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Alega () is a
Alega is a small valley and embayment, situated along the south coast of Tutuila Island, in-between Pago Pago Bay in the west and Fagaitua Bay in the east. Only a few houses are located in Alega, all related to the Fa’amuli family. There are also foundation remains of houses occupied in the previous century. Alega's shoreline has a thin sandy beach, first and foremost on the east side. There is a developed reef in the Alega Bay with a channel which has a powerful current. The village is bounded by steep ridge slopes, and geologically, Alega sits in the midst of the Pago Volcanics, which were formed over a million years ago. The surrounding ridges are steep, falling between 30 and 40 degrees. Most of the Alega Valley was cleared and planted at one point, however, little cultivation remains, mostly coconuts and bananas. Most of the surrounding area is covered with trees and scrub.http://ashpo.com/downloads/library/7500023.pdf (Page 2)
Alega Beach has been named one of the best beaches in American Samoa by ''
village
A village is a human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town with a population typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Although villages are often located in rural areas, the term urban v ...
on the southeast coast of Tutuila Island
Tutuila is the largest and most populous island of American Samoa and is part of the archipelago of the Samoan Islands. It is the third largest island in the Samoan Islands chain of the Pacific Ocean, Central Pacific. It is located roughly north ...
, American Samoa
American Samoa is an Territories of the United States, unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States located in the Polynesia region of the Pacific Ocean, South Pacific Ocean. Centered on , it is southeast of the island count ...
. One of the island's least populous villages, it is located to the east of Pago Pago Harbor
Pago Pago Harbor on Tutuila Island in American Samoa is one of the world's largest natural harbors. The capital, Pago Pago, is located on the inner reaches of the harbor, close to its northwesternmost point. It has the highest annual rainfall o ...
and to the west of Faga'itua Bay. Alega, with a population of 29 according to the 2020 U.S. Census, is one of the smallest villages in American Samoa, surpassing only Maloata and Sili in population.
Alega lies between Lauli'i
Lauli'i is a village on the island of Upolu in Samoa. It is located on the central north coast of the island to the east of the capital Apia
Apia () is the Capital (political), capital and largest city of Samoa. It is located on the centra ...
and Avaio villages, and is home to Alega Village Marine Protected Area. Tisa's Barefoot Bar is also in Alega, which is a bar that also operates a fale sleeping four on Alega Beach. The beach has a secluded character and is removed from the village. Bus services are frequent between Alega and Fagatogo
Fagatogo () is the downtown area of Pago Pago (the territorial capital of American Samoa).Grabowski, John F. (1992). ''U.S. Territories and Possessions (State Report Series)''. Chelsea House Pub. Page 51. . Located in the low grounds at the foot o ...
. The village offers ecotour activities such as food tastings, umu displays, cultural demonstrations, visits to the caves, hikes to Alega Waterfall and recreational water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. Tours are also offered to sites in the National Park area and transportation to 'Au'asi where ferries are offered to Aunu'u Island.
Another scenic beach, Two Dollar Beach, is located next to Alega Beach.
On the coast near Avaio lies the islet Faalogologotala Rock (Lions Head), where there is a small beach.
History
During World War II, the U.S. Marines established a military camp in Alega, comprising approximately 25 buildings.Geography
Alega is a small valley and embayment, situated along the south coast of Tutuila Island, in-between Pago Pago Bay in the west and Fagaitua Bay in the east. Only a few houses are located in Alega, all related to the Fa’amuli family. There are also foundation remains of houses occupied in the previous century. Alega's shoreline has a thin sandy beach, first and foremost on the east side. There is a developed reef in the Alega Bay with a channel which has a powerful current. The village is bounded by steep ridge slopes, and geologically, Alega sits in the midst of the Pago Volcanics, which were formed over a million years ago. The surrounding ridges are steep, falling between 30 and 40 degrees. Most of the Alega Valley was cleared and planted at one point, however, little cultivation remains, mostly coconuts and bananas. Most of the surrounding area is covered with trees and scrub.http://ashpo.com/downloads/library/7500023.pdf (Page 2)
Alega Beach has been named one of the best beaches in American Samoa by ''Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet is a travel guide book publisher. Founded in Australia in 1973, the company has printed over 150 million books.
History
20th century
Lonely Planet was founded by married couple Maureen Wheeler, Maureen and Tony Wheeler. In 19 ...
''. The fale at Tisa's Barefoot Bar has also been named “one of the best places to stay in American Samoa” by ''Lonely Planet''.
Demographics
References