Aunu'u is a small volcanic island off the southeastern shore of Tutuila in American Samoa. It has a land area of 375 acres and a population of about 475 persons. A short boat ride and a hike around Aunu'u make for an extraordinary day. The ride out to Auasi village, where the boats leave for Aunu'u, is beautiful. Faimulivai Marsh, on Aunu'u, was designated a protected National Natural Landmark in 1972. Faimulivai Marsh is a freshwater marsh formed from drainage into the low-lying Aunu'u Crater and the largest such wetland in American Samoa. The Pacific black duck was seen in the marsh in 1976, but it may now be extinct in the region. Another significant local bird is the Purple Swamphen. This marsh is the only place in American Samoa that has Chinese water chestnut. Some think the marsh contains quicksand. That may not be exactly right but one should be careful not to sink into the soft mud of the marsh.