Vatia is a village on

Tutuila Island Tutuila is the main island of American Samoa (and its largest), and is part of the archipelago of Samoan Islands. It is the third largest island in the Samoan Islands chain of the Central Pacific. It is located roughly northeast of Brisbane, Au ...

American Samoa American Samoa ( sm, Amerika Sāmoa, ; also ' or ') is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of the island country of Samoa. Its location is centered on . It is east of the International ...

. It is a north shore village located on Vatia Bay. The road to Vatia, American Samoa Highway 006, is the only road going through

National Park of American Samoa The National Park of American Samoa is a national park in the United States territory of American Samoa, distributed across three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū. The park preserves and protects coral reefs, tropical rainforests, fruit bats, ...

. Vatia is a scenic community at the foot of Pola Ridge and surrounded by the national park. It is only reached by Route 6 which traverses the national park before reaching Vatia. There was once a hiking trail over Maugaloa Ridge from Leloaloa, but since the completion of Route 6, this trail is now overgrown. It is home to a beach, and panoramic views of jungle-covered peaks surround the village on all sides. Vatia is the center of the Tutuila-section of National Park of American Samoa.Stanley, David (2004). ''Moon Handbooks South Pacific''. David Stanley. Page 479. . It is located in

Vaifanua County Vaifanua County is a county in the Eastern District in American Samoa. Vaifanua and Sua counties are both ruled by the Le’iato family, one branch of which lives in Fagaitua, the principal place of Sua County. Another lives in Sa'ilele near ...

. Vatia is home to several concrete bunkers from

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

located on and around the beach. The scenic road between Vatia and Afono is lined with gardens of ornamental plants and flowers. At the end of the road in Vatia is the school, and beyond the school begins a trail leading into the national park. It ends at a rocky cliff which points across Vai'ava Strait to

Pola Island Pola Island (Samoan: ''Motu o Pola'') is an island just offshore from the village of Vatia on Tutuila Island in American Samoa. It is also known as Cockscomb.Goldin, Meryl Rose (2002). ''Field Guide to the Samoan Archipelago: Fish, Wildlife, an ...

. Many Vatians work at the canneries in

Pago Pago Pago Pago ( ; Samoan: )Harris, Ann G. and Esther Tuttle (2004). ''Geology of National Parks''. Kendall Hunt. Page 604. . is the territorial capital of American Samoa. It is in Maoputasi County on Tutuila, which is American Samoa's main island. ...

, and there is good public transportation to and from Pago Pago. Aiga buses from

Fagatogo Fagatogo is the downtown area of Pago Pago (the territorial capital of American Samoa).Grabowski, John F. (1992). ''U.S. Territories and Possessions (State Report Series)''. Chelsea House Pub. Page 51. . Located in the low grounds at the foot of M ...

head to Vatia several times per day on weekdays. The village of Vatia can also be visited by hiking

Mount ‘Alava Mount is often used as part of the name of specific mountains, e.g. Mount Everest. Mount or Mounts may also refer to: Places * Mount, Cornwall, a village in Warleggan parish, England * Mount, Perranzabuloe, a hamlet in Perranzabuloe parish, C ...

.Swaney, Deanna (1994). ''Samoa: Western & American Samoa: a Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit''. Lonely Planet Publications. Page 177. . Vatia is one of the oldest settlements on Tutuila Island and it has historically been regarded as the principal place of eastern Tutuila. Vatia dwells around Vatia Bay which is protected and surrounded by green forested mountains and rich coastal reefs on its seafront. Vatia Bay has been described as Tutuila Island's most scenic area. A steep ridge curves around the village's west side and leads to

, which has been claimed to be the most photographed site on

. Pola Island is the most popular attraction in the village.

Etymology

Vatia literally translates to “between the tombs of those with paramount status.”

History

Vatia is one of the oldest villages on Tutuila Island. The original Vatians lived on a narrow ridge known as Toafaiga as far back as the 18th century. In the 1980s, archeologists from the

National Park Service The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States federal government within the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages all national parks, most national monuments, and other natural, historical, and recreational propertie ...

documented the findings of remnants of different architectural structures and house foundations on the ridge. One archeological finding was that of a house foundation which was constructed of coral slaps. This may have been a ceremonial center, temple, or a meeting house for the village. Remains found in

Old Vatia Old Vatia is a prehistoric village site on the north side of Tutuila, the largest island of American Samoa. The site is located on the Faiga ridge, above the modern village of Vatia in the National Park of American Samoa. It is stretched linearl ...

have been dated to between 1300 AD to 1750 AD. The historic house platforms are raised on small earthen mounds and ringed with

basalt Basalt (; ) is an aphanite, aphanitic (fine-grained) extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in magnesium and iron (mafic lava) exposed at or very near the planetary surface, surface of a terrestrial ...

boulders. Old Vatia has provided archeological remains with well-preserved archeological features, which, according to the National Park Service, “help interpret the history and prehistory of the Polynesian Samoans.” As it is located within the

, forest clearance is restricted, leaving Old Vatia surrounded by dense vegetation. On November 2, 2006, it was added to the

U.S. National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic v ...

(AS-24-002). Old Vatia is located on Faiga Ridge, above and southwest of Vatia. The site was first re-discovered in 1963 by William K. Kikuchi, but it was not investigated until the 1980s. It was first recorded by the

Eastern Tutuila Archeology Project Eastern may refer to: Transportation *China Eastern Airlines, a current Chinese airline based in Shanghai * Eastern Air, former name of Zambia Skyways * Eastern Air Lines, a defunct American airline that operated from 1926 to 1991 *Eastern Air ...

, which noted that Old Vatia is “probably the largest ridgetop site in American Samoa.”

Apollo 11 Apollo 11 (July 16–24, 1969) was the American spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon. Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Apollo Lunar Module ''Eagle'' on July 20, 1969, at 20:17 UTC, an ...

returned to Earth in 1969 in the waters nearby Vatia. A copy of the American Samoan flag, which was brought to the moon by Apollo 11, is on display at the Jean P. Haydon Museum in

Geography

Pola_Tai_view_from_Mount_Alava_Adventure_Trail

Vatia is located on an edge of the wide, coral-fringed Vatia Bay. Vatia's location on the northern coast separates the village from the more populated places on the island. It is around ten miles northeast of

. A drive through the village takes you through green forested mountains, lush rainforests, and the Pacific coast. A site along the road into Vatia is the Pola Scenic Point, which overlooks

and Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark. Vatia is separated from the south shore villages by mountain ridges and steep valleys. Years ago, hiking through the mountains and valleys on narrow pathways was the only way to reach or leave the village. Pola Island is a landmark and icon for Vatia. It stands on the west side of Vatia Bay. The island has been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of American Samoa by the '' Pago Pages''.

National Park

Vatia serves as the center for the Tutuila-section of

American Samoa National Park The National Park of American Samoa is a national park in the United States territory of American Samoa, distributed across three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū. The park preserves and protects coral reefs, tropical rainforests, fruit bat ...

. Tuafanua Trail is a 2.2-mile trail which is located in

. The trail follows switchbacks through the rainforest from Vatia and up to the top of a nearby mountain ridge. From the top of the ridge, there are great views of Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark and nearby

(Cockscomb). The trail continues down to a rocky beach. Tuafanua Trailhead is situated just before Mount ‘Alava Elementary School in Vatia. Tuafanua Trail leads through one of the three rain forests found in the National Park. The flora here is a mixture of native bushes, ferns, and trees. Lower Sauma Ridge Trail is another hiking trail through National Park land. This interpretive trail begins at a scenic overlook point on the road to Vatia. The trail leads to an archeological site of an ancient star mound. Along the trail are exhibits and views of the Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark and Pola Island, which is a nesting area for seabirds. Lower Sauma Ridge Trail is a 0.4-mile roundtrip hike. Boat tours arranged by the government regularly sail around the north coast villages of Vatia, Fagasā, and Āfono.

Pola Island

(Pola Tai) is one of the most popular attractions in the national park. Pola Island and nearby Pola'uta Ridge have the only known breeding colonies of

Red-footed Boobies The red-footed booby (''Sula sula'') is a large seabird of the booby family, Sulidae. Adults always have red feet, but the colour of the plumage varies. They are powerful and agile fliers, but they are clumsy in takeoffs and landings. They are f ...

in American Samoa outside

Rose Atoll Rose Atoll, sometimes called Rose Island or Motu O Manu ("Bird Island") by people of the nearby Manu'a Islands, is an oceanic atoll within the U.S. territory of American Samoa. An uninhabited wildlife refuge, it is the southernmost point belo ...

. The oceans surrounding the island have a regular presence of sharks. Villagers have accessed the islet in the past and planted a coconut tree. North Shore Tours offer boat tours to Pola Island.

Vai'ava Strait

Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark makes up 250 acres on the northwestern side of Vatia. It is the only U.S.

National Natural Landmark The National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program recognizes and encourages the conservation of outstanding examples of the natural history of the United States. It is the only national natural areas program that identifies and recognizes the best ...

in American Samoa which is also part of the National Park of American Samoa.Goldin, Meryl Rose (2002). ''Field Guide to the Samoan Archipelago: Fish, Wildlife, and Protected Areas''. Bess Press. Page 284. . Pola Island, a 420-foot tower-like islet, creates the north side of the strait. Passing east through the town of Vatia, the road ends at the Pola Island Trailhead. A short path leads to a large cobblestone beach. Two sea arches are visible from the base of the cliffs extending into the ocean.

Mount 'Alava

Mount ‘Alava Adventure Trail is a challenging 5.6-mile roundtrip hiking trail, which is situated across the road from the trailhead for Lower Sauma Ridge Trail. This loop goes along the ridges of

to the mountain summit. It has a total of 56 ladders and 783 steps. The trail goes down another in another section and ends in Vatia Village, before it loops back along the road to its trailhead.

Population

Vatia has an estimated population of 640 as of late 2010. This is an increase of around 60% since 1980. Vatia had a median age of 22, and over 60% of the village's population was between 0 and 45 years old. Many residents work for the government of American Samoa and the private sector. Many are also employed with the canneries in the

area.

Religion

Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa The Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) or the "Ekalesia Faapotopotoga Kerisiano i Amerika Samoa" (EFKAS) is a theologically Calvinist and congregational denomination in American Samoa. It was established in 1980 with Galea'i ...

(CCCAS) is the main religion in Vatia, although there are members of Assemblies of God, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Methodism and the Voice of Christ Full Gospel Church, Inc.

Education

American Samoa Department of Education American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) operates public schools in American Samoa, an insular area of the United States. The public primary schools of the Eastern District includes the following: Matafao Elementary, Aua Elementary, Pago Ele ...

operates public schools, including Mount Alava Elementary.

Wildlife

and the Pola region of Vatia are the only places in American Samoa where

are found. Other species here include

frigatebirds Frigatebirds are a family of seabirds called Fregatidae which are found across all tropical and subtropical oceans. The five extant species are classified in a single genus, ''Fregata''. All have predominantly black plumage, long, deeply forked ...

, white terns,

tropicbirds Tropicbirds are a family, Phaethontidae, of tropical pelagic seabirds. They are the sole living representatives of the order Phaethontiformes. For many years they were considered part of the Pelecaniformes, but genetics indicates they are most cl ...

, and noddy terns. Pola Island and the nearby Polauta Ridge are the most important nesting and roosting areas in American Samoa for several bird species. Some bird species here include:U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service (1997). �
National Park of American Samoa, General Management Plan (GP), Islands of Tutulla, Ta'u, and Ofu: Environmental Impact Statement
” Page 129. *

Red-footed booby The red-footed booby (''Sula sula'') is a large seabird of the booby family, Sulidae. Adults always have red feet, but the colour of the plumage varies. They are powerful and agile fliers, but they are clumsy in takeoffs and landings. They are f ...

(Sula sula) *

Brown booby The brown booby (''Sula leucogaster'') is a large seabird of the booby family Sulidae, of which it is perhaps the most common and widespread species. It has a pantropical range, which overlaps with that of other booby species. The gregarious brow ...

(Sula leucogaster) *

Greater frigatebird The great frigatebird (''Fregata minor'') is a large seabird in the frigatebird family. There are major nesting populations in the tropical Pacific (including the Galapagos Islands) and Indian Oceans, as well as a tiny population in the South At ...

(Fregata minor) *

Lesser frigatebird The lesser frigatebird (''Fregata ariel'') is a seabird of the frigatebird family Fregatidae. At around 75 cm (30 in) in length, it is the smallest species of frigatebird. It occurs over tropical and subtropical waters across the Indian ...

(Fregata ariel) *

Brown noddy The brown noddy or common noddy (''Anous stolidus'') is a seabird in the family Laridae. The largest of the noddies, it can be told from the closely related black noddy by its larger size and plumage, which is dark brown rather than black. The b ...

(Anous stolidus) *

Black noddy The black noddy or white-capped noddy (''Anous minutus'') is a seabird from the family Laridae. It is a medium-sized species of tern with black plumage and a white cap. It closely resembles the lesser noddy (''Anous tenuirostris'') with which it w ...

(Anous minutus) * Blue-gray noddy (Drocelstema cerulea) *

Gray-backed Tern The spectacled tern (''Onychoprion lunatus''), also known as the grey-backed tern, is a seabird in the family Laridae. Description A close relative of the bridled and sooty terns (with which it is sometimes confused), the spectacled tern is les ...

(Stema lunata)

Sports

The men's and women's cricket teams were competitors in the Annual Flag Day Cricket League for many decades. Both teams have fashioned the namesake of Manu'ula. They have championed many flag day leagues over the years. The local village bird fua'ō (Red-footed booby) was adapted to the namesake of the village's

longboat A longboat is a type of ship's boat that was in use from ''circa'' 1500 or before. Though the Royal Navy replaced longboats with launches from 1780, examples can be found in merchant ships after that date. The longboat was usually the largest boat ...

. In 2012, the village's new longboat was christened and entered the Annual Flag Day Fautasi Race. In 2013, the Fua'ō won the championship race.

Points of interest

*Ma’a-o-Tu’ulaumea, legendary landmark *

**Mount 'Alava Adventure Trail **Tuafanua Trail *

, prehistoric village site listed on the

(Pola Tai), named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of American Samoa by the '' Pago Pages'' *

(CCCAS) * Vai'ava Strait, 250-acre

*Vatia Beach *World War II remnants, several concrete bunkers from World War II are located near the coastline

References

{{American Samoa Villages in American Samoa Tutuila