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American Samoa

Despite the palm-trees-wafting-in-the-trade-winds image, American Samoa is something of an oddity in the South Pacific. Hastily Americanised in the 1960s, the islands have all the ugly results of commercial and cultural imperialism sticking out from behind the fronds.
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Things to See in American Samoa


Leone church
The sea-facing church with three towers Leone

The village of Leone is the second-largest settlement on Tutuila and once served as the Polynesian capital of the island. It was also the landing site of the first missionary, John Williams, who arrived on 18 October 1832 after spending two years in Samoa. One result of his work is this imposing church, the first in American Samoa.

Ofu Beach
Ofu Island

Ofu island's crown jewel is the beach along the south coast - 4km (2.5mi) of shining, palm-fringed white sand. The offshore waters are deep enough for some excellent viewing of coral and tropical fish. Almost 300 species of fish have been identified and the reef is believed to contain about 150 species of coral.

National Park of American Samoa (Ta'u)
Island of Ta'u The National Park Visitor Information Center is located at Pago Plaza, Pago Pago.

The Ta'u island section of this national park (the other sections are on the islands of Tutuila and Ofu) occupies 2160 hectares (5335 acres) of land, including a spectacular escarpment along the southern side, cliffs as high as 900m (2952ft), and the impressive Judds Crater. The protected lowland and rainforest host fruit bats and many native birds.

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