return from Tutuila or expect to buy alcoholic drinks on the island; boat arrangements and sea conditions make an evening excursion impractical. The most appropriate way to experience Aunu'u after arrival is through quiet conversation, walking in suitable areas and observation of the island's natural setting, always respecting village routines and private homes. For restaurants, bars, live music and other evening options, Tutuila is the practical base, but travellers should arrange their return boat in advance rather than rely on spontaneous transport after dark.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Aunu'u

Aunu'u has no commercial shopping centre, organised tourist market or reliable range of souvenir shops. Visitors should purchase food, water, sun protection, cash and other supplies on Tutuila before crossing. Any local produce or handmade items offered directly by residents should be treated as a community transaction: ask about availability, agree the price politely and do not remove plants, shells, rocks or other natural materials without permission. The island's most appropriate souvenirs are therefore modest and locally sourced where available, rather than mass-produced retail goods. For broader shopping, American Samoan food products, crafts, clothing and practical supplies, Tutuila provides the territory's main retail infrastructure. Carry reusable bags and take packaging back across the water, since waste disposal and supply logistics are more limited on Aunu'u than on the main island.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Aunu'u, 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

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Aunu'u essentials

Currency and Payment
Aunu'u uses the United States dollar, with the currency code USD, as part of American Samoa. Card payments and cash machines should not be expected on the island, and there are no dependable retail facilities for visitors. Carry sufficient US dollar cash for locally arranged transport and bring anything needed for the day from Tutuila. Contactless payment is useful in larger settlements on Tutuila but should not be relied upon once you have crossed to Aunu'u.
Safety
The main risks are environmental and logistical rather than urban. Take care on wet, uneven paths, near crater and wetland edges, and along exposed coastal rocks; strong sun, humidity and sudden rain can make a short walk demanding. Never enter the water or approach the shoreline without local advice about surf, reefs and boat movements. Keep valuables secure during boat travel, use appropriate flotation equipment when provided and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar terrain. Because medical facilities and shops are not available on the island, plan conservatively.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 in American Samoa for police, fire or ambulance assistance, although response on a small offshore island may be affected by weather and boat access. For a serious incident, notify the boat operator or local residents immediately and provide your exact location as clearly as possible. There is no reason to assume that coastguard or medical resources can reach Aunu'u quickly in poor conditions, so carry essential medication, avoid unnecessary risks and tell someone on Tutuila your planned route and return time.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when entering the village or approaching homes and churches, and follow local guidance about where visitors may walk, swim or take photographs. Ask permission before photographing people, buildings or community activities, and do not enter cultivated land or private property without consent. Remove all rubbish, avoid damaging vegetation and do not collect rocks, plants or wildlife. Speak quietly around homes and respect village or church activities. Tipping customs and public etiquette follow broader American Samoan and United States practices rather than a separate Aunu'u system.
Local Tips
Treat the boat crossing as part of the excursion rather than a guaranteed transfer, and keep your schedule flexible. Ask local residents about current path conditions, the safest viewing points and whether recent rain has affected access to the crater and wetland areas. Bring reef-safe sun protection where possible, but remember that the island is not a developed swimming destination. Learning a few respectful Samoan greetings and showing patience with local arrangements can make communication easier. A small contribution to agreed local transport or guiding is best settled in advance.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

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
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloTalofa[Tah-loh-fah]
GoodbyeTofa[Toh-fah]
YesIoe[Ee-oh-eh]
NoLeai[Leh-eye]
Please/You're welcomeFa'amolemole[Fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
Thank youFa'afetai[Fah-ah-feh-tah-ee]
Excuse me/SorryFa'amolemole[Fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
How are you?O a mai oe?[Oh ah my oh-eh]
Fine. And you? lelei. O oe?[Leh-lei. Oh oh-eh?]
Do you speak English?E te le fa'aaoga i le Gagana Ingilishi?[Eh teh leh fah-ah-oh-gah ee leh Gah-gah-nah In-gee-lee-shee?]
I don't understandOu te le malamalama[Oh te leh mah-lah-mah-lah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE mafai ona ou va'ai i le menu, fa'amolemole[Eh mah-fai oh-nah oh vah-ee ee leh meh-noo, fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
I don't eat meatOu te le 'ai i mea 'ai[Oh te leh eye ee meh-ah eye]
Cheers!Tālofa![Tah-loh-fah!]
I would like to pay, pleaseOu te manaʻo e totogi, fa'amolemole[Oh te mah-noh-oh eh toh-toh-gee, fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Fa'amolemole![Fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh!]
Go away!Ave le fa'alelei![Ah-veh leh fah-ah-leh-lay!]
Call the Police!Fa'asalaina le Ofisa o leoleo![Fah-ah-sah-lah-ee-nah leh Oh-fee-sah oh leh-oh-leh-oh!]
Call a doctor!Fa'asalaina se foma'i![Fah-ah-sah-lah-ee-nah seh foh-mah-ee!]
I'm lostOu te le iloa[Oh te leh ee-loh-ah]
I'm illOu te ma'i[Oh te mah-ee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...E mafai ona ou fa'atau...[Eh mah-fai oh-nah oh fah-tah-oo...]
I'm just lookingOu na'o le va'ai[Oh nah-oh leh vah-ee]
How much is it?E fia le tau?[Eh fee-ah leh tau?]
That's too expensiveO le tau e maualuga[Oh leh tau eh mah-oo-lah-gee-ah]
Can you lower the price?E mafai ona e fa'aitiitia le tau?[Eh mah-fai oh-nah eh fah-ee-tee-ree-ah leh tau?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?O le a le taimi?[Oh leh ah leh tah-ee-mee?]
It's one o'clockO le itula e tasi[Oh leh ee-too-lah eh tah-see]
Half past (10)O le afa o le sefulu[Oh leh ah-fah oh leh seh-foo-loo]
MorningTaeao[Tah-eh-ah-oh]
AfternoonPopo[Poh-poh]
EveningApo[Ah-poh]
YesterdayI le aso anapo[Ee leh ah-soh ah-nah-poh]
TodayI le aso[Ee leh ah-soh]
TomorrowI le aso taeao[Ee leh ah-soh tah-eh-ah-oh]
1Tasi[Tah-see]
2Lua[Loo-ah]
3Tolu[Toh-loo]
4Fa[Fah]
5Lima[Lee-mah]
6Ono[Oh-no]
7Fitu[Fee-too]
8Valu[Vah-loo]
9Nava[Nah-vah]
10Sefulu[Seh-foo-loo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?O fea le...?[Oh feh-ah leh...?]
What's the address?O le a le fa'ailoga?[Oh leh ah leh fah-eye-lah-ngah?]
Can you show me (on the map)?E mafai ona e fa'aali mai ia te a'u (i le mapa)?[Eh mah-fai oh-nah eh fah-ah-lee my ee-ah teh ah-oo (ee leh mah-pah)?]
When's the next (bus)?Aso o le isi (pusi)?[Ah-soh oh leh ee-see (poo-see)?]
A ticket (to ....)Se tiketi (i ....)[Seh tee-keh-tee (ee ....)]

History of Aunu'u

Early Polynesian Settlement

Aunu'u forms part of the wider Samoan cultural and settlement landscape, whose communities developed through ocean navigation, horticulture, fishing and close relationships with extended family lands. Archaeological evidence across the Samoan Islands records long Polynesian occupation, although the small island has not acquired the extensive archaeological profile of larger sites elsewhere in the archipelago. Aunu'u's volcanic soils, freshwater features, coastal resources and position near Tutuila helped make permanent settlement possible. Its history is therefore best understood through the continuity of Samoan island communities rather than through a sequence of large outside conquests.

Traditional Village and Land Stewardship

For generations, Aunu'u has been shaped by village organisation, customary authority and communal obligations characteristic of Samoan society. Land and family connections remain important to the island's identity, while cultivation, fishing and household life have historically depended on careful use of limited resources. The crater, wetlands and forest are not merely scenic features; they are part of a lived cultural landscape. Visitors may notice that local access and appropriate behaviour are influenced by community expectations, church life and respect for family-owned or traditionally managed places.

The 1900 Cession of Tutuila and Aunu'u

In 1900, Samoan chiefs on Tutuila and Aunu'u ceded the islands to the United States. The agreement followed decades of international rivalry involving the United States, Germany and Britain over Samoa, and it established the political framework of present-day American Samoa. Aunu'u subsequently became part of the United States-administered eastern Samoan territory, while retaining its Samoan language, customs, village institutions and links to customary land. The cession is an important turning point, but it did not erase the island's Polynesian cultural foundations.

American Samoa under United States Administration

American Samoa has been administered by the United States since the cession, initially through the US Navy and later through civilian territorial institutions. The territory developed public services, schools, communications and transport links, though their reach has always been shaped by the distance between islands and the practical limits of ocean travel. For Aunu'u, proximity to Tutuila provided access to wider services without turning the island into an urban settlement. Its small population and geographic separation have helped preserve a distinct village setting within the modern territory.

Wartime Change in the Samoan Islands

The Second World War brought major military activity and infrastructure development to American Samoa, particularly on Tutuila, which became a strategically important United States base in the South Pacific. Aunu'u was not transformed into a large military centre, but its nearby position placed the island within a territory experiencing rapid wartime change. Roads, communications, shipping and employment patterns across American Samoa were affected, linking traditionally organised communities more closely to American logistical systems. The period accelerated changes that continued after the war.

Contemporary Aunu'u and Environmental Awareness

Modern Aunu'u remains a small inhabited island where community life, customary relationships and natural features are closely connected. Its crater lake, wetlands, forest and coastline have encouraged interest in conservation and low-impact visitation, while local residents continue to shape how visitors reach and move around the island. Contemporary travel to Aunu'u is therefore less about formal resort development than about respectful access to a living Samoan community and a fragile volcanic environment. Weather, sea conditions and local arrangements remain central to the visitor experience.

Aunu'u in Photos

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

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Aunu'u

The closest regions to Aunu'u, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

American Samoa
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
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Aunu'u

Discover Aunu'u with Evendo – the 100% free, app-based travel guide that covers the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Aunu'u, American Samoa like never before with Evendo, the free travel guide app that brings all the best attractions, landmarks, and local tips right to your fingertips.

  • History of Aunu'u and essential travel tips
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • Completely free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Embark on a journey to Aunu'u, American Samoa, with Evendo, your must-have travel companion. This 100% free app-based travel guide is designed to help you make the most of your trip by offering detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Whether you’re planning to visit the enchanting Ma'ama'a Cove, hike the lush trails of Faimulivai Marsh, or savor local delicacies at Tisa's Barefoot Bar, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, you can explore famous landmarks like the sacred Sa'ilele Hill and the mesmerizing Red Sand Beach. The app provides rich sets of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your trip. Discover hidden gems and local favorites, ensuring you experience Aunu'u like a true insider.

Evendo offers seamless booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, eliminating the hassle of searching and planning. With features like the history of Aunu'u, essential travel tips, and a 'Near Me' function, you can navigate the island with ease and confidence. Experience the local culture, enjoy curated tips, and uncover the secrets of Aunu'u, all within one app. And the best part? It’s completely free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Download Evendo today and transform your trip to Aunu'u into an unforgettable adventure!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.