Western on Tutuila: Vailoatai and Leone
Accommodation in Western
Vailoatai and Leone: Village Square, History, and Coastal Views
Vailoatai is a village in southwestern Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, and is located in the Western District. Malae o le Asotau, a ceremonial village square, is located in the village. Leone, also in the Western District, was once the ancient capital of Tutuila. Leone offers impressive views of the coast. These places offer different themes to consider when planning a trip: Vailoatai’s ceremonial village square and Leone’s combination of history and coastal views.
American Samoa in a Broader Context
The broader destination of American Samoa comprises five volcanic islands—Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega, and Taʻū—together with the Rose and Swains atolls. Tutuila is therefore part of this larger geographic setting. The National Park of American Samoa is also spread across several islands: its units are located on Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu. About 4,000 acres of the park lie underwater, directly off these three islands.
Bays, Landscapes, and Protected Areas
Fagatele Bay and the separate bays of Fagalua and Fogamaʻa lie along Tutuila’s southwest coast. The latter two form the inner western part of the overall bay area, which extends from Steps Point to Sail Point Rock. Fagalua and Fogamaʻa were formed by a flooded volcanic crater and are surrounded by steep, forested cliffs. This context helps explain both where the bays are located within the larger area and how they were formed. On Aunuʻu, Faimulivai Marsh lies in the Aunuʻu Crater and is a protected National Natural Landmark.
The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa consists of six protected areas covering a total of 13,581 square miles. Visitors can hike, swim, and explore the reefs in the Sanctuary’s protected areas on Tutuila. Some parts of the Sanctuary require access by boat. Fagatele Bay is also a snorkeling area in American Samoa.
Culture, History, and Visitor Centers
The Jean P. Haydon Museum is located in Fagatogo’s Historic District. It was founded in 1970 by its namesake, First Lady Jean P. Haydon. The collection includes finely woven mats that are over 450 years old, as well as moon rocks that recall American Samoa’s role in the U.S. Apollo space missions. These items represent different themes: traditional craftsmanship and the island group’s connection to the Apollo missions.
The Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center is a visitor center for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. The National Park of American Samoa visitor center is located in Pago Pago. In A’asu, a monument commemorates the 1787 Massacre Bay incident; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, these places offer different historical and natural points of interest in the broader destination of American Samoa.
Activities and Getting There in the Broader Destination
Hiking in the National Park of American Samoa and diving in the Marine Sanctuary are among the activities visitors can enjoy in American Samoa. Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila is a gateway to the National Park of American Samoa: smaller connecting flights to Taʻū and Ofu are available from there. Check flight connections before your trip, as transportation options may change.
Discover more destinations: Tualauta, Eastern.
Return to the overall travel guide: American Samoa.
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