Aunu'u Coral Terrace

Aunu'u is a small volcanic island immediately southeast of Tutuila with a broad coral terrace extending from the shore at 3 metres to a sandy drop-off at 25 metres. The terrace holds exceptional giant clam density — counts of over 200 individuals per hectare have been recorded, many in the half-metre-plus size class. Hard coral cover is predominantly Porites, Pavona, and massive Diploastrea heads, several of which are estimated to exceed 200 years old. Green turtles feed on the terrace algae year-round. The site is calm and excellent for beginners and underwater photography; current is negligible inside the terrace.