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The idyllic Manua Islands lie 100 km to the east of Tutuila (return airfare about US$90). This collection of three islands has superb scenery, some of the finest white sandy beaches in the region and is the traditional birth place of Samoa with lots of interesting archaeological sites (most of which are un-excavated), but virtually no accommodation.
The largest island is Ta'u, 15 sq. miles in size half of which is administered by the National Park of Samoa. Ta'u has several sleepy villages, few cars and no tourist infrastructure. The Park offers dense rain forest, excellent bird life and incredible sea cliffs rising over 3000 feet from sea level.
However, most travellers head to the smaller islands of Ofu and Olosega which are connected by land bridge and are slightly closer to Tutuila than Ta'u (daily flights from Pago Pago except Sunday). Ofu has a stunning white sandy beach, over 2 miles in length, with excellent snorkelling offshore and a couple of basic guest houses.
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