Taputimu, American Samoa

Taputimu
Leala Shoreline National Natural Landmark
Leala Shoreline National Natural Landmark
Taputimu is located in American Samoa
Taputimu
Taputimu
Coordinates: 14°21′37″S 170°46′23″W / 14.36028°S 170.77306°W / -14.36028; -170.77306
TerritoryAmerican Samoa
IslandTutuila Island
Population
 (2020)
 • Total709

Taputimu is a village in southwestern Tutuila Island in American Samoa. It is the nearest village to the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, although the main access is from the neighboring village of Futiga.[1] It is home to Leala Shoreline National Natural Landmark and Leala Sliding Rock.[2] Leala Sliding Rock is a natural rock formation between Vailoatai and Taputimu, which is a scenic landmark as well as a natural playground or slide. It was created by the ebb and flow of the ocean; the erosion has created a smooth shoreline site.[citation needed] It is located in Tualatai County in the Western District of Tutuila.

Leʻala Shoreline National Natural Landmark is 35 acres (14 ha) and was designated in 1972.[3] Leala Sliding Rock is accessible from Taputimu. Taputimu Tide Pools are located nearby and are accessible for swimming at low tide.[4]

  1. ^ World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1991). IUCN Directory of Protected Areas in Oceania. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Pages 293-294. ISBN 9782831700694.
  2. ^ Stanley, David (2004). South Pacific. Moon Handbooks. Page 480. ISBN 9781566914116.
  3. ^ "National Natural Landmarks - National Natural Landmarks (U.S. National Park Service)".
  4. ^ Clayville, Melinda (2021). Explore American Samoa: The Complete Guide to Tutuila, Aunu'u, and Manu'a Islands. Page 69. ISBN 9798556052970.