Vai'ava Strait, Natural strait in Eastern District, American Samoa
Vai'ava Strait separates Pola Island from a ridge along Tutuila Island's coast, with the island rising about 420 feet above the water. The area is marked by steep cliffs and rocky shorelines.
The area was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1972, protecting 250 acres for its geological formations. This recognition highlighted the scientific importance of the site's rock structures.
The land surrounding the strait is held in common by the community, following traditional Samoan practices of shared ownership. Local people view this area as part of their collective heritage.
The marker location requires a walk along the beach section of the Pola Island Trail, about 0.3 miles from Route 006. The hike on natural paths with water views is relatively straightforward to access.
The roughly 400-foot cliffs of Pola Tai serve as nesting grounds for brown boobies and white-tailed tropic birds year-round. These breeding birds make the area a key refuge for seabird populations.
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