Alao is a left-hand reef break that peels over live coral in American Samoa.
When It Works
Alao draws swell from the northwest through to the northeast, and comes into its own on a north swell. The reef is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. It can be somewhat inconsistent, so it pays to catch it when the swell lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest offshore wind to keep the wave clean. It favours high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The wave suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup tends to stay fairly quiet. When the wind swings west-northwest and any north swell is running, it's worth checking nearby Aloa or Tula, traditional American Samoan villages that can be quite consistent and hold some pleasant surf by Tutuilan standards.
Access
There's free roadside parking.
