The remaining land is mostly wet and unsuitable for cultivation and is primarily covered by non-edible trees, bushes, shrubs and weeds.

Agricultural runoff and erosion do not appear to threaten nearshore water quality, as these flow into Pala Lake and the wetlands areas (Pedersen 2000; Tuionoula 2010).

Beyond the marsh, the coastal flat is covered by significant deposits of calcareous sand and gravel, contributing to the island's unique geological and ecological landscape.

Except for the outlet culvert, the area remains entirely untouched, supporting a vibrant marsh community and offering a unique habitat for fish and birds, including the rare Australian gray duck.

This area provides essential habitat for the Australian gray duck and is recognized as one of the most picturesque locations in American Sāmoa.

Instead, Upolu considered it a subordinate district, and its involvement in broader Samoan governance was managed by the Fono of Falealili in Atua.

[22] In 1887, the Kaimiloa, a 171-ton steamer commissioned by King Kalākaua of Hawai'i, stopped at Aunu'u Island during its mission to promote the creation of a Polynesian confederation.

As part of its diplomatic and strategic outreach, the Kaimiloa aimed to foster alliances among Pacific islands and unify them against the encroachments of foreign empires like Germany, the United States, and Great Britain.

During its stay on Aunu'u, two Hawaiian sailors, Aniani and Mahelona, deserted the ship, taking with them supplies, including rifles and cannons.

[23][24] At the time, Tutuila and neighboring islands were embroiled in political strife, with rival Samoan factions vying for dominance.

Refugees fleeing violence on Tutuila sought asylum on Aunu'u, prompting the island's leaders and residents to prepare for possible attacks from pursuers.

The two Hawaiian deserters, alongside a Hawaiian-descended storekeeper named Manoa, collaborated with the Samoan villagers to create a defense.

This victory ensured that Aunu'u remained secure from external threats and marked the island as a key site of resistance during a turbulent period in Samoan history.

[28] Aunuʻu has a few government cars, and a number of family owned/operated motorboats to shuttle people to and from its small boat harbor in Auasi.

The American Samoa Department of Port Administration maintains facilities at Auʻasi and Aunuʻu but does not track vessel arrival or departure data in either location (C. King 2010b).

Pairs of these birds have also been sighted in Futiga, Nuʻuuli, Alao, and Leone, however, they may not be based on those islands; they may belong to the population that lives on Aunuʻu.

[citation needed] This article incorporates public domain material from Fagetele Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement.