The Top 10 Natural Wonders in American Samoa

Pola Island is one of the most impressive natural features you'll encounter in the territory, but what makes it so special? Well, they're actually a volcanic sill, which sounds fancy but is really quite fascinating when you break it down.

Essentially, molten lava once squeezed into a crack within softer volcanic rock and solidified there (think of it like nature's own concrete filling). Over time, the softer rock around it eroded away, leaving behind this incredible hard lava structure standing proud.

This type of volcanic activity is exactly what's responsible for the islands' dramatic high and rugged landscape, easily visible from the Pola Island Lookout or along the National Park's Pola Island Trail.

Located on Tutuila, this brief coastal walk leads you through lush coastal vegetation to a rocky beach encompassing views of the rugged coastline and Pola Island, a protected sanctuary for nesting seabirds.

The trail begins after you pass the last house in Vatia Village and continues along a gravel road, suitable for high-clearance vehicles if you want to park as close to the end of the trail as possible.

You'll pass interpretation panels before arriving at the rocky cove.

Taking 30-45 minutes return for the full gravel road walk, or 2-5 minutes return from the end of the gravel road, this nature walk is perfect for those with limited time but still looking for a real slice of American Samoan beauty.

Note that the powerful currents here pose a real risk to swimmers. We'd strongly recommend staying out of the water at this beach.

Waterfalls never fail to impress, making Nu'uuli Falls earn a solid position on this list of natural wonders in American Samoa!

The surrounding rainforest creates a natural amphitheatre that muffles the sound of the 20 m (66 ft) cascades, making this hidden gem feel worlds away from the nearby commercial strip.

The 15-minute walk/scramble through lush tropical vegetation over mostly well-formed trails adds to the adventure, leading you across several stream crossings before revealing this spectacular cascade and natural pool.

It's polite to ask permission from locals if you see someone at the nearby house, though you're not usually charged an entry fee.

The relatively easy access, combined with the dramatic setting, makes this one of American Samoa's most rewarding waterfall experiences.

Nature's own waterslide combined with ancient lava flow formations, the Le'ala Shoreline and Sliding Rock are another fascinating natural attraction to explore.

After a leisurely 15 to 20-minute stroll, you'll discover some fantastic tidal pools that are perfect for hanging out, paddling about, or taking a refreshing swim.

Timing is everything here. For the tidal pools, low tide is your best bet, as we've found from our own experiences. The Sliding Rock, should you want to try this nature waterslide, is a different story entirely—mid-tide tends to work better, but here's where local knowledge becomes invaluable.

According to locals, it's absolutely essential to chat with the kids or other visitors already there before attempting the Sliding Rock. The waves can crash straight onto the reef, creating some serious safety concerns that change throughout the day.

Otherwise, we personally recommend visiting to enjoy the beach and to walk along the shoreline.

One of the "World's Most Beautiful Beaches", Ofu Beach is blessed with soft white sand and backed by lush mountain peaks like something from fiction.

The breathtaking beach is approximately 3 km (2 mi) and runs just down the road from Va'oto Lodge (see Where to Stay on Ofu, Olosega & Ta'u (Manu'a Islands)) all the way to Muliu'u, where the Sunu'itao Peak Base Trail starts, offering spectacular views of towering bush-clad peaks behind and across to Olosega Island - it's simply too beautiful for words!

Recognised as one of the most beautiful undiscovered beaches in the world, this stunning stretch includes popular snorkelling spots like To'aga, located about 350 m (380 yards) east of the historic dispensary. The beach is best visited at low tide, as high tide can bring strong currents that make swimming and snorkelling more challenging.

With 140 ha (345 acres) of offshore water protected as part of the National Park of American Samoa, the snorkelling here ranks amongst the best across both Samoa and American Samoa.

One of the world's largest Porites coral heads, Big Momma can't help but take your breath away... Which is problematic because the only way to see it is by scuba diving.

This gargantuan Porites coral formation is one of the largest discovered in the world.

This ancient marine giant stands over 20 ft (6 m) tall with an impressive circumference of 134 ft (41 m), having grown steadily for more than 500 years. The sheer scale of Big Momma is breathtaking—you can easily spot the coral's crown, which is about 50 ft (15 m) down, while snorkelling at the surface.

For those with diving equipment, descending to explore the full majesty of this underwater monument offers an unforgettable experience.

Taʻū Island is the top of a shield volcano, and one of the most impressive views on the island is its caldera remnants on the south coast of the island, best accessed from Aufotu Cove at the end of the Saua (Si'u Point) Trail.

Head down to the shoreline where remnants of old walking trail signs hint at the area's rugged past, though much has been claimed by the relentless ocean.

Round the corner and prepare to be awestruck by the epic south coast of Ta'ū, where dramatic bush-clad crater cliffs plunge into the raging Pacific below. The raw power of nature is on full display here, creating one of American Samoa's most spectacular and untamed vistas.

Back at the beach, wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting crabs scuttling across the sand, eels navigating the tidal pools, and other marine creatures that call this remote coastline home. This truly feels like the end of the world—a place where civilisation gives way to pure, untamed wilderness.

Often overshadowed by the similar Pola Island on Tutuila, Maga Point on the island of Olosega is a natural marvel that's also steeped in legend.

Part of the utterly rewarding 1.5 km (0.9 mi) trek to Oge Beach from Olosega Village, Maga Point is the southern tip of Olosega Island, where steep cliffs plunge into the Pacific and coral reefs extend far into the turquoise waters.

Needless to say, this impressive geological feature is steeped in legend which we'll leave to the locals to tell you about.

The journey itself is part of the adventure - check out the 15 Best Walks in American Samoa for details on the hike to Oge Beach.

This untouched corner of American Samoa offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the territory, with powerful waves crashing against ancient volcanic cliffs.

While not the highest mountain on Tutuila, Mt Pioa, also known as Rainmaker Mountain, is certainly the most striking. What's more, you can drive up the Afono Pass to see the giant up close.

This scenic drive takes you directly beneath its towering 523 m (1,716 ft) peak.

This iconic pointed mountain overlooks Pago Pago and offers spectacular roadside lookouts with breathtaking views of Pago Pago Harbor. The mountain plays a crucial role in shaping the island's climate patterns, earning its nickname as the "rainmaker" for its ability to capture moisture from passing clouds.

Beyond its natural beauty, Mt Pioa holds deep cultural significance with local legends telling the story of two brother mountains, Pioa and Mt Matafao, who once fought in ancient times. The drive provides multiple vantage points perfect for photography and contemplation of this geological wonder that has watched over the harbour for centuries.

An island with quicksand, two lakes and home to the only remaining freshwater springs to source its village wells, Aunu'u Island certainly encompasses a few natural wonders. These are best explored on the island's walking trail.

This flat, 3.2 km (2 mi) round-trip walk takes you past the serene Pala Lake to a secluded beach where dramatic coastal cliffs feature a stunning natural rock archway.

The hour-long trek offers breathtaking views of Tutuila Island and the rare opportunity to experience true remoteness; you'll encounter only a handful of friendly villagers along the way. The trail concludes at a beautiful but intimate beach, perfect for quiet contemplation and photography.

Since there are no facilities on the island, you'll need to bring your own food, water and supplies for the journey. The adventure begins with a short boat ride from 'Au'asi, where captains typically wait at the marina for passengers.

There are two main reasons why this place is so special: the Fogoma'a Crater is one of the most recent examples of volcanism in American Samoa, classifying it as another National Natural Landmark, but one of the bays within it, Fagatele Bay, is a National Marine Sanctuary. That's two for one!

This pristine bay is home to Tutuila's last remaining coastal rainforest, where dramatic cliffs slope directly into waters teeming with marine life.

The sanctuary is thought to harbour 200 species of coral, 1,400 species of algae and invertebrates, and 271 species of fish, making it a vibrant underwater paradise where sea turtles are frequently spotted gliding through the colourful reef systems. Snorkelling is good on a calm day. The best coral displays are beyond the waves if the conditions allow.

The adventure begins with a scenic forest trail accompanied by birds and coconut crabs as you navigate the rim of the ancient volcanic crater. After about 10 minutes, you'll reach a wooden staircase to a secluded beach.

Access costs US$10 per person, paid directly to the landowner who maintains the trail; simply call out or knock on their door to arrange entry.