Aunuʻu | |
|---|---|
Island | |
 | |
  Aunuʻu | |
| Coordinates:14°17′00″S170°33′36″W / 14.28333°S 170.56000°W /-14.28333; -170.56000 | |
| Country |  United States |
| Territory |  American Samoa |
| County | Saʻole |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.586 sq mi (1.517 km2) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 402 |
| Designated | 1972 |
Aunuʻu is a small volcanic island off the southeastern shore ofTutuila inSaʻole County,American Samoa. It has a land area of 374.83 acres (0.59 sq mi; 1.52 km2), and a2010 census population of 436 persons. Politically, it is a part of theEastern District, one of the two primary political divisions of American Samoa.[1][2]: 424
The island of Aunu’u is home to three villages:Le’auuliuli,Saluavatia, andAlofasau. Politically, the island is divided into two sections, Saole and Saleaaumua. The entirety of Saluavatia and half of Le’auuliuli are part of Saole, while the remaining half of Le’auuliuli, along with Alofasau, constitute Saleaaumua.[3] The names of the villages are derived from the Samoan language. Le’auuliuli translates to "the black stalk," whereas Saluavatia means "a secondVatia."[4]
Since the 1960s, the Aunuʻu people's main economic activity has been growingtaro and producingfaausi.[5]
| Year | Population[6] |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 402 |
| 2010 | 436 |
| 2000 | 476 |
| 1990 | 463 |
| 1980 | 414 |
| 1970 | 425 |
| 1960 | 436 |
Aunuʻu is the only place in American Samoa where taro is cultivated in paddy fields, which occupies about 5 percent of the land. The remaining land is mostly wet and unsuitable for cultivation and is primarily covered by non-edible trees, bushes, shrubs and weeds. Agricultural runoff and erosion do not appear to threaten nearshore water quality, as these flow into Pala Lake and the wetlands areas (Pedersen 2000; Tuionoula 2010). Aunuʻu is said to produce the best taro in American Samoa (Best 1992).[7]: 170
Geologically, Aunuʻu Island is avolcanic cone (tuff cone).[8] The island is less than 1 square mile (2.6 km2) in area, and around half of that area is a cultivated plain on which Aunuʻu's villages are located. There are several beaches consisting of coral rubble and sand, and sea cliffs. The eastern half of Aunuʻu is rimmed by a geologically recent volcanic cone. The highest point on the crater rim is 310 feet (94 m) above sea level. Within the crater is the Faʻimulivai Marsh, which contains a freshwater pond. The crater is one of the few places in American Samoa where evidence of the more recent episodes of volcanism can be observed. The eruptions at Aunuʻu occurred at approximately the same time as the volcanism atLeʻala Shoreline inTaputimu, while the eruptions that formedRainmaker Mountain,Matafao Peak, and the ridges ofVaiʻava Strait are much older. Aunuʻu Island has the only quicksand area in American Samoa, and also the territory's only lakes: Pala Lake is just north of the village, and Red Lake is inside the crater. Maʻamaʻa Cove is on the far eastern edge of the crater.[9]
The volcanic island was formed by submarine volcanic activity, with a prominent tuff cone shaping its eastern half. This tuff cone is breached on the eastern margin, creating Maamaa Cove. The weathering of the tuff deposits has resulted in an impermeable layer at the base of the Aunuʻu Cone, allowing for the formation of a marsh and a lake within the cone. TheTaufusitele Marsh occupies a portion of the coastal flat to the west of the cone. Beyond the marsh, the coastal flat is covered by significant deposits of calcareous sand and gravel, contributing to the island's unique geological and ecological landscape.[10] Unlike Tutuila Island, Aunuʻu Island is home to a crater lake: Red Lake.[11]
Aunuʻu Island is home to the only freshwater lakes found in American Samoa.[12] Aunu’u Crater Lake is among the most picturesque locations in American Samoa. Except for the outlet culvert, the area remains entirely untouched, supporting a vibrant marsh community and offering a unique habitat for fish and birds, including the rare Australian gray duck.[13]
Faimulivai Marsh is the largest herbaceous freshwater marsh in American Samoa. This area provides essential habitat for the Australian gray duck and is recognized as one of the most picturesque locations in American Samoa. Except for the outlet culvert, the marsh remains entirely undisturbed.[14]
Aunuʻu Crater contains the freshwater Faʻamulivai Marsh, the largest such wetland in American Samoa. It was formed from the drainage of the low-lying crater. It is part of a protectedNational Natural Landmark on Aunuʻu that was designated in 1972. ThePacific black duck was seen in the marsh in 1976, but it may now be extinct in the region; another significant local bird is thepurple swamphen. This marsh is the only place in American Samoa where theChinese water chestnut grows.[1]
In August 2019,rising sea levels fromglobal warming inundated parts of Aunuʻu Island, leaving residents without electricity for several hours, sending 55-gallon drums from the island’s electricity generator drifting seaward, and covering the roads with debris.[15]
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Before 1900, Aunuʻu was not recognized as an independent political entity. Instead,Upolu considered it a subordinate district, and its involvement in broader Samoan governance was managed by the Fono of Falealili inAtua.[22]
In 1887, theKaimiloa, a 171-ton steamer commissioned byKing Kalākaua ofHawai'i, stopped at Aunu'u Island during its mission to promote the creation of a Polynesian confederation. As part of its diplomatic and strategic outreach, the Kaimiloa aimed to foster alliances among Pacific islands and unify them against the encroachments of foreign empires likeGermany, the United States, andGreat Britain. During its stay on Aunu'u, two Hawaiian sailors, Aniani and Mahelona, deserted the ship, taking with them supplies, including rifles and cannons. These weapons, left behind from the Kaimiloa, would later play a pivotal role in fortifying Aunu'u and defending it from attackers.[23][24]
At the time,Tutuila and neighboring islands were embroiled inpolitical strife, with rival Samoan factions vying for dominance. Refugees fleeing violence on Tutuila sought asylum on Aunu'u, prompting the island's leaders and residents to prepare for possible attacks from pursuers. The two Hawaiian deserters, alongside a Hawaiian-descended storekeeper named Manoa, collaborated with the Samoan villagers to create a defense. They fortified the island with cannons and rifles and set up ambush points along the coral reef. In a decisive confrontation, the defenders of Aunu'u repelled an invasion force from Tutuila, using their fortified positions and firepower. This victory ensured that Aunu'u remained secure from external threats and marked the island as a key site of resistance during a turbulent period in Samoan history.[25]
The successful defense, aided by contributions from the Hawaiian sailors and their weapons, fostered a lasting bond between the island's residents and the descendants of the Hawaiian contributors. Oral histories on Aunu'u continue to honor the memory of this alliance, and artifacts from the Kaimiloa, such as cannons, remain as tangible reminders of this shared history.[26][27] One of the cannons from the Kaimiloa now resides at theJean P. Haydon Museum inPago Pago.[28]
Aunuʻu has a few government cars, and a number of family owned/operated motorboats to shuttle people to and from its small boat harbor inAuasi. A lake, called "Vaisuakoko", or Blood Lake, is nestled in the island's sprawling crater. Hiking the island is difficult, as it is densely forested and full of thick bushes, with steep cliffs along the south coast. The island has a stretch of red quicksand at Pala Lake, fairly close to the village, and taro swamps behind the village. There is a cove, called "Maʻamaʻa Cove," on the east side of the island.[29][30]
Boats providing ferry service to and from Aunuʻu may be hired at the boat dock at Auʻasi on Tutuila. The American Samoa Department of Port Administration maintains facilities at Auʻasi and Aunuʻu but does not track vessel arrival or departure data in either location (C. King 2010b). Aunuʻu is popular for hiking and school tours. The coral reef surrounding Aunuʻu is considered low use for recreational snorkeling (Spurgeon et al. 2004).[7]: 173
Aunu'u Island is home to a large diversity of wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. It is recognized as the premier location in American Samoa for observing theBrown booby.[31] The Brown booby, though uncommon, nests between Agaoleatu Point and Ma’ama’a Cove. TheWhite-tailed tropicbird is abundant, as are theCrimson-crowned fruit dove and theWattled honeyeater. Other notable species include thePolynesian starling and thePacific pigeon. Wetland birds include the very commonBanded rail and the less frequentPurple swamphen. TheAustralian gray duck is observed at Pala Lake and Faimulivai Marsh Lake. At Pala Mud Lake, theGolden plover,Ruddy turnstone, andBar-tailed godwit are present, though the latter two are relatively rare.[32]
Seabirds are well-represented, withGray-backed terns on the northeast cliffs,Blue-gray noddies near Pofala Hill and Fogatia Hill, andBrown noddies from Agaoleata Point to Fogatia Hill.White terns nest on rock cliffs along the coast. TheReef heron is found on the island's reefs. Occasional sightings include theLong-tailed cuckoo andEastern barn owl near Aunu'u Village. TheCollared kingfisher is another resident species.[33]
TheFlying fox roosts in large colonies on Fogatia Hill and forages island-wide. TheSheath-tailed bat utilizes caves for shelter. Introduced mammals include theRoof rat andPolynesian rat, with historical reports ofWild boar. Reptiles are abundant, with theAzure-tailed skink,Black skink, andMoth skink being especially common. Amphibians include theMarine toad, which is concentrated near Taufusitete Marsh. TheBlack turtle is a rare visitor, occasionally laying eggs on the sandy beaches around Agaoleatu Point.[34]
Aunuʻu has a population of around fiftygray ducks (anas superciliosa), locally known as toloa. Pairs of these birds have also been sighted inFutiga,Nuʻuuli,Alao, andLeone, however, they may not be based in those villages; they may belong to the population that lives on Aunuʻu.[citation needed]
This article incorporatespublic domain material fromFagetele Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
