The Manu'a Islands

Ofu - NPS Photograph Doug Cuillard

The Manu'a Island group includes the volcanic islands of Ofu and Olosega (joined by a bridge), and Ta'u. These islands lie 60 miles east (a 30-minute flight on a small plane) from Tutuila; flights are available between Ofu and Ta'u. These islands are sparsely populated - each village has only a few hundred people.

The National Park area on Ofu includes sand beach and coral reef with a mountain backdrop. There is also and excellent view of Lata Mountain (3,170 feet) on Ta'u, the tallest peak in American Samoa.

Map of Ofu	Map of Ta'u	Bats - A Samoan Treasure

Visiting Ofu

A section of  Ofu's pristine shoreline and fringing reef is protected within the National Park. The beach is fine coral sand, ideal for walking long stretches uninterrupted.  

Coral communities are some of the prettiest in the South Pacific. This is an ideal place to snorkel in the protected back-waters of the reef.  You must bring gear from Tutuila.  Before you visit Ofu, check with the park staff about special rules that may apply.

Visiting Ta'u

Si'u Point on Ta'u

The park area includes the southeastern half of Ta'u. Stay overnight in the village of Fitiuta on the northeast coast or in Faleasao or Ta'u in the northwest.  You can rent cars locally.  Visit Saua, a sacred site considered by many to be the birthplace of the Polynesian people.  Hike along the beaches on a plantation road southward from Fitiuta.  If you hike in remote areas, go with a guide. Park staff may be able to arrange a guide service.  Watch the sky for flying foxes, particularly at dusk and dawn. The south shore has sea cliffs over 2,000 feet high, quite imposing for humans, but seabirds find safe roosts there.