Tutuila

Tutuila is the main or largest island of American Samoa, and the third largest island in the Samoan Islands chain. The island is distinctive in the Central Pacific for its large, natural harbor-Pago Pago Harbor-on which the capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago, is located.

The highlights of Tutuila Island is exploring the scenic coastal highways that meander along the south coast and enjoying the virgin tropical rainforest.

Inland from the airport are several fine sites worth seeking out. Archaeology buffs should head to the ancient star mound that has been cleared near the catholic cathedral at Tafuna and here interpretation signs explaining the probably significance and use of the star mounds is explained. A little further inland past the Community College a small hiking trail leads for half an hour through rainforest to the impressive Virgin Falls, the most accessible of many waterfalls around the island. Unfortunately the trail is not well marked and requires local knowledge to find it.

The trail to Massacre Bay on the north coast of Tutuila starts from the inland village of A'oloaufou and takes almost two hours one way. The two and a half mile trail leads through pristine rainforest to the abandoned village of Aasu where there's a pleasant beach.

The main south coast highway cuts across the southern tip of Tutuila and Fagatele Bay and heads towards the old whaling town of Leone. Inland from Leone is the interesting archaeological site of Tataga Matau which was an important quarry for making stone tools. On the coast towards Vailoatai beside the missionary is a collection of rounded holes where the stones from the quarry were ground to make tools.

Heading towards Vailoatai is the wild coastline and volcanic terraces known as Sliding Rock.

From Leone its a 20-minute drive to the beautiful Cape Taputapu turn-off where a 10-minute hiking trail leads to a gorgeous swimming beach with views offshore islands. Beyond is the winding and steep road to Fagamalo which marks the end of the road. There are coastal views from here of the inaccessible north coast.