The Manu'a Islands

The Manu'a Islands (Ta'u, Olosega and Ofu) are much less developed than the main island of Tutuila. Ta'u is the ancient headquarters of the Samoans and the place where Margaret Mead did much of her research in the 1920s. Olosega and Ofu, two islands connected by a causeway, offer spellbinding scenery and fabulous beaches.

American Samoa National Park encompasses a good part of the Manu'a Islands (including Mount Lata, the highest peak in American Samoa). Facilities in the park are being developed slowly, especially on Ta'u: The landscape is broken by craters, cliffs and sharp gullies - it's unlikely to be made fully accessible anytime soon. There is one good hike along the uninhabited east coast.

The park unit on Ofu encompasses the beach and coral reef stretching east from the island's airstrip and main guesthouse. The diving and snorkeling there are particularly good, although there are no dive shops on the island.