Aʻasu, American Samoa

Aʻasu or Āsu is a village on the north coast of Tutuila Island, American Samoa. It is located to the west of Fagasa and northwest of Pago Pago. It is one of multiple villages involved in an archaeological survey of the island. Old Aʻasu lies on Massacre Bay and can be reached from a hiking trail in Aʻasufou (new Aʻasu).

Aʻasu has no road outlets, and can only be reached by hiking trails or by sea. It is a near-abandoned village which is home to just a few families. It is possible to camp in the village before returning to Aʻasufou. Aʻasu might be most famous for a battle which took place on December 11, 1787, where twelve Europeans and 39 Samoans were killed. A monument erected by the French can be found in Aasutuai (old Aʻasu).

In 1979, a road was constructed connecting the Tafuna Plain on the southern coast to the mountainous region above A‘asu. During the same year, a dirt road was extended down to A‘asu at Massacre Bay, but it was subsequently destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction, it was decided not to repair or pave the road. Instead, the residents of Aʻoloau and A‘asu collectively chose to relocate their towns to the mountainous area (Mount Olotele) along the newly constructed road. The original settlement of A‘asu now became known as A’asutuai (Old Town A‘asu), while the new village established in the mountains was named A’asufou (meaning “New A’asu). Over time, the latter came to be commonly referred to simply as A‘asu. Today, A‘asutuai is not permanently inhabited but is utilized as a seasonal fishing camp. Additionally, taro cultivation continues in the area, and it serves as a site for harvesting wild plants.

The village of Aʻasu along with Aʻoloau are jointly called ʻO Leasina.

Aʻasu was where the first European set foot on the Samoan Islands when the Perouse expedition arrived in 1787.