Aunuu Island has the only quicksand area in American Samoa, and also the territory's only lakes: Pala Lake is just north of the village, and Red Lake is inside the crater. Maamaa Cove is on the far eastern edge of the crater.
The description highlights that Aunuu Island holds a unique distinction within American Samoa by being home to the only quicksand area and lakes: Pala Lake is located near the village, while Red Lake resides inside the crater. Maamaa Cove is situated on the island's eastern edge.