Aua, American Samoa City
Coastal village in American Samoa's Eastern District
Aua perches on the edge of Pago Pago harbor, where reef lagoons and cliff-backed roads invite snorkelers and photographers. Travelers pass through for Samoan church spectacles, roadside umu meals, and guided hikes into humid valleys dotted with fale.
Aua, American Samoa at a Glance#
Costs: USD 70-120 per day - uS-territory prices but cheaper local food and guesthouses exist.
Safety: Mostly safe with sensible precautions - generally safe with low violent crime; roads and weather can be hazards.
Best Time: May-October - drier months offer clearer skies and easier hiking.
Why Visit Aua, American Samoa?#
Aua on Tutuila island offers a compact introduction to Samoan culture and Samoa’s mountainous harbor landscape near Pago Pago. Traditional practices like faʻa Samoa, communal fale architecture, and tatau (tattoo) culture are visible in village life and ceremonies. Taste oka (Samoan raw fish in coconut) and dishes cooked in an umu earth oven at family feasts. Travelers come for the island’s strong cultural rhythms, nearby rainforest trails, and the dramatic harbour vistas that define southern American Samoa.
Best Things to Do in Aua, American Samoa#
Best Time to Visit Aua, American Samoa#
Aua is most pleasant in the slightly drier months (May-September) when outdoor activities are easier and seas calmer. The November-April wet/cyclone season brings heavy rain and occasional dangerous storms.
November - April
25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F)
Warm, very wet months with frequent heavy showers - lush scenery but often interrupted outdoor activities.
May - September
24 - 28°C (75 - 82°F)
Less rain and more sun; best for beaches, hiking and getting around without flooded roads.
November - April
25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F)
Highest chance of tropical storms and rough seas; traveling can be risky and some services limited during major events.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3682 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (457 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (430 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (463 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (307 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (215 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (336 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (481 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (349 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Aua, American Samoa#
Aua is a short drive from Pago Pago International (PPG) on Tutuila. There are no trains; taxis and local shuttles are the usual way to get from the airport to neighborhoods around Pago Pago.
Pago Pago International Airport (PPG): PPG on Tutuila is the island’s main airport and the logical entry point for Aua; Aua is within the Pago Pago urban area, typically a 5-15 minute drive from PPG. Taxis are available from the airport.
No other nearby international airports: There are no alternate international airports serving Aua on American Samoa; PPG handles all scheduled international and domestic flights.
Train: There is no rail on American Samoa.
Bus / Minibus / Taxi: There is limited public bus service; taxis and private shuttles are the main onward transport from the airport to Aua and other Pago Pago neighborhoods. Journeys are short and commonly under 15 minutes.
How to Get Around Aua, American Samoa#
There is no rail - Aua is best reached from Pago Pago International (PPG) by taxi or hotel transfer. For local travel, taxis and limited shared vans are the norm; walking suffices for short local trips.
- Taxi (USD 5-15) - Taxis are the most common way to reach Aua from PPG and are quick for short trips across the Pago Pago area. Confirm the fare before departure; drivers are familiar with local guesthouses and landmarks.
- Airport shuttle / hotel transfer (USD 10-25) - Some hotels and guesthouses provide airport transfers - arrange in advance if possible. This is convenient and avoids haggling over taxi fares.
- Local bus / van (limited) (USD 0.50-2) - Public buses and shared vans exist but are infrequent and informal; they can be useful for very low-cost travel but are not a dependable option for timed arrivals.
- Car hire (USD 50-90/day) - Car hire on Tutuila is limited but available; having your own vehicle helps explore more remote parts of the island. Driving is on the left and roads can be narrow and steep in places.
- Walking - Aua itself is compact and walkable for local errands and coastal access. For inter-village travel or scenic drives use a vehicle.
