The word Aʻoloau emanates from the daily activity of boat-rowing in the open sea in order to sustain life and for transportation.

Before major developments in the early 1940s, the village was located in the low-lying coastal areas on the north shores.

Ocean and land transportation were equally difficult due to the rugged terrain surrounding the village as well as the rough sea currents facing its forefront.

The men of Aʻoloau Tuai were among the best fishermen on the island; however, after the village moved to the Mount Olotele mountaintop eighty years ago, they raised livestock and became skilled farmers.

[6]: 136 During World War II, a communication and radar station was constructed atop Tutuila’s central mountain spine at Mount Olotele.

This project required clearing a square mile of land on the mountain plateau and building a long, winding road from Mapusaga to the site.

Facilities for the personnel included three quarters structures, a mess hall, and a latrine to support those managing the power house and radar equipment.

The fales were arranged in a line nearly a mile long, overlooking a grassy malae and the main road.

Behind each fale were living and working quarters for the families, with latrines located deeper into the surrounding forest.

High Chief Fuimaono of Leasina County often highlighted the health and vitality of the village children, attributing it to the excellent sanitation and the refreshing high-altitude climate.

Due to its high elevation, Aoloau's climate is cool throughout the year compared to most Tutuila communities.

Aasu is a historic village where, on December 11, 1787, twelve men from the Lapérouse ships La Boussole and Astrolabe and 39 Samoans were killed in a battle.

Many of the village's youth and young adults serve in the U.S. Army and work in the American Samoa government.