About Taʻū
Taʿū is an island in the Manuʻa District of American Samoa, situated in the South Pacific and part of the Manuʻa island group. It is notable for a high volcanic interior and traditional Samoan villages.
Visitors encounter steep volcanic ridges, rainforest interior and coastal villages with local services; the island forms part of the island group that also includes Ofu and Olosega.
The island has long-standing Samoan settlement and customary land tenure; portions are included within National Park of American Samoa holdings that conserve coastal and inland habitats.
Taʿū sits in the central South Pacific as part of American Samoa’s Manuʻa Islands and is administratively within the Manuʻa District.
- Highest point: Mount Lata, the island’s central volcanic peak, is the highest point in American Samoa and a notable landmark for inland hiking and views.
Best Time to Visit Taʻū
The best time to visit Taʿū is during the dry season (roughly May-October) when rainfall is lower and outdoor activities are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Taʻū
Taʻū's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 26°C. Heavy rainfall (3450 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 20° - 26° | 23° | 384 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 20° - 26° | 23° | 322 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 21° - 26° | 23° | 312 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 20° - 25° | 23° | 326 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 20° - 25° | 23° | 307 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 25° | 22° | 208 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 19° - 24° | 22° | 203 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 19° - 24° | 22° | 176 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 19° - 24° | 22° | 177 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 20° - 25° | 22° | 307 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 20° - 25° | 22° | 272 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 20° - 26° | 23° | 456 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Taʻū
Taʻū (Ta’u) is one of the Manuʻa islands of American Samoa and is served by regional inter-island air services. Fly from Pago Pago (Pago Pago International Airport) on scheduled inter-island flights to Taʻū’s airstrip; on arrival the village area and visitor points are a short walk or taxi ride from the airstrip. There are also occasional passenger boat services between Tutuila (Pago Pago) and the Manuʻa islands-check current schedules and confirmations with local carriers before travel.
Tips for Visiting Taʻū
- Confirm transport and schedules well before travel: Taʻū is served only by infrequent inter-island flights and occasional ferries from Tutuila, so book seats ahead and allow extra time for connections.
- Plan outdoor activities (hikes, village visits) for early morning when conditions are cooler and weather is most stable; the island is remote and services are limited, so bring any necessary supplies and confirm local arrangements beforehand.
- Respect local custom and privacy in the villages - Taʻū has a small, close-knit community, so ask permission before photographing people or private property and follow guidance from local hosts.