is american samoa a tourist destination

A Complete Guide to Visiting American Samoa

American Samoa doesn’t see a lot of visitors, and most of those are visiting for the day from cruise ships. But this little U.S. territory is eminently worth a visit for its traditional culture, natural beauty and incredible hiking . Here’s what we wish we’d known when we were planning our trip to American Samoa.

There are five islands in American Samoa: Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega. Most travelers to American Samoa will begin their journey on Tutuila: it’s home to the international airport and capital city as well as the majority of the population. But if you’ve come all the way here, don’t let your visit stop with Tutuila! It’s easy to get to Aunu’u as a day trip from Tutuila; getting to Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega (collectively called Manu’a) requires a bit more planning, but is completely doable and incredibly worthwhile.

The National Park consists of land on Tutuila, Ofu and Ta’u, but maintains trails in areas outside the park, too. The National Park of American Samoa is unique in that the land is leased to the NPS by the families who own it, rather than being owned by the federal government. It’s a system that respects the traditional familial land ownership of Samoans—the backbone of Samoan culture—and it means that the NPS works on conservation very closely with local villages. Locals still use park land for fishing, harvesting and other activities they’ve traditionally done there, and the NPS looks to village chiefs for permission and cooperation with park activities.

Getting There:

Currently, Hawaiian Airlines operates two flights per week to Pago Pago. These are the only flights that come here from the U.S. It’s rare to find a sale on this fare, but Hawaiian does occasionally offer deals through Expedia, so watch there for sales. If you’re planning this trip a while in advance, it might be worth looking into Hawaiian’s Mastercard offer: you can get a large signup bonus and use those points on your Pago flight.

If you don’t want to fly directly from the U.S., you can get to Pago from both Western Samoa and Tonga with Talofa Airlines. We took a circuitous route to American Samoa, first visiting the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Western Samoa (we visited all these places over the course of a two-month-long trip , not all at once.) We booked each of those flights one-way and the total of all of them ended up being cheaper than a single flight from the mainland to Pago. If you have the time and would like to do some additional travel while you’re on the other side of the world (which we’d highly recommend!), play around with options in Google Flights and on Skyscanner to find the best deals on a series of one-way flights that will eventually land you in Pago.

Getting to Aunu’u:

Aunu’u makes a great day trip from the eastern end of Tutuila. Get yourself to the dock at Au’asi and wait there for the boat; it’ll cost you $2 each way. Before you set off on Aunu’u, make sure to ask the driver how late the boat will be running; you don’t want to miss the last one.

Getting to Manu’a:

There are two ways to get to the Manu’a islands: by boat or by plane. The boat is a large ferry that carries passengers and cargo roughly once a week. The schedule is unpredictable and changes so often that it’s not worth trying to work the dates out too far in advance; if you’re set on taking the ferry, make sure you have a large enough window of time in American Samoa to accommodate its schedule. Depending on the weather, this can be an extremely rough ride and it’s likely your fellow passengers will be puking their guts out around you (turns out Samoans are known for being prone to seasickness; who knew??) If you have a flexible schedule, a strong stomach and a very tight budget, the ferry might be a good fit for you. It costs $35 one way and takes about 5 hours. If your final destination is Ofu, you might luck out and have the boat stop there first; otherwise, you’ll be stuck going all the way to Ta’u and then riding back to Ofu.

If you want a less nauseous, easier-to-plan option for getting to Manu’a, you’ll want to take the plane. Samoa Airways currently runs four flights per week from Pago Pago to Ta’u (at time of writing, they’re on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday), and one flight per week to Ofu (at time of writing, it’s on Thursday.) Both are about $160 and can be booked within a month of your travel date. If you want to visit Ofu but can’t make the once-a-week flights, it’s easy to take the plane into and/or out of Ta’u and take a boat to Ofu. This will involve flying into one side of Ta’u, catching a ride to the wharf on the other side of the island (~$20), then taking the boat over to Ofu ($150 for 2-3 passengers). Because you have to pay for the boat, this route will cost you more, but it’s a good way to fit a visit to Ofu into a tighter schedule.

How Long to Stay:

We stayed in American Samoa for 8 days and really wished we’d had longer. Your trip will depend, of course, on how much time you have available, but if you’re on the fence, may we attempt to persuade you to stay at least two weeks if at all possible? Here’s why: American Samoa is on the other side of the world. It’s an expensive flight that’ll make your carbon footprint awfully big, and there’s a good chance you’ll only make it there once in your life. If you can really make it count by going all-in in terms of time and in-depth exploration, we think it’ll be 100% worth it.

There’s a lot to do in American Samoa and a lot of culture to take in. If you’re visiting the Manu’a islands on your trip (and you REALLY REALLY should), the easiest (and cheapest) way to do that is by flying in and out of Ofu. That flight only happens once a week, so you’ll spend that full week in Ofu. It’s quite hard to book the flight to Ofu more than a month in advance, since the airline (Samoa Airways) doesn’t generally schedule flights very far in advance. So if, when booking your international flight, you give yourself two weeks or more in-country, you’ll easily be able to fit a trip to Ofu within that window of time.

Connectivity:

If you need to stay connected to home, get a SIM card from Bluesky when you arrive in Pago. We had good service in most places in Tutuila, all over Aunu’u, and in the more populated spots in Manu’a. Internet access is easy to find in Pago’s hotels and Vaoto Lodge on Ofu also has WiFi. You won’t get the speeds you find on the mainland, of course, but it should work for most purposes.

Where to Stay on Tutuila:

There are plenty of accommodation options on Tutuila. Two popular choices are the Tradewinds Hotel (bland, but clean and nice) and Sadie’s By the Sea (which we heard several unfavorable reports of from fellow travelers, but may still be worth looking into). Tisa’s Barefoot Bar runs eco-fales on Eastern Tutuila and the beach there is beautiful, so it would be a good option for a laid-back stay if it’s in your budget. There are also several AirBnB options. If we’d had the time on Tutuila, we’d have loved to do a homestay. The NPS maintains a list of families who will open their homes to you; contact the Pago visitor’s center for up-to-date info. You’ll contact the family yourself, so be aware of the time change and be patient with the language barrier! (We contacted several homestay families before we decided to cut our time on Tutuila so we could visit Ofu. While most people in American Samoa speak English well, we sometimes had trouble communicating clearly over the phone.) For a fuller report on the homestay program from people who actually experienced it, check out this post from the Switchback Kids.

Where to Stay in Manu’a:

There are two main accommodation options in Ofu/Olosega: Vaoto Lodge and Asaga Inn . Vaoto is right next to the airstrip, so if you’re flying in and out of Ofu, it’s extremely convenient. It’s also right next to the NPS Visitor’s Center and a short walk from the national park area itself. Asaga Inn is right next to the bridge that connects Ofu to Olosega; it’s closer to Olosega village. Both have stunning views and are close to mind-boggling beaches.

On Ta’u, your options are more limited. The NPS can help you arrange a homestay with a Samoan family on the island; the ranger in Ofu should also know if there are any other options for accommodation. At time of writing, a small, family-run hotel is set to open on Ta’u, but it’s hard to get booking information online. Contacting the NPS will probably be your best bet for arranging something here.

It is possible to camp in American Samoa, though you’ll have to get permission from whoever’s land you’re landing on. In some places, the NPS rangers can give you an idea of where to camp and who to contact for permission; in other places, you’ll have to ask around the village for the chief and get permission directly from him. Samoans are very helpful and generous; this doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily grant you permission to stay on their land, but you’ll at least be able to find someone who can help you figure out if it’s possible. Make sure you have a backup option in case your camping plans fall through, and put all your Leave No Trace skills to the test. Be respectful of your hosts, pack everything out with you, and live lightly. Camping is not a mainstream activity in American Samoa—you might be the first experience someone has with a foreign camper, so don’t mess it up for everyone who comes after you. You won’t have any facilities, and there are very few public toilets on the islands, so be aware. Don’t try to stealth camp; Samoans take land rights very seriously and if you’re caught, it could mean trouble. And don’t even think about sleeping outside without a reliable mosquito net!

Planning Resources:

Even if you’re not a national park junkie, a visit to the NPS Visitor’s Center in Pago should be your first stop when planning your activities. The rangers there can give you loads of info. on trails and sights, and will be able to offer some cultural insight too. The American Samoa Visitors Bureau website also has lots of great information. Because American Samoa is not (yet) a super-popular destination, you will probably have great luck calling the NPS Visitor’s Center or Tourism board before your visit to get answers to specific questions; in our experience, these people were more than willing to take some time and help us out.

Getting Around:

Tutuila has a great bus system that can get you all around the island, though it might take a while to cover large distances. Hitchhiking is common and easy to do on any of the islands; we didn’t hitch since there are so many of us, but with one or two people, you can probably manage to get where you need to go without trouble. For maximum flexibility, it’s worth renting a car so you can squeeze as much into your visit as possible, though driving yourself always means missing out on the cultural experience of public transportation.

On Ofu, if you stay at Vaoto Lodge, you can borrow one of their bicycles. We cycled all around the island and it was an incredibly pleasant way to get around. Without a bike, your options here are limited to walking and hitching.

Where to Eat on Tutuila:

Pago has a good range of restaurants and plenty of well-stocked grocery stores to keep you fed. Traditional Samoan food is delicious and well worth a try. In the smaller villages and on Aunu’u, your food options will be more limited. Small stores stock lots of processed foods and few fresh options. If you want to eat healthy, your best bet is to stock up on produce, healthy snacks and sandwich fixings from one of the bigger groceries around Pago before you head to other parts of the island.

Where to Eat in Manu’a:

There are no restaurants in Ofu/Olosega and only four small stores spread over the two islands. All the stores have eggs and milk, plus a range of processed food (ramen is a staple.) Fresh produce is hard to come by, unless you’re getting it from the fruit trees on the island. Unless you want to subsist on ramen and Pringles, bring some food with you from Pago, or plan on having meals at your accommodation. We bought breakfast and dinner each day from Vaoto Lodge; they accommodated our vegetarianism deliciously and gave us some of the best food we had in all of Samoa (which is saying a lot—we had some excellent food there.) You can work out meals with your accommodations before you go, but definitely do think through this—getting food on the islands can be very tricky and you really don’t want to be stuck eating stale Marshmallow Mateys your whole stay.

What to Do on Tutuila:

American Samoa is one of the best places in the South Pacific for hiking , since the NPS has the resources to maintain trails in an area where things get overgrown super quickly. There are several trails around Tutuila that’ll give you a taste of both the jungle and the coast. Around the village of Vatia, the Tuafauna Trail leads through rain forest before dropping you off on a rocky beach with gorgeous views of Pola Island and it’s sea arches. The Lower Sauma Ridge Trail will take you down to an overlook of the northeast coast of Tutuila and the archeological site of a star mound (be careful on this trail, as it’ll be very slippery if it’s been raining before your hike!) The Mt. Alava Trail is more challenging and offers panoramic views of the island (or so we hear! It was closed when we visited, so we weren’t able to check it out for ourselves.) On the western end of Tutuila, another trail will lead you to the secluded beach of Cape Taputapu and long views over the ocean. On Aunu’u, you can follow the 4WD track around the island to see isolated sea arches, surf-pounded coves, a lake in the island’s volcanic crater, a lake of quicksand and taro marshes.

Aunu’u’s beach is lovely and a great way to cool down after you’ve spent some time exploring the island on foot. The water is clear enough to see the reef and some of its inhabitants even without a snorkel mask, but if you want to snorkel, this is a great place to do it. Alega Beach is regarded as Tutuila’s best, and Two Dollar Beach (which will cost you 5 dollars to access) is also lovely. Just outside Vatia, the rocky beach at the end of Tuafauna Trail is a bit rough for swimming, but a great place to watch the surf and listen to the shore’s stones clicking and clattering as the waves recede—it’s completely lovely. On the west side of the island, you can be the last person on Earth to see the sunset at Cape Taputapu’s beach.

You can rent a kayak from Sadie’s or from a few other outfitters in Pago. A paddle around the harbor is a great way to take in the gorgeous views around the city.

To get a taste of Samoan culture, stay with a family through the NPS’s homestay program! While we weren’t able to do a homestay here, we did stay at family-run fales while we were in Western Samoa and were able to have the experience of being brought into a Samoan home to participate in some of their traditions.

Attend a fiafia  show to watch traditional dances and to see some fancy fire spinning. The Tradewinds Hotel hosts a fiafia  on Friday nights. An umu  (often held on Sunday for lunch) is the Samoan method of cooking in an underground oven. Try taro, breadfruit,  palusami  (young taro leaves in coconut cream),  oka  (raw fish in coconut cream), pork and seafood.

What to Do on Manu’a:

You might just spend your entire visit to Manu’a thanking your lucky stars to be in this absolute paradise. This is a great place to slow down and just enjoy yourself, especially if you’re flying in and out of Ofu and have a full week on the island.

The AFT Guide to Redwood National Park

The NPS maintains two trails on Ofu/Olosega and one on Ta’u. At the far end of Olosega Village, you’ll find the Oge Beach Trail, which leads up the side of Mata’ala Ridge and steeply down to Oge Beach. If you don’t want to descend all the way to the beach, just getting to the top will give you wonderful views over the island. Ask the ranger in Ofu to call the village chief for permission before you hike this trail.

Ofu’s most rewarding hike is up Tumu Mountain. The trail ascends through the jungle on a grassy track; at the very top, it opens up to a spectacular view over Ofu. The trail is mostly shaded on the way up, but you’ll still need lots of water: Ofu is very humid and this trail will make you sweat. Go early in the day for cooler temperatures and pack a picnic for the top.

No one is allowed to hike either of these trails on Sunday, so keep that in mind when you’re planning things out.

Beaches and Snorkeling:

Ofu Beach is regarded by loads of travel magazines and bloggers to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and we’d definitely agree with that assessment. The national park protects the stretch of beach and the reef extending from it; the coral here is one of the healthiest in the world and makes for incredible snorkeling. Research teams from all over the planet come to Ofu to study the secrets of the reef here—it’s wonderfully resistant to rising ocean temperatures and after being wiped out in the 2009 tsunami, rebounded quickly. Wait for high tide to snorkel at Ofu Beach so you have enough clearance over the coral and BYO snorkel gear.

Because the reef starts so close to the shoreline, Ofu Beach isn’t the best spot for a swim. For better swimming, try the end of the beach near Olosega Island, where you can jump off the bridge (if the current isn’t too brisk) or just have a splash in the deeper water below the bridge. Another good option is the beach in front of Vaoto Lodge, along the airstrip. This is also a great spot for a snorkel and it’s deeper, so you don’t have to wait til the tide is all the way up.

To swim at other spots around the island, get permission from the village chief first. On Sundays, you can swim in front of Vaoto Lodge or in the park, but nowhere else.

Stargazing:

If it’s a clear night, don’t miss laying out under the night sky for a while. These little islands are the definition of isolated and the clear air makes for some of the best starry nights you’ll ever see.

Coconut crabs are the largest land bug in the world, and they’re abundant on Ofu. We saw small ones in the rocks near the airstrip and enormous ones in the jungle on our way up Tumu Mountain.

One of the NPS’s missions is to protect the fruit bat population that calls American Samoa home. These bats, also called flying foxes, can be up to three feet across and feed on the fruit trees around the islands. We saw them everywhere we went, but most abundantly on Ofu around the beach.

The ride from Ta’u to Ofu is wonderfully scenic and is a great place to see some marine life. We saw loads of flying fish and had dolphins swimming and jumping around our boat. The boat ride between Tutuila and Aunu’u is also a good place to spot dolphins. The reef all around Ofu has lots of sea turtles and reef sharks; if you do enough snorkeling, you’re likely to see both. If you’re on the islands between mid-August and October, you may also get to witness the humpback whale migration. A ranger we talked to at the visitor’s center in Pago saw the whales from atop Tumu Mountain, and the water was so clear that he could see the whole pod in detail. Just his report of it had my jaw on the floor.

American Samoa is an incredibly special place, rich in culture and natural beauty, with friendly people, few visitors, and some of the best snorkeling in the world. If you get a chance to visit, don’t miss it!

And if you’ve got any extra time, we highly recommend adding a side trip to Western Samoa as well. It’s a quick and inexpensive flight away, and you won’t regret spending more time in this South Pacific paradise. See this post for some top spots in Western Samoa to inspire you!

Me, currently: ‘Hmmm… could I swing four weeks for my birthday?’ Hahahaha. We will probably only be able to do 4-5 days on Ofu since we’ll only have 3 weeks to do all three Pacific Island parks… but damn, I could go for two weeks just in Samoa. This is super helpful info though, even for me!

My husband and 2yr old identical twin boys and myself were enriched by spending 2yrs living in Tafuna From 1980-82 we explored the beaches enjoyed our Samoan friends and feasted on the Samoan food Everything in the above article is spot on The family bus or we called it the inga bus will take you most places It was .25 back then I was lucky enough to go to the only college on the island American Samoa Comm College while my boys went to nursery school They were the only blonds in school The Samoans loved them Soon they were speaking Samoan and English It’s a simple language and a beautiful language Back in the 80s there was no refined sugars on the island Most of the milk with the cream on top and butter came from New Zealand Common to drive down the narrow roads as Samoans went about there business in open falis watching one of the three channels on tv Tuunga was my best friend She taught me the daughters never leave home When they marry the man comes to live with her in her village Women do women chores men do men chores For supper we would look for the fisherman walking down the road carrying fresh fish my favorite was Parrot fish He would sell or trade for liquor or tobacco a fish large enough for four It’s been 40 yrs and I can remember so many details of this once in a lifetime experience We loved it Let me add 200” of rain a yr fills the road with giant snails and giant frogs The snails are poisonous if eaten We were told they were brought there hitchhiking in large pipes brought over on ships by Koreans The harbor in Pago Pago is the deepest in South Pacific 300’ deep which is why it is US Territory for use in case of war

Thank you so much for this! We have a trip booked to visit American Samoa (and side trip to Ofu) at the end of May 2019 and this has been so helpful in our planning. We’re coming from Columbus, Ohio and it’s been so hard to find really good information on American Samoa.

Oh I’m so glad it could be helpful! We had such a hard time finding info before our trip—hope everything goes smoothly for you guys and that you have a great time!

How did your trip go? I am in the early stages of planning. I was going to plan to stay just 3-4 days as my time is limited, I am probably going to rethink this approach after reading this page. Any tips would be well received – My e-mail is [email protected] . Thanks in advance.

My friends and I are planning to go to Samoa later this year and I was struggling for ideas when I found your lovely blog! Your pictures are so inviting! We want to visit so many different places, but our budget is limited, so your tips definitely help to plan our journey. Thank you so much!

I’m so glad it could be useful to you! We absolutely fell in love with it and hope you love your time there!

Thanks for your wonderful descriptions! I’ve not been to Samoa since 1969 (!), when I was in Afono for 3 weeks (including a side trip by the boat to Western Samoa). I would like to get in touch with someone — mayor or other village official — in Afono to send to photos of people who back then were so kind to me. Do you have any idea how i could locate a village address or official chief/mayor, etc., of Afono to do this? I’ve looked online and find nothing so far. I guess I could contact someone in Pago Pago and ask for referrals. Thank you again! It took me back, to read your lovely words. charles

Headed to American Samoa to teach computer classes to government workers. What can I take as a gifts? What can you not get there that would be a small token of appreciation? Thanks, Ron (in Florida)

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The Best of American Samoa: Restaurants, Hotels, and Things to Do

Discover american samoa’s best things to do, restaurants to eat at, and hotels to stay in with the afar guide to american samoa..

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Must-see attractions in American Samoa

Fagatogo Market

American Samoa

This is the town’s social centre on a Friday night. Locals come to gossip, ransack food stalls and pick over fresh coconuts, breadfruit and other produce;…

Fatu ma Futi

Get your camera ready: you'll spot these iconic offshore rock formations on your drive into Pago Pago from the airport. Legend has it that a couple named…

Ofu island's crown jewel is the beach along the south coast - 4km (2.5mi) of shining, palm-fringed white sand. The offshore waters are deep enough for…

Nu’uuli Falls

Standing in stark relief to Nu’uuli’s scruffy strip of restaurants and convenience stores, this secluded waterfall with a deliciously cool swimming hole…

Turtle & Shark Site

The most famous of Tutuila’s legends is set at this dramatic cliff-top site. According to one version, an old lady and her granddaughter were turfed out…

The village of Leone welcomed the first missionary to Tutuila in 1832. John Williams subsequently erected the island’s first church, garnishing it with…

This sacred site is where Tagaloa is said to have created the first humans before sending them out to Polynesia. Its volcanic boulders, wild surf and…

Masefau & Sa’ilele

A cross-island road leads from the village of Faga’itua up over a pass before winding slowly down to Masefau, a village that looks too idyllic to be true.

To’aga Site

While there's nothing to see here now, it was at this site (just behind Ofu Beach) where archaeologists found an unprecedented array of artefacts dating…

Rainmaker Mountain

Also known as Mt Pioa, 523m-high Rainmaker Mountain traps rain clouds and gives Pago Pago the highest annual rainfall of any harbour in the world. From…

Cape Taputapu

For a memorable, mayhaps romantic evening, this is a tough spot to beat: Tutuila’s westernmost point is the last place on earth the sun sets each day.

Cathedral of the Holy Family

The exterior of Tafuna’s imposing, snow-white Catholic cathedral is striking, with a space-age bell tower and dissected dome, though a homier beauty lies…

Tia Seu Lupe

The most accessible of American Samoa’s fascinating star mounds is secreted behind a statue of St Mary near the huge Catholic cathedral in Tafuna. Tia Seu…

Jean P Hayden Museum

Has a small but interesting display of Samoan artefacts, including va’a (bonito canoes), alia (war canoes), coconut-shell combs, pigs’ tusk armlets and…

Tauese PF Sunia Ocean Center

The visitor centre for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa has informative exhibits relating to the region's reefs and ecosystems; if it's not…

John Williams Church

Government House

This beautiful white clapboard mansion at the top of a small hill offers perfect views across the harbour. Tours may be available; ask at your…

This traditionally inspired building houses American Samoa's Senate and House of Representatives.

Air Disaster Memorial

Marks the site of a plane crash in 1980 that claimed the lives of eight people.

Rex H Lee Auditorium

This large building is nicknamed the 'turtle house' for its distinctive shape.

Pago Pago Youth Community Center

Offers services and activities for Pago Pago's youth.

Granite Church

This hilltop granite church looms over Pago Pago.

Lion's Park

Local park.

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• DESTINATIONS
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American Samoa: An Untouched Island Paradise in the Pacific

I was born in Las Vegas but grew up in Maryland until I moved to American Samoa when I was 17. I used to visit occasionally during the summers to see my family but I wasn’t raised here nor did I know too much about our islands or culture. My love and appreciation for American Samoa, my people, and my culture has grown so much in the last seven years and I’m so proud to call this place home!

Why American Samoa Should be on your Bucket List

American Samoa is rare and, honestly, unlike anywhere else in the world in my opinion. We have some of the most beautiful and untouched islands. Our tradition and culture is so rich and still practiced daily yet we are legally a territory of the United States which is a really interesting contrast.

So on paper, we are a part of the United States and have benefitted in certain ways from that. However, when you come here you will realize that we are also still very much our own and haven’t lost who we are culturally, which is something I’m extremely grateful for.

There are five islands that make up American Samoa: Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u. I have been to all five of the islands but haven’t been to either Swains or Rose atoll yet which I would love to see one day!

Favorite Places in American Samoa

The places that are most special to me on the islands are the blowholes near my grandparents house in Fogagogo (Tutuila) and the beach in Poloa (Tutuila). The blowholes remind me of visits when I was younger. This is a spot that I spent a lot of time at when I first moved to American Samoa. When I go back now, I reflect on how much I have grown and changed.

The beach in Poloa is another one of my favorite places for sure. My parents live in this village and are a short walk away from the beach. We spend a lot of time there beaching, camping, partying or making bonfires. Poloa is on the west side of the island and has the best sunsets in the world.

10 Best Things To Do in American Samoa

1. discover the waterfalls of american samoa.

The waterfalls of American Samoa can be found by walking through streams and jungles. They are so beautiful! The falls at Faga’alu and Nu’uuli are more open to visitors but the waterfall in Leone may require finding one of the village kids or adults to guide you.

2. Hike the Beautiful Mount ‘Alava Trail

Mount ‘Alava Trail near Pago Pago is a long hike (eight miles in total) but the view at the top is worth it! If you can, try hiking up a couple of hours before sunrise so you can greet the new day with majestic colors.

3. Check out the Awesome Tide Pools in Vatia

The tide pools located just before the village of Vatia require a 15-minute walk and offer wonderful views of the beautiful Pola Island. The hike down is pretty steep and towards the end you are basically just climbing down over the rocks. Then you arrive and can take a dip in the pools!

4. Take a Boat over to Aunu’u for the Day

You can take a short boat ride over to Aunu’u for less than $5 round trip per person. The best part about this trip is when the dolphins come up to swim by the boat! Once you arrive, you can either go swimming at the wharf or take a hike around the island and stop off at one of the beaches for a swim.

5. Take a Boat Cruise around the Island

I just went with some friends this past weekend and had the best time! We went with Peter from Cruxmarine Deep Calling on their fishing boat and they took us to O’a/Afono near Vatia to see the hidden beaches and do some snorkelling and fishing. More info at cruxmarine.com .

6. Go Swimming at the Hidden Fagatele Bay

Fagatele Bay is similar to Fogama’a but smaller in comparison. With all of the places you visit in American Samoa you will want to ask permission as most places are located on private family land. Sometimes they have a small fee for entering or parking but this is always up to the family.

7. Learn about the Turtle and Shark Legend

Turtle and Shark is one of the more well-known legends in American Samoa. You can visit this spot where the legend originated and coordinate it with the villagers to come and tell the stories as well as singing the song (Laumei Faiaga) that is believed to bring the turtle and shark to the surface.

8. See Fatu-ma-futi and Visit the Market in Fagatogo

Fatu-ma-futi is another popular legend of how rocks came to be. This is located off the main road and is an easy spot to get to. You should also check out the market in town which has a lot of handicrafts as well as food! Best day to visit the market is on Fridays and especially on “First Fridays”.

9. Jump into the Waters of the Cave Pool at Fagasa

This cave pool isn’t that popular but many of the villagers from Fagasa will know about it. Enjoy a natural cave pool that you can go swimming in and even climb up and jump in the waters from the top. It’s always a fun time!

10. Visit a Local Church in American Samoa

This experience is less to do with adventure but it’s a typical activity for locals on Sundays. You will notice that Sundays are a lot different from the rest of the week. This day is typically for church, eating and resting. But you will still be able to find a few spots to go swimming if you want to. Samoans are naturally talented and hearing the aufaipese (choir) sing is beautiful.

Bonus Experience: Visit the Islands of Manu’a

If you have time, take a trip to the Manu’a Islands . These islands are pristine and have some of the worlds largest corals! Despite being smaller, to me they are some of the most beautiful places in American Samoa. It’s hard to even describe how gorgeous they are. Ofu and Olosega are connected by a bridge and you can walk/bike around the islands and jump off the bridge.

Visiting these islands is beyond worth it and is basically the same thing as booking a trip to a private island considering you will always have the beaches to yourself. Have I convinced you to visit American Samoa yet?!

Warm Culture of American Samoa

The culture of American Samoa is very much based on aiga (family), fa’aaloalo (respect) and also giving mea’alofa’s (gifts). When it comes to Fa’a Samoa or “the Samoan way” it’s typical for people to have a selfless attitude and work toward the betterment of one’s family or community rather than just thinking of themselves.

“ O le ala i le pule o le tautua ” means the path to leadership is through service. This is one of those Samoan proverbs that is clearly reflected in our community, as serving others is very important here.

In the Samoan culture, aiga -family is always a major priority and aiga doesn’t just stop at your immediate family but also covers extended relatives, community members, church members, etc. The saying “it takes a village” is taken pretty literally here as everyone operates as a family unit and lives more communally.

Fa’aaloalo or respect is also a huge pillar of the Samoan culture and is ingrained in everything we do. Fa’aaloalo starts in families and can especially be seen in children towards their parents/grandparents but respect also goes beyond just family and is extended towards our peers, elders, community, land and God.

Many of our traditions are based around giving gifts (or mea’alofa) of money, woven fine mats, food, etc. A lot of times you will see this during fa’alavelaves which is a ceremonial gift exchange that takes place at things like weddings, funerals, matai/cheif ceremonies, a ‘samaga’ which is the blessing/celebration of a person who received traditional tatau, birthdays, building dedications, etc.

American Samoa is full of genuine and warm-hearted people, many of whom deeply value God, family, community, culture and respect. Structure and certain customs may evolve as time moves on but the underlying principles of Fa’a Samoa that began with our ancestors will always remain with our people.

Talented Locals of American Samoa

Samoans are such talented and gifted individuals athletically, musically, comedically, with dance, in education and so much more. Many are natural entertainers – so you will meet people who will make jokes about literally everything or will just be doing whatever they can to get you to smile and enjoy yourself. People here are hardworking but also very humble and I have noticed that many enjoy the simplicity of island life.

Island Life Centered around Food

Everything and every event in American Samoa is centered around food. It’s crucial to our island! My favorite local foods are palusami, fresh oka (raw fish), fa’apapa and fa’alifu taro. These can be found at the market in Fagatogo but the best oka is at Sadie’s by the Sea . Other good restaurants to check out are DDW , Koko Bean , and Cecelias. The population is also very diverse so you can find other restaurants that serve Chinese, Filipino, Fijian and Korean food.

Where to Stay in American Samoa

There are only a handful of hotels in American Samoa but the two main ones are Sadie’s By the Sea and Tradewinds . Sadies has a beachy vibe, its own private beach and one of the best restaurants. Tradewinds, on the other hand, is located by the airport and has a spa and and a more stateside vibe.

Another place to stay is Tisa’s Barefoot Bar which is away from the main spots of the island but is right on the beach of Alega. They focus a lot on ecotourism and hold a tattoo fest there near October/November. Some friends and I also stayed at an Airbnb called “ A Walk in the Clouds ” and it was so cute and homey! It’s located in the mountains of Aoloau. You can take in gorgeous views here and enjoy a nice breeze.

Need to Know Before you Go

Respect is key in American Samoa. That goes with how you address others, how you dress, how you occupy space, asking for permission before entering places, etc. Ie lavalavas (sarongs) are encouraged on beaches, when swimming or while walking through villages.

Even if it’s completely sunny you can still expect rain at any given moment. Naturally, American Samoa is a tropical rainforest meaning it rains a lot here and randomly.

You might see dogs roaming around the islands. The strays are normally friendly and don’t bother people but dogs that are residential can be more territorial so just note that and be cautious if you’re walking around villages.

In summary, every adventure I take where I spend time with the people I love and get outside in nature leaves me feeling grateful for the place I am blessed to call home! Whether it’s the simple days hanging out at the park with friends or going on 8 mile hikes at 3am – all the memories I have here mean a lot to me. Hopefully you can come experience this untouched paradise one day too!

BY PUA TOFAEONO IG: @PUA_TOFAEONO

Author:  Pua Tofaeono

Pua Tofaeono is a full time artist and beach-lover living in the beautiful American Samoa. She moved there when she was 17 and hasn't looked back since!

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10 Great Things To Do In American Samoa, The Forgotten US Territory

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In the late 19th century, Samoa found itself in the middle of a power struggle between the German Empire, Britain, and America. The resolution was that Samoa was partitioned in 1899, and while most of Samoa is an independent country today, the American part of the Samoan island group remains a territory of the United States . American Samoa is home to America's southernmost national park and is home to a large number of stunning attractions.

Hop on a plane to the piece of US territory in the South Pacific and enjoy a relaxing vacation. There are many reasons why travelers should visit the American territory of American Samoa over the commercialized territory of the U.S. Virgin in the Caribbean. Here are some of the top things to do in American Samoa on one's vacation there.

10 Go Scuba Diving & Snorkeling In American Samoa

American Samoa is a tropical destination and is home to stunning corals and colorful fish. This is a great place to explore the underwater world under the waves.

Some of the corals and coastlines are protected in the National Park of American Samoa - the most far-flung national park in the United States . Scuba diving (and snorkeling) is a key attraction of visiting American Samoa.

• American Samoa Scuba Diving Season: Year Round (Dry Season April to October)

9 Go Hiking In The Rainforests Of American Samoa

American Samoa has lush rainforests and mountains. Despite being a tiny group of islands, it is a great place for hiking. While many of the Polynesian island nations are low-level atolls, the Samoan islands are mountainous. The highest point in American Samoa rises dramatically to 970 meters or 3,170 feet above sea level.

Many tours in American Samoa include hiking the trails of the National Park and Aunu'u Island. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the rainforest flora and fauna, as well as try their hands at kayaking. Tour operators also offer experiences such as outrigger rides at Pago Pago Harbor and take visitors to see the many historic World War II sites on Tutuila island.

• Mount 'Alava Trail: Longest Hike (7 Miles return)

8 Explore The Rich & Traditional Samoan Culture

American Samoans are one of the Polynesian cultures on today's American territory (the most famous Polynesian culture in America is that of the Native Hawaiians).

While Hawaii may be heavily commercialized, American Samoa is far off the beaten, and there are only a few visitors. Take the time to discover the Samoan culture and the laid-back 'island time.'

• Where to Experience: In Villages Or At Church On Sundays

Related: Here Are 10 Best Things To Do On The Unique Island Of Samoa

7 Visit The Manu'a Island Group

The capital, Pago Pago, is located on the main island of Tutuila, but there are other stunning islands that are part of American Samoa ( Pago Pago is also a unique destination and a pearl of the Pacific ).

One of the island groups is the Manu'a Island group, 60 miles to the east. They are sparsely populated, with only a few hundred people calling them home. It is home to the highest peak in the territory.

• What To See: The Highest Peak In American Samoa

6 Climb Lata Mountain - The Highest Peak In American Samoa

Lata Mountain is the highest peak in American Samoa on the island of Ta'u. Take the time to get over to the Manu'a Islands and climb this mountain.

The mountain and the island are the eroded remnants of an ancient hotspot shield volcano that has a caldera on the south face. The rainforest of the mountain is part of the National Park of American Samoa.

• Elevation: 966 meters (3,170 ft)

5 Take Pictures At The Best Viewpoints In American Samoa (But Ask Permission Before Taking Photos Of People)

American Samoa is beautiful all over, no matter where one visits. However, some of the best viewpoints for taking photos and enjoying the best scenery in American Samoa include:

• Blunt's Point Lower Gun
• Lookout Point at Lower Sauma Ridge
• Turtle and Shark in Vaitogi
• Old Naval Officers' Quarters in A'oloau

Also, remember to be aware that the islands value mutual respect - if in doubt, always ask the locals first. But take a good camera to capture the magic of the islands.

The culture of American Samoa is traditional, and all visitors should first ask for permission before taking photos of people and their villages.

Related: So Just What External Territories Does The United States Have?

4 Sunbathe On The Beautiful American Samoa Beaches (But With Permission From Locals)

American Samoa boasts some of the most pristine and stunning tropical beaches in the world. These are some of the great attractions of the territory. Some of the best beaches in American Samoa include:

• Palagi Beach
• Manase Beach
• Lalomanu Beach
• Tafatafa Beach
• Lauli'i Beach

Keep in mind that American Samoa is conservative and there should be no nudity. Plus, when on a more local beach that's off the tourist trail outside of resorts, visitors should first ask the villagers before visiting their beaches, as it is polite and respectful of their local cultures and values

3 Sample Local American Samoan Food

While in the South Pacific, sample some of the tropical island cuisines of American Samoa. Some of the traditional Samoan foods and dishes include palusami and taro.

Visitors should also remember that there are no large chain restaurants that many may be familiar with. Instead, tourists can look for local eateries and the farmer's marketplace in Fagatogo.

• Where To Eat: Farmer's Market At Fagatogo

2 Visit The Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Besides the National Park of American Samoa, visitors should also explore the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It preserved the eroded volcanic crater and an unusual coral reef.

Here, visitors are greeted with tropical fish, sharks, and plenty more exotic sea life. It is the smallest and remotest of the national marine sanctuaries found in American territories.

• What To Do: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling

Related: 10 Best Destinations Around The World To Spend Your Summer Vacation

1 Visit The Historic Leone Church

One of the attractions in American Samoa is the Leone Church. This was established by John Williams - the first Christian missionary to come ashore on American Samoa in 1832. The church boasts an exquisitely carved wooden ceiling along with stunning stained-glass windows and stunning seaside views.

The official American Samoan travel website encourages visitors to join the American Samoans in worship at church on Sunday.

• Oldest: Leone is The Oldest Church In American Samoa
• Destinations

Top 7 Places to Visit in American Samoa

• December 3, 2019 December 3, 2019

The islands of American Samoa have so much natural beauty that choosing just seven places to highlight was nearly impossible. I could write a whole book about all the places to visit on the main island of Tutuila (maybe I will). But for today, I’ve narrowed our list of favorites to my top seven, enough to keep you good and busy for a week. These locations are in no particular order, except for number one, it really is my favorite.

Fogama’a

Fogama’a goes by many names: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Tropical Paradise… okay, I added that last one, but it should be included. There’s a short, easy/moderately difficult hike (I would rank it simply easy, except for one part of the trail that’s quite steep and can be slippery) that opens onto a hidden gem. Once you’ve made it through the banana plantation and down the cement steps, you’ll find yourself in a small bay. This place is perfect for exploring, building sand castles, sun bathing, snorkeling, or playing in the waves. Like many spots on Tutuila, coconuts grow wild and can be easily found, cracked open, and enjoyed, right there on the beach. The trail to the beach can be difficult to find, thus the name Hidden Beach. Asking someone to take you out is your best bet or I’d be happy to try and explain how to get there.

Aunu’u is the smaller inhabited island just off the Southeast tip of Tutuila. But don’t just visit Aunu’u, arrange a tour and get the whole experience. You will learn the history of the island, the Fa’a (traditional) Samoan way of cooking, (that is still used today), and, of course, take a hiking tour of the island. Then, you’ll finish with a feast of the Samoan Umu  (BBQ) that you helped prepare. You can also arrange to camp right on the beach, for an overnight trip. When asking Nate for input on this list, Aunu’u was his #1.

Blunt’s Point/WWII Heritage Trail

One of the more accessible and maintained hikes on Tutuila, Blunt’s Point is just .6 miles roundtrip and has steps with railing for the steeper portions. At the top of Blunt’s Point are old WWII cannons that provide a history lesson, and fun for the more adventurous kids. There is also a maintained lawn for picnicking and incredible, nearly 180° views of the the ocean and Pago Pago Harbor.

If you’re up for more of an adventure, you can continue along the hike, for the WWII Heritage Trail. Along the way, there are more abandoned WWII installations. The installations are overgrown, being claimed once more by their island surroundings, adding to the magical feeling and maintaining the natural beauty. Warning: The trail isn’t as well maintained as the Blunt’s Point Trail and the steeper sections use ladders and ropes.

National Park of American Samoa

While not one single spot, the national park had to make the list of top places in American Samoa. As the only American National Park south of the equator, you can’t come all this way and not visit it . Part of the park is rain-forest with hiking trails and breathtaking views. While the rest is underwater, with protected coral reefs, home to hundreds of exotic fish and sea-life.

There are a few villages within the park, which offer opportunities for learning and friendship. In one village, Vatia, we were having trouble locating a trail-head and three local girls offered to show us the way. One of them hiked the whole trail with us. And Fagasa, another village, is one of our absolute favorite spots for snorkeling, with a vibrant reef and calm, bay waters. The National Park Service also offers homestay programs with local Samoan families, where you can experience authentic life on the islands. 

This is possibly our kids’ favorite spot on the island. The beach isn’t very big and at high-tide it almost disappears. But there is a giant tree which provides shelter from the sun or rain. There are two rope swings attached to a large branch, where you can swing out over the sand and into the water as the tide comes in. The beach is mostly soft sand. At low-tide, there are tide pools for the kids to explore and unique rock formations, which offer a great visual of the geological history of the island.

Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock can be found just past the village of Taputimu, also called Leala Shoreline National Natural Landmark. This is a perfect place for pictures. We had our family portraits taken at dusk and they turned out beautifully! Hiking a short way down the coast, will lead you to some natural pools. The pools fill at high tide as the waves crash upon the rocks and leave the pools refreshed and filled during low tide. You have to time your outing right, as low-tide is the only time they’re accessible, otherwise, you’ll get washed out by the crashing waves. But during that low-tide sweet spot, the water is clear and warm, and the view is unbeatable.

Nu’uuli Falls

A series of falls that come cascading down the mountainside from the tropical rains, providing beauty and adventure. There is a short hike to the first falls, which is where most people stop. The view here is incredible and depending on the day, the falls can vary from gentle and misty, to wild and violent. Beyond the first falls is a “trail” up the side of the mountain. This leads to more falls, caves hidden by the falls, and a natural water-slide.

There you have it- My top places in American Samoa. There are a few more places that we’ve just recently heard about, that I’m looking forward to trying out. Also, hopefully soon, we’ll be making our way to the Manua islands, the other islands that make up American Samoa, located East of Tutuila. This might change my list of favorites, in which case I’ll edit, or maybe just add to it. Haha

Top Places in American Samoa Honorable Mentions

I’d be remiss if I didn’t add a couple honorable mentions, places that you can get to easily and stay for just a little while if you’re running short on time. Aoloau Viewpoint : There are some ruins most of the way up the mountain to Aoloau. These present some of the best views across the island and out to sea. The Marketplace : The Marketplace is open Monday-Saturday. The First Friday of every month hosting different dance groups from around the island for some Fa’a Samoan entertainment. There is usually some kind of entertainment every Friday night, but you’ll be guaranteed a good show on the first Friday.

FYI: Please be aware that most of American Samoa is family land, so make sure to ask for permission each time before using a beach or hiking trail. It’s as simple as knocking on the nearest door and asking if you can use the beach/trail. Also, they’re almost all off-limits on Sundays and you will  be turned away. After more than two years of asking, we have yet to be turned away.

6 thoughts on “Top 7 Places to Visit in American Samoa”

Pingback:  The Manu'a Islands - Traveling Outside-the-Box

Thanks for this! We are close to Samoa right now & wish we had time to visit! I hope to return soon.

This whole region is incredible! I hope you’ll be able to return soon and experience our island for yourself.

These places look gorgeous! Kind of reminds me of Hawaii and Costa Rica. Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing!

I hear American Samoa described as the Hawaii from 20 years ago, but I think that might even be a little outdated. haha Thanks for reading, I hope you’ll be able to see it for yourself someday.

Pingback:  Hiking the Mount Alava Trail - AmSamFam

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American Samoa

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Things to Do in American Samoa

One of the prime reasons to visit American Samoa is to see Tutuila, one of the South Pacific's most dramatically beautiful islands, and you'll get an eyeful of gorgeous scenery on the 11km (6 3/4-mile) ride from the airport at Tafuna into the legendary port of Pago Pago. But first you will see the effects of American dollars, for the area around the airport is a bustling suburb with shopping centers and a modern multiscreen cinema. The road is crowded with cars and buses and patrolled by policemen in big American-style cruisers. It's little wonder, therefore, that many visitors view American Samoa as crowded, littered, run-down, and ruined by commercialism.

Yet the physical beauty of this island competes favorably with the splendor of Moorea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Once the road clears the shopping area at Nu'uuli, it twists and turns along the rocky coastline. At places it rounds the cliffs of headlands dropping into the sea; at others it curves along beaches in small bays backed by valleys. All the way, the surf pounds on the reef. When you make the last turn at Blount's Point, you'll behold green walls dropping precipitously into Pago Pago Harbor.

Try to ignore the mountain of rusting shipping containers and the two smelly tuna canneries on the shore of the harbor.

Despite the obvious inroads of Western ways and American loot, the local residents still cling to fa'a Samoa, the ancient Samoan way of life. While many young American Samoans wear Western clothes and speak only English, often with a pronounced Hawaiian or Californian accent, in the villages the older folk still converse in Samoan and abide by the old ways.

This also is the scene of the first American national park below the equator. Although it has yet to be developed, you can hike its trails and explore some of American Samoa's phenomenal beauty close up.

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Ofu Island's coral reef lies within the 13,500 acres of National Park of American Samoa, the first U.S. national park in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit This Unique, Tropical National Park

The oft-overlooked American territory of Samoa is home to a national park spanning rain forest, beach, and coral reef.

Location: American Samoa Established: October 31, 1988 Size: 13,500 acres (9,500 land, 4,000 marine)

For some 3,000 years, the people of Polynesia's oldest culture have been keenly attuned to their island environment, holding it to be precious and managing it communally. The name they gave their land reflects their attitude: Samoa means "sacred earth."

Located roughly 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, American Samoa, a United States territory, comprises ten volcanic islands (five inhabited) and two coral atolls (one inhabited). In 1988 Congress authorized the land for a national park. In 1993, Samoan chiefs agreed to sign a 50-year lease that enables the National Park Service to manage an area of rain forest, beach, and coral reef on three islands. Samoans help manage the park, and their villages offer a few guest facilities (ask the park about its unique homestay program).

The park protects hundreds of plant species in five distinct rain forest communities: lowland, montane, coast, ridge, and cloud. It is the only such rain forest on American soil. Among the fauna visitors can see are tropical birds and the endangered flying fox—a fruit bat with the wingspan of a barn owl.

On Tutuila, American Samoa's largest island, lofty volcanic ridges overlook the deep blue waters of Pago Pago Harbor. Except for a few villages, and the scenic drive that skirts the harbor and the dramatic southern coastline, there is little level land. Atop this crumbled terrain and plunging steeply toward the sea on the island's northern side lies the park area—about 2,500 acres of land and some 1,200 acres of ocean.

Parkland on Ta'u, the easternmost island, encompasses about 5,400 acres—including Lata Mountain, American Samoa's highest peak—and 1,000 acres offshore. Unforgettable is the panoramic view from the cloud forest toward the rugged cliffs of the southern coast. Small, remote Ofu Island includes what many call American Samoa's loveliest beach. Its main attraction is the 350-acre coral reef.

How to Get There

There are flights to Pago Pago from Honolulu twice a week that take 5.5 hours. Time from California is about 14 hours, including a 3- or 4-hour Honolulu layover. From the airport, taxi or rent a car to the Sadie Thompson Inn, Sadies by the Sea Hotel, Pago Airport Inn, Tessarea Vaitogi Inn, Tradewinds, or Motu-o-Fiafiaga Motel. From any of those accommodations you can reach the park visitor center in Pago Pago by bus or car. Accommodations are also available on Ta'u, Ofu, and Olosega. To get to Ta'u requires about a half-hour flight from Pago Pago while Ofu visitors are transported to Ofu Island by local fisherman. Ofu's park begins at the edge of the airport; parkland on Ta'u is about a half-hour walk from the airport.

Any time. The islands are 14 degrees south of the Equator, giving them a hot and rainy climate year-round. The heat and rain abate slightly from June through September.

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How to Visit

Contact the park headquarters before you visit. For information, write National Park of American Samoa, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799, talk by phone at +1 684 633 7082 ext. 22, or visit the website . You can also drop in at the visitor center, located in Pago Pago across from the Pago Way Service Station.

The National Park of American Samoa is the only National Park Service site south of the Equator.

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