LOCATION -14o17'30"S, 170o33'E; on the island of Aunu'u, 1.6 km off the southeastern tip of Tutuila.

Fifteen minutes by ferry from Tutuila is the tiny, quiet island of Aunu'u. Easily explored in a day (but don't go on Sunday; you won't be welcome), the island is an accessible respite from the traffic chaos of Pago Pago. Pala Lake is a beautiful expanse of fiery red quicksand - extraordinary from the edge, deadly in the middle. On the far side of the island from the ferry harbour is Ma'ama'a Cove, a cauldron of surf, spray and rocks. It's a wild, entertaining natural display.

OVERVIEW - Aunu'u Island a mile or so off the south east coast offers the unusual Red Lake and quicksand in an extinct crater that makes for an interesting hike. The island has one sleepy village and can be visited on a day trip by local boat. To see the finest beaches you will need to fly to the Manu'a Islands, 100 km to the east of Tutuila (return airfare about US$90). This collection of three islands has superb scenery, some of the finest white sandy beaches in the region and is the traditional birth place of Samoa with lots of interesting archaeological sites (most of which are un-excavated). The main island is Ta'u, 15 sq. miles in size half of which is administered by the National Park of Samoa. Ta'u has several sleepy villages, few cars and no tourist infrastructure. The Park offers dense rain forest, excellent bird life and incredible sea cliffs rising over 3000 feet from sea level. However, most travellers head to the much

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