I once traveled to Western Samoa and American Samoa. And while both were very remote – with minimal populations, untouched white sand beaches, and not much tourism – they pale in comparison to the extremely isolated, yet pristine, island of Ofu.
Ofu is part of American Samoa, which is a United States territory.
But Ofu is separate from the main island of American Samoa, Tutuila, and is part of the Manua Island chain to the east, floating off some 5,000 miles from the mainland in the Pacific Ocean. It’s undoubtably one of the most remote places on U.S. soil.
Recently, intrepid explorer Colin Duthie traveled to Ofu Island to see its rarely-seen beaches, swim amongst the thriving coral reefs, and meet the locals (around 40 of them) who call the island their home. Above, check out highlights from his time on Ofu.
“I visited America’s most remote island,” Duthie reported, adding:
“There’s an island 4,600 miles from the US mainland, farther than flying to Europe… that most Americans have never heard of, including myself before I saw a photo on google images two weeks prior. It’s called Ofu, in the US territory of American Samoa, and it gets fewer than 100 visitors a year. The entire island is three miles long. Around 40 people live there. And somewhere in the jungle, there’s an abandoned village. My goal is to see it all.
“I spent four days living with the locals, hunting coconut crabs (the biggest crabs on earth), snorkeling one of the most untouched coral reefs in the Pacific, and finishing the New Year with the whole island.”
Related: Small Country, Big Money: Inside the World’s Richest Island (Video)
Travel is tough and limited to Ofu. Only a few flights a week go there, but you can also travel by boat. When I was in Samoa, I didn’t even know about it. I sure wish I had. Maybe next time. And it also serves as a National Park. Per American Samoa’s tourism hub:
“Ofu is a paradise for beach and nature enthusiasts, boasting a 2.5-mile stretch of white sand and turquoise waters that rank among the most beautiful in the U.S. Its coral reefs, rainforests, and unique wildlife are protected within the National Park of American Samoa. Hikers can explore Mount Tumutumu for panoramic views, while fishing and snorkeling offer up-close encounters with the island’s rich marine life. Ofu’s tranquil charm makes it a top destination in the Manu’a Islands.”
Related: Inside Earth’s Most Remote Island: ‘Almost Untouched by Humans’
Check out Duthie’s full experience on Ofu below:
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