Aunu'u, Volcanic island near Tutuila, American Samoa.
Aunu'u is a volcanic island situated off the coast of Tutuila in American Samoa, characterized by its distinctive natural landscape. The centerpiece is the Fa'amulivai Marsh, a freshwater wetland that formed within a shallow crater and covers much of the island's surface.
The island gained strategic importance in 1877 when High Chief Mauga sought refuge there during a conflict on Tutuila. Local warriors used the island's natural defensive features to protect him during this critical period.
The island is home to a small Samoan community where fishing and taro farming remain central to daily life and identity. These activities connect residents to their ancestors and reflect traditions that have shaped island life for generations.
The island can be reached by boat from Tutuila, a journey that typically takes around 15 minutes. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and bring suitable clothing along with water shoes for the marshy terrain.
The wetland is home to Chinese water chestnuts, found nowhere else in American Samoa. These plants represent a botanical oddity that makes the location notable among the territory's natural sites.
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