The harbor of Pago Pago, made famous by Somerset Maugham’s short story, Rain, is actually the crater of an extinct volcano. The visitor center for the national park is situated in the Pago Plaza and the park itself is spread across three islands: Ofu, Ta'u and Tutuila. Of the park's total area of 10,500 acres, about 8000 consist of rainforest. Ta'u Island is considered the birthplace of the Polynesian people and is therefore recognized as a sacred site. Upolu in neighboring Samoa is sometimes visible. Tula Village is a traditional Samoan settlement. Situated at the far end of the eastern
district of Tutuila, it overlooks a coastline of white sandy beaches and reefs that are exposed at low tide. Amanave Village is in an area renowned for the rugged beauty of its volcanic coastline. On the north coast of the island is the Forbidden Bay, claimed to be one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. It can be reached from Fagasa on a trek or a boat trip. The traditional ’turtle and shark’ legend is performed in Vaitogi. Mountain excursions are available at nearby Aoloau.
