Aunu'u

Aunu'u is a tiny volcanic island just off the southeastern tip of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa. Measuring roughly 1.5 km across, the island is home to a small community of approximately 500 people living in a single village. Aunu'u is known for its distinctive red-sand beach, a freshwater lake, and good snorkeling reefs—all unusual features for such a small Pacific island. The island was once connected to Tutuila by a land bridge but is now separated by a narrow channel crossed by a short causeway and bridge.

The island's red sand comes from iron-rich volcanic material, giving it a striking appearance against the blue lagoon waters. The freshwater lake, known as Malae'ula Lake, is a rare geological feature on a coral island and has cultural significance to the local community. Aunu'u's isolation from the main island means it retains a quiet, traditional character—life proceeds at the pace of a small Polynesian village, governed by the village fono and the fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way).

Aunu'u has a tropical climate with warm to hot temperatures year-round (high 70s to low 90s °F), high humidity, and frequent rain showers. The dry season from June to September is most comfortable, though showers can occur at any time. The island is accessible year-round via the causeway from Au'asi on Tutuila's southeastern coast, approximately 30 minutes by small boat or a short drive across the causeway.

By Plane

Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) at Tafuna is approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Au'asi, the departure point for Aunu'u. Hawaiian Airlines serves the airport with flights from Honolulu. From the airport, take a taxi to Au'asi ($10–15 USD), then cross the causeway by car or arrange a small boat.

By Train

By Car / Road

Aunu'u is connected to Tutuila by a causeway and bridge from the village of Au'asi on the southeastern coast. Drive time from the airport is approximately 20–25 minutes. The causeway road is paved but narrow. A bus from Fagatogo to Au'asi costs $1 USD; from Au'asi, the causeway is a short walk or boat ride.

The island is small enough to walk around in under an hour. The causeway connects Aunu'u to Tutuila, and from there aiga buses run to Fagatogo ($1 USD). There is no public transport on Aunu'u itself—walking is the primary mode of getting around. Taxis can be arranged through local contacts on Tutuila.

• Red Sand Beach — A unique beach of iron-rich red volcanic sand contrasting with the bright blue lagoon. One of the most photographed sites in American Samoa. Free access.

• Malae'ula Lake — A freshwater lake of cultural and geological significance. The lake is surrounded by vegetation and offers a peaceful setting. Ask permission from village elders before visiting.

• Aunu'u Lagoon — The waters around the island offer clear visibility and good coral formations, making it a pleasant spot for snorkeling.

• Coastal Walk — A circuit of the island reveals volcanic rock formations, coconut palms, and views back to Tutuila's dramatic ridgeline.

• Snorkeling — The reefs around Aunu'u are accessible from shore and offer a good variety of coral and fish. Bring your own gear—there are no rental facilities on the island.

• Cultural Visit — Visit the village and learn about fa'a Samoa. Ask permission before entering the church grounds or fale. Visitors may be invited to share food or participate in activities—accept graciously.

• Fishing — Local fishermen occasionally take visitors out for reef fishing. Arrange through village contacts; expect to pay $20–50 USD for a half-day trip.

• Nature Walk — Explore the island's trails through coastal forest and along the shoreline, observing native birds and vegetation.

Aunu'u has no restaurants or commercial food service. Visitors should bring food and water from Tutuila. If staying with a local family or invited to share a meal, expect traditional Samoan fare: grilled fish, taro, breadfruit, and coconut cream dishes. The Fagatogo market on Tutuila (15 min by bus from Au'asi) is the nearest reliable food source.

• Village home cooking — If invited to eat with a family, expect traditional umu (earth oven) dishes: palusami, oka (raw fish in coconut cream), and fresh tropical fruit. No set price—accept graciously.
• Bring your own — Pack food and water from Tutuila. There are no stores on Aunu'u.

Tap water on Aunu'u may be sourced locally and should be verified with locals before drinking; bottled water from Tutuila is the safest option. Koko Samoa (thick drinking chocolate) may be available from village homes if you are welcomed as a guest. The drinking age in American Samoa is 21 (US law). There are no bars on Aunu'u.

• Budget: Basic village homestays may be available by arrangement through contacts in Au'asi or Fagatogo. Expect $30–50/night.
• Mid-range: No mid-range accommodation exists on Aunu'u. The closest options are in the Pago Pago harbor area (~30 min by road): Sadie Thompson Inn (Fagatogo, +1 684-633-5900, ~$135/night).
• Upscale: Tradewinds Hotel (near Tafuna airport, +1 684-699-1000, $150–240/night) offers the most comfortable rooms in the territory but is farther from Aunu'u.

Aunu'u has no shops or commercial facilities. Bring any supplies you need from Tutuila before crossing the causeway. Local women occasionally sell hand-woven items such as fans, mats, and tapa cloth—these make unique souvenirs. Bargaining is not customary.

• Au'asi (causeway connection) — The Tutuila departure point for Aunu'u, with basic services and bus connections to Fagatogo.
• Fagatogo / Pago Pago (~20 min by road) — The territory's commercial center, museum, and market.
• National Park of American Samoa — Accessible from Tutuila; the park's visitor center is in Pago Pago.
• Ofu Island (Manu'a group, ~40 min by prop plane from PPG) — Finest coral reefs in the Pacific.
• Leone (~30 min by road west) — Historic Zion Church and western Tutuila.