A state of emergency is in place for American Samoa due to severe weather conditions as waves dumped rocks and debris on roads and beaches stranding vehicles on the east coast of Tutuila and swamping homes, a church, a school and the generators on the island of Aunu'u.

Several sections of the road were not accessible on the eastern side of Tutuila while Fatumafuti was covered with sand and debris and huge waves washed onto vehicles stalling them.

Bulldozers were at work clearing the highway and Utulei Beach was littered with plastic bottles, wrappings and rocks.

Residents of east side villages said this was the worse they had seen as far as waves crashing into the road.

Pago Pago International Airport remains closed after waves damaged the runway. Hawaiian Airlines flights were cancelled and will resume as soon as the runway can reopen safely.

American Samoa's Emergency Operations Center was activated and standing by to assist the public. Governor Lemanu said:

"I appreciate your co-operation during this untimely event.

"I ask that you remain vigilant and keep your families safe."

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown appealed for people to report damage to their homes and businesses on Rarotonga and the Pa Enua outer islands after two days of 4.5m swells pounded the southern coasts.

Brown said the government was ready with emergency support and he was particularly concerned for tourism providers who were just starting to get back on their feet with record numbers of visitors because of New Zealand's school holidays.

"I feel for our visitor industry, which is just starting to get back on its feet after more two years of lost income and opportunity, brought on by the Covid pandemic and the border closures it caused."