Rainmaker Mountain

Rainmaker Mountain
Rainmaker Mountain from Pago Pago Harbor
Highest point
Elevation 523 m (1,716 ft)
Coordinates 14°16′35″S 170°39′10″W / 14.27639°S 170.65278°W / -14.27639; -170.65278Coordinates: 14°16′35″S 170°39′10″W / 14.27639°S 170.65278°W / -14.27639; -170.65278 
Geography
Location Tutuila Island in American Samoa
Designated 1972

Rainmaker Mountain (also known as North Pioa Mountain[1]) is the name of a mountain located near Pago Pago, American Samoa on Tutuila Island. Rainmaker Mountain traps rain clouds and gives Pago Pago the highest annual rainfall of any harbor in the world. The average annual rainfall on the mountain is around 200 inches (5 m). It has a three-pronged summit. Rainmaker Mountain and its base were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972 due to the slopes’ tropical vegetation.[2]

Rainmaker Mountain is one of several giant volcanic mountains that created Tutuila Island. It dominates the scene from nearly every point in Pago Pago Harbor. It compromises three mountain peaks: North Pioa, South Pioa, and Sinapioa. The peaks range in elevation from 1,619-1,718 feet. The 170-acre designated landmark area occurs above the 800-feet contour line. Several endemic species are only present here and on Matafao Peak, the highest point on Tutuila.[3]

The mountain is a volcanic feature known as a trachyte plug. This means that it is a volcanic intrusion made of extrusive igneous rocks having alkali feldspar and minor mafic minerals as the main components and a fine-grained, generally porphyritic texture.

One can get a closeup view of the mountain by driving up Rainmaker Pass.[4]

Rainmaker Hotel was a hotel at the port entrance under the mountain.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Ross, Jim (2009). Four Winds Nomad. Lulu Press, Inc. Page 80. ISBN 9781445239354.
  2. ↑ http://www.lonelyplanet.com/american-samoa/tutuila/attractions/rainmaker-mountain/a/poi-sig/1456093/362248
  3. ↑ Goldin, Meryl Rose (2002). Field Guide to the Sāmoan Archipelago: Fish, Wildlife, and Protected Areas. Bess Press. Page 284. ISBN 9781573061117.
  4. ↑ https://www.afar.com/places/rainmaker-mountain-pago-pago
  5. ↑ Fodor's Travel Guides (1991). Fodor’s South Pacific. Fodor's Travel Publications. Page 88.


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