Nuʻutele Island
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Nu’utele Island is an uninhabited island located off the western shore of Ofu Island, in Ofu County, District of Manu’a, in American Sāmoa. The island is also known as Nu’utele Islet. It was formerly known as Lenu’u or “the village or place persons belong to” in 19th century accounts.[1] It is an eroded tuff cone of the Ofu-Olosega volcano.[2][3]
The island is owned by the Sia family in the village of Ofu. The island is sporadically visited by the family to fish near the shore and gather coconuts. It is occasionally visited by communal elders.[4]
Nu’utele Island serves as a tourist destination accessible by boat or by swimming.[5] However, there is a strong current between Nu’utele and Ofu islands, which makes snorkeling and swimming off Alafau or Ofu villages risky.[6][7]
Geology
Nu’utele Island features steep cliffs rising approximately 250 feet from the ridgeline to the shoreline. The ridgeline spans the entire length of the island, with the most treacherous cliffs located on the western side, while the eastern side exhibits more gradual slopes. The island experiences mean annual rainfall ranging from 381 to 635 centimeters and average temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.[8]
Nu’utele Island is located 189 meters off the coast of Ofu Island.[9]
The geological composition of Nu’utele Island is primarily defined by the Nu’u Formation, which originated during the Pleistocene Epoch, spanning from approximately 2.58 million years ago to 11,700 years before present. The island's geology predominantly consists of palagonitized lapilli tuff. A series of normal faults is present in the southern region of the island, while near its center, the geological strata exhibit a dip and strike of 28 degrees.[10]