Vatia, American Samoa

Vatia literally translates to “between the tombs of those with paramount status.”[1]^:49

Pola Tai and Pola Uta, 1907

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 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.[1]^{:48 and 53}

Remains found in Old Vatia have been dated to between 1300 AD to 1750 AD. The historic house platforms are raised on small earthen mounds and ringed with basalt 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 National Park of American Samoa, 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 (AS-24-002).[10]

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, which noted that Old Vatia is “probably the largest ridgetop site in American Samoa.”[11][10]

Apollo 11 returned to Earth in 1969 in the waters nearby Vatia.[12] 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 Pago Pago.[13]

Polauta Ridge and Pola Island

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 Pago Pago. 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 Pola Island 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.[1]^{:47, 50 and 56}

Eastern point of Vatia Bay

National Park sign for Pola Island.

View of Pola Island from the Tuafanua Trail.

Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark.

Vatia serves as the center for the Tutuila-section of American Samoa National Park.[5] Tuafanua Trail is a 2.2-mile trail which is located in National Park of American Samoa. 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 Pola Island (Cockscomb). The trail continues down to a rocky beach. Tuafanua Trailhead is situated just before Mount ‘Alava Elementary School in Vatia.[14] 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.[15]

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.[16]

Boat tours arranged by the government regularly sail around the north coast villages of Vatia, Fagasā, and Āfono.[17]

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.[1]^{:47 and 63} Many are also employed with the canneries in the Pago Pago area.[8]

American Samoa Department of Education operates public schools, including Mount Alava Elementary.

Red-footed booby (fua'ō)

Rose Atoll and the Pola region of Vatia are the only places in American Samoa where Red-footed Boobies are found.[1]^:59[19] Other species here include frigatebirds, white terns, tropicbirds, and noddy terns.[24]

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:[25]

• Red-footed booby (Sula sula)
• Brown booby (Sula leucogaster)
• Greater frigatebird (Fregata minor)
• Lesser frigatebird (Fregata ariel)
• Brown noddy (Anous stolidus)
• Black noddy (Anous minutus)
• Blue-gray noddy (Drocelstema cerulea)
• Gray-backed Tern (Stema lunata)

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. 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.[1]^:64–65

• Ma’a-o-Tu’ulaumea, legendary landmark
• National Park of American Samoa
  • Mount 'Alava Adventure Trail
  • Tuafanua Trail
• Old Vatia, prehistoric village site listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
• Pola Island (Pola Tai), named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of American Samoa by the Pago Pages
• Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa (CCCAS)
• Vai'ava Strait, 250-acre National Natural Landmark[21]
• Vatia Beach
• World War II remnants, several concrete bunkers from World War II are located near the coastline

• Old Vatia
• Vatia Village Marine Protected Area