Aunu'u Island Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Aunu'u Island, American Samoa, offers crater-lake walks, village culture, coastal scenery and a peaceful glimpse of Polynesian island life away from Tutuila.

Island Landscape

Aunu'u Island lies off the south-eastern coast of Tutuila in American Samoa, a small, inhabited volcanic island reached by boat from the village of Auasi. Its compact landscape combines forested slopes, a rugged shoreline, village gardens and the remnants of a volcanic crater. The island's most notable natural feature is Aunu'u Crater Lake, a freshwater wetland enclosed by the crater's steep interior walls. Paths lead through vegetation towards the lake and other viewpoints, although conditions can be muddy and access may vary with weather and local arrangements.

Village Life and Natural Heritage

Aunu'u is home to a close-knit Samoan community whose daily life remains closely connected with the sea, family land and customary village traditions. Visitors encounter a quieter setting than on Tutuila, with limited commercial infrastructure and no substantial tourist district. The island's significance lies in its combination of geological interest, wetland habitat and living Polynesian culture rather than in a long list of built attractions. Aunu'u Crater is recognised as a National Natural Landmark in the United States, reflecting the value of its volcanic landform and unusual interior wetland.

Exploring Aunu'u

A visit is generally centred on the boat crossing, a walk through the island's natural landscape and respectful observation of village life. Coastal views reveal Tutuila across the channel, while the island's vegetation shelters birdlife and other forms of tropical wildlife that are best observed without disturbance. There are few formal visitor services, so travellers should arrange transport in advance, carry water and allow time for weather or sea conditions to alter plans. Aunu'u is best understood as a small community and natural landscape, not as a conventional resort island.

When is the best time to visit Aunu'u Island?

Best: January–March · 32°C

Best 32° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm J

Best 32° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm F

Best 32° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm M

32° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm A

32° Temperature Range for MayLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm M

32° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm J

32° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm J

32° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm A

32° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm S

32° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm O

32° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm N

32° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 24.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 250 mm, High: 350 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January (best)	32	300
February (best)	32	300
March (best)	32	300
April	32	300
May	32	300
June	32	300
July	32	300
August	32	300
September	32	300
October	32	300
November	32	300
December	32	300

Getting to and around Aunu'u Island

How to get there

Aunu'u is reached by small boat from Auasi on the south-eastern coast of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa. Travellers normally make their way to Auasi by road from other parts of Tutuila and arrange a local boat crossing rather than expecting a scheduled passenger ferry network. The crossing is short, but departure arrangements, sea conditions and local availability can change. There is no airport on Aunu'u, and visitors arriving internationally will generally travel through Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila before continuing overland to the boat departure point. Confirm the return arrangement before leaving the mainland, particularly if visiting independently.

Transportation

Aunu'u is small enough to explore on foot, with the crater and coastal scenery forming the main focus of a visit. Paths are not equivalent to fully serviced, universally maintained tourist trails, and wet or uneven ground may make progress slow. Transport on Tutuila is more developed, with roads, taxis and public buses serving populated areas, although routes and frequency may not suit a tightly timed boat connection. A private vehicle or taxi can make reaching Auasi easier, but visitors should arrange the onward crossing locally. Do not assume that every shoreline or village track is public access; ask permission where routes pass near homes or cultivated land.

Best landmarks in Aunu'u Island

Aunu'u Crater Lake is the island's defining natural landmark, occupying a volcanic crater whose enclosed form contrasts with the open Pacific coast. The surrounding wetland and vegetation give the basin ecological as well as geological significance, while the crater's presence helps explain the island's recognition as a National Natural Landmark. The shoreline itself is another important feature: viewed from the water, Aunu'u appears as a compact volcanic mass rising south-east of Tutuila, with forested slopes meeting a rugged coast. The village is a cultural landmark in its own right, not because of monumental architecture but because it represents a continuing Samoan community within a small island environment. Together, crater, wetland, coast and village express the close relationship between natural formation, customary life and the sea that connects Aunu'u with the rest of American Samoa.

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Explore Aunu'u Island on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best nightclubs in Aunu'u Island

Aunu'u does not have a developed nightlife scene, nightclubs or a concentration of visitor bars. Evening life is primarily connected with the village, family gatherings and the quiet rhythm of a small island community, rather than organised entertainment. Visitors staying on Aunu'u should not expect late-opening venues, live music programmes or a reliable supply of nightlife facilities, and should make arrangements for food, lighting and transport before dusk. A wider choice of bars, restaurants and evening activity is found on Tutuila, particularly around the more populated areas near Pago Pago, but these are outside Aunu'u and require a boat crossing followed by road travel. Any visit to the island after dark should be guided by local arrangements, weather conditions and respect for the privacy of residents.

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Best shops in Aunu'u Island

Shopping on Aunu'u is extremely limited, with no established retail centre, commercial shopping street or dependable selection of visitor-oriented goods. Travellers should buy essentials, snacks, drinking water, sun protection and any walking supplies on Tutuila before crossing to the island. Shopping opportunities on the main island include general shops, supermarkets, food markets and businesses serving the larger communities, while locally made crafts or produce may sometimes be encountered through community connections rather than in a permanent Aunu'u market. Regional products associated with Samoan life include woven items, artwork, food produce and other handmade goods, but availability varies and should not be assumed. Ask permission before purchasing directly from residents, and treat customary or family-held objects with particular respect rather than removing natural materials from the island.

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Aunu'u Island essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the United States dollar (USD). American Samoa uses US currency, and cards are commonly useful in larger businesses and established visitor areas on Tutuila, but Aunu'u itself has very limited commercial infrastructure and should not be treated as a card-payment destination. Carry sufficient small notes and coins for locally arranged transport, food or other expenses, while keeping money secure during the boat trip. Cash machines and banking services are found on Tutuila rather than on the island. Confirm payment arrangements with boat providers and any local host before travelling.

Safety

The principal practical concerns are changing sea conditions, tropical weather, uneven paths and limited facilities. Follow local advice before boarding a small boat, keep away from unstable coastal edges and take care around crater terrain, wetland margins and slippery ground. Heat, humidity and heavy rain can make a short walk more demanding than expected, so carry water and protect yourself from the sun. Mobile coverage and immediate assistance may be less reliable than on Tutuila. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, do not enter restricted or privately used areas, and avoid treating the crater lake or surrounding waters as swimming areas unless local authorities explicitly permit it.

Emergency Situations

Dial 911 in an emergency in American Samoa for police, fire or medical assistance, and state clearly that the incident is on Aunu'u Island. Give the name of the boat landing area, a nearby village or another recognisable location, and keep the boat operator or local contact informed when possible. Because Aunu'u has limited facilities and is separated from Tutuila by water, serious medical or rescue assistance may require coordination across the channel. For non-urgent medical needs, the main healthcare facilities are on Tutuila, so visitors should carry essential medication and avoid travelling without a dependable return plan.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress modestly and behave quietly around the village, remembering that Aunu'u is a lived-in Samoan community rather than an open-air attraction. Ask before photographing people, homes, churches, gardens or ceremonial activity, and follow local guidance about paths and access. Do not leave litter, remove plants or rocks, feed wildlife, or disturb the crater wetland. Keep out of areas marked or described as private, and do not assume that customary access rights or village practices are the same as those in a national park elsewhere. A respectful greeting and a willingness to follow local instructions are more useful than rushing through the island.

Local Tips

Use Auasi as the practical mainland gateway and allow flexibility around the boat crossing rather than planning Aunu'u as a fixed, tightly timed excursion. Carry a packed snack, water, insect protection and footwear suitable for damp ground, since facilities on the island are sparse. The crater walk is more rewarding when approached as a natural and cultural visit instead of a rapid photo stop. Ask local residents which routes are appropriate on the day, particularly after rain or during community activities. Views towards Tutuila and the surrounding water are weather-dependent, while early or quieter periods may be preferable for observing birds without causing disturbance.

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'amalie atu	[Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
Yes	Ioe	[Ee-oh-eh]
No	Leai	[Leh-ah-ee]
Please/You're welcome	Fa'amalie atu	[Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
Thank you	Fa'afetai	[Fah-ah-feh-tah-ee]
Excuse me/Sorry	Fa'amalie atu	[Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
How are you?	O a mai oe?	[Oh ah my oh-eh?]
Fine. And you?	Lelei. O a oute?	[Leh-leh-ee. Oh ah oh-ooh-teh?]
Do you speak English?	Ou te fai le fa'aperetania?	[Oh-oo teh fai leh fah-ah-peh-reh-tah-nee-ah?]
I don't understand	O le a le mafai ona ou te malamalama	[Oh leh ah leh mah-fai oh-nah oh-oo teh mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Au mai le menu, fa'amalie atu	[Ah-oo my leh meh-noo, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
I don't eat meat	O le a ou te 'ai le kuka	[Oh leh ah oh-oo teh eye leh koo-kah]
Cheers!	Manuia!	[Mah-noo-ee-ah!]
I would like to pay, please	Au mai lo tu'u, fa'amalie atu	[Ah-oo my loh too-oo, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Fesoasoani!	[Feh-so-ah-so-ah-nee!]
Go away!	Alu i le taeao!	[Ah-loo ee leh tah-eh-ah-oh!]
Call the Police!	Fesili leoleo!	[Feh-see-lee leh-oh-leh-oh]
Call a doctor!	Fesili le foma'i!	[Feh-see-lee leh foh-mah-ee!]
I'm lost	Ua ta'oto	[Oo-ah tah-oh-toh]
I'm ill	O oua	[Oh oh-oo-ah]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Au mai...	[Ah-oo my...]
I'm just looking	O le a ou te tatala	[Oh leh ah oh-oo teh tah-tah-lah]
How much is it?	E tele i se fa'ailoa?	[Eh teh-leh ee seh fah-ah-ee-loh-ah?]
That's too expensive	O le mea e lelei	[Oh leh meh-ah eh leh-leh]
Can you lower the price?	O le mafai ona ou te fa'asa?	[Oh leh mah-fai oh-nah oh-oo teh fah-ah-sah?]

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 taimi	[Oh leh tah-see ee leh tah-ee-mee]
Half past (10)	I le numera e sefulu	[Ee leh noo-meh-rah eh seh-foo-loo]
Morning	Afiafi	[Ah-fee-ah-fee]
Afternoon	Aso	[Ah-so]
Evening	Taeao	[Tah-eh-ah-oh]
Yesterday	Ananafi	[Ah-nah-nah-fee]
Today	Aso nei	[Ah-so neh-ee]
Tomorrow	Aso o le a	[Ah-so oh leh ah]
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 fa'ailoa o fea?	[Oh leh fah-ah-ee-loh-ah oh feh-ah?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	O le mafai ona ou fa'ailoa ia te oe (i le mapa)?	[Oh leh mah-fai oh-nah oh-oo fah-ah-ee-loh-ah ee-ah teh oh-eh (ee leh mah-pah)?]
When's the next (bus)?	O le a le taimi mo le bus e te o mai?	[Oh leh ah leh tah-ee-mee moh leh boos eh teh oh my?]
A ticket (to ....)	Tiketi (i le ....)	[Tee-keh-tee (ee leh ....)]

History of Aunu'u Island

Volcanic Origins and the Crater

Aunu'u is a small volcanic island shaped by the wider geological processes that formed the Samoan archipelago. Its interior crater and freshwater wetland provide the clearest expression of that volcanic past, with the crater basin now supporting dense vegetation and a lake environment. The island's geology is closely linked to the volcanic landscapes of Tutuila, although Aunu'u's compact form gives its crater a particularly strong presence within the settled landscape. The natural feature later became known as Aunu'u Crater Lake and helped establish the island's importance for geological and environmental interpretation.

Polynesian Settlement and Community

Aunu'u has long been part of the Samoan cultural world, whose history is organised through village communities, extended family relationships, customary land and ocean-based livelihoods. The island's inhabitants have used its surrounding waters, soils and vegetation while maintaining connections with neighbouring Tutuila. As elsewhere in Samoa, oral tradition, communal responsibilities and respect for village authority remain important to local identity. Aunu'u's small scale makes the relationship between settlement and landscape especially visible: homes and cultivated areas occupy only part of the island, while forest, crater terrain and coastline remain central to community life.

American Samoa and Changing Connections

Aunu'u became part of the political history of American Samoa as the islands entered their modern relationship with the United States in the late nineteenth century. Unlike larger urban areas of Tutuila, it retained a predominantly village character, with access and communication shaped by the surrounding sea. Modern services and transport links have altered daily life, but the island has not developed into a major resort or commercial centre. Its contemporary identity continues to rest on the continuity of Samoan community life alongside the practical connections provided by nearby Tutuila.

Recognition and Conservation

The volcanic crater and its wetland attracted wider scientific and conservation interest because they preserve a distinctive natural feature within a lived-in tropical island landscape. Aunu'u Crater is recognised as a National Natural Landmark, a designation that acknowledges its national importance as a natural site rather than turning the island into a built visitor attraction. Conservation on Aunu'u depends not only on formal recognition but also on considerate behaviour around the lake, forest and shoreline. Visitors share the landscape with residents, so access, litter, wildlife observation and photography should be approached with care.

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