Day 177: Old Vatia, Tutuila Island, American Samoa
đź“ŚAPIA Every Day (177) - Old Vatia is one of the ancient villages on Tutuila Island in American Samoa, located on the north shore at Vatia Bay. The village is accessible by American Samoa Highway 006, which is the only road passing through the National Park of American Samoa. Nestled at the base of Pola Ridge, surrounded by lush greenery and jungle-covered peaks, Vatia is the central point in the Tutuila-section of the park and is part of Vaifanua County.
Vatia, literally translating to “between the tombs of those with paramount status,” has a rich history dating back to its original inhabitants living on a narrow ridge known as Toafaiga in the 18th century. Archaeological excavations in the 1980s uncovered remnants of various structures and house foundations, including one constructed from coral slabs that may have served as a ceremonial or communal gathering place. The remains found in Old Vatia have been dated to between 1300 AD and 1750 AD. These findings reveal well-preserved house platforms atop earthen mounds encircled by basalt boulders, offering invaluable insights into the history of Polynesian Samoans.
During World War II, several concrete bunkers were constructed in Vatia, and their remnants can still be seen around the beach area. The road between Vatia and Afono is noted for its ornamental plant and flower gardens. At the end of this road in Vatia is a school, with a trail starting beyond it that leads into the national park and ends at a rocky cliff facing Pola Island. Many residents of Vatia work at the canneries in Pago Pago, and there is public transportation available via Aiga buses that travel between Fagatogo and Vatia. Additionally, the waters near Vatia witnessed the return of Apollo 11 to Earth in 1969, with a copy of the American Samoan flag carried by the mission now displayed at the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Pago Pago. There is still much to learn about the history and events that occurred in Vatia, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
LEARN MORE:
American Samoa Travel: About Vatia
National Park Service: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
YouTube: American Samoa - Hiking trip in the beautiful village of Vatia 🇦🇸🇺🇸
Wikiwand: Vatia, American Samoa
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