Vaiʻava Strait

Vaiʻava Strait (Samoan: Vāinuʻu o Vaiʻava) is the name of a narrow strait located in Vatia, American Samoa. It is a 250 acres (100 ha) National Natural Landmark. The strait is a great example of cliffs formed by waves (via erosion) on volcanic rock. The strait consists of communal lands. It was designated as a U.S. National Natural Landmark in 1972.[1] Vai'ava Strait separates the 420 feet (130 m) high Pola Tai Island (Cock's Comb) from Polauta Ridge. Pola-Uta is connected to the village of Vatia on Tutuila Island. Pola Tai is a 400 feet (120 m) cliff that is an important nesting area for the fua'ō (brown booby) and tava'e (White tailored tropic bird). Hunting of brown boobies, known as the A'ega o le Pola, was a tradition carried out by Vatians in the past. Pola Tai includes Matalia Point, Cockscomb Point and Polauta Ridge.[2][3]

Vaiʻava Strait
Vaiʻava Strait National Natural Landmark
Vaiʻava Strait (American Samoa)
LocationAmerican Samoa
Nearest cityVatia
Coordinates14°14′19″S 170°40′17″W
Area250 acres (100 ha)
Designated1972
Administered byU.S. National Park Service

It is located on the north coast of Tutuila Island, on the northwestern side of the village of Vatia. It is a designated 250 acres (100 ha) National Natural Landmark, but also a part of the National Park of American Samoa. Erosion by the sea has sculpted deep cliffs and sea arches in the rocks of a huge volcanic plug (Pola Island). The 420 feet (130 m) cliffs and rock top are important nesting and resting areas for several seabird species.[4]

  • Vai'ava Strait, 1907
  • Pola Island
  • Eastern point of Vatia Bay
  • Polauta Ridge and Pola Island

See also

References
  1. "Vai'ava Strait". nps.gov. National Park Service.
  2. Harris, Ann G. and Esther Tuttle (2004). Geology of National Parks: Volume 2. Kendall Hunt. Page 609. ISBN 9780787299705.
  3. Fai’ivae, Alex Godinet (2018). Ole Manuō o Tala Tu’u Ma Fisaga o Tala Ave. Amerika Samoa Humanities Council. Page 66. ISBN 9781546229070.
  4. Goldin, Meryl Rose (2002). Field Guide to the Samoan Archipelago: Fish, Wildlife, and Protected Areas. Bess Press. Page 284. ISBN 9781573061117.


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