American Samoa
American Samoa is a group of islands in Polynesia, an unincorporated territory of the United States, where it maintains a military base. A total land area of 197 km² (76 sq mi) consists of five volcanic islands (Tutuila, the largest one, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u) and two atolls (Rose and Swains). The landmark of American Samoa is the National Park of American Samoa, the only US Park in the South Pacific. It offers challenging and dramatic hiking trails to historic sites, secluded beaches and traditional Samoan villages. The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is the largest of 13 conservation areas in the United States. The waters around the islands astonish by their diverse fauna and flora. With activities ranging from hiking the tropical rainforests to swimming, snorkelling, diving or fishing, American Samoa is a perfect eco-tourism destination for travellers seeking a paradise away from the crowds.
American Samoa's Highlights
National Park of American Samoa
The only U.S. national park lying under the equator occupies parts of three islands comprising American Samoa. One of the most undeveloped parks worldwide offers a wide array of natural attractions, from sandy beaches to volcanic peaks.
While you walk through rainforests, try to spot one of Samoa's famous flying foxes, also known as fruit bats. These quirky creatures nest on trees and are essential for pollinating the plants.
Before visiting the national park, go to the Visitor Centre in Pago Pago. There, you can pick up a map of the park's territory and ask any questions.
Mount 'Alava and the Adventure Trail
The top of this mountain, located within the territory of the national park, is said to be the best viewpoint of Pago Pago harbour. The 5.6-km (3.5 mi) trail begins in the village of Vatia and winds through rainforests and plantations. One of the longest trails in American Samoa has 56 ladders and 783 steps, and the road is rather steep and slippery. On the summit, you can observe an old unused cable car tramway.
The Manu'a Islands
The Manu'a Islands consist of Ofu, Ta'u, and Olosega; they lie 110 km east of Tutuila. Beaches on the Ofu Island can be accessed by a pedestrian bridge from the Olosega Island or by boat. Twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, flights take place. Due to their remote location, Ofu Beach is truly pristine, which makes it an incredible getaway and snorkelling spot. Olosega Island isn't part of the national park, yet it has some seabird populations and hikes, like the Oge Beach Trail. At the end of the day, take advantage of the remoteness of these islands and go stargazing — you will likely see the darkest skies and brightest stars ever.
Other highlights of the national park include Pola Island, with its Vai'ava Strait Viewpoint and hiking trail, the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail, and the Tumu Mountain Trail.
Aunu'u Island
The tiny volcanic island, home to 475 inhabitants, is a National Natural Landmark. It is accessible via a boat ride ($5 per person one-way) from the village of Auasi on the island of Tutuila. During the 10-minute ride, you can enjoy the impressive scenery of the fading Tutuila Island. The territory is covered by rainforests and has a freshwater marsh called Faimulivai Marsh, the largest in American Samoa. During your day trip to Aunu'u, you can also hike and get acquainted with the locals. Bear in mind that this island has no tourist amenities, so bring along everything you may need.
A'oloaufou
Also known as A'oloau, this village, situated on Tutuila, is another great viewpoint because it is located at a height of 400 m (1.312 ft). From there, you can take a trail to Massacre Bay, where French explorers and native Samoans battled in 1787. Now, this place is just a beautiful, quiet beach.
To Sua Ocean Trench
To Sua, meaning «big hole», is an idyllic swimming hole next to the area of Lofotaga, formed by millennia of lava fields' erosion. The saltwater pool is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including lush gardens, cliffside paths, and, of course, the Pacific Ocean splashing nearby. The depth of the hole is 90 feet, so it is rather safe to leap there — you won't hit the bottom and will be supported by salty water. Working hours are 8:30 AM — 5:00 PM (Monday through Saturday) and 12:30 PM — 5:00 PM on Sunday.
Fagatogo Village
On Tutuila Island, there is a village called Fagatogo, which is simultaneously American Samoa's government seat and a cultural hub. Here, you can visit the largest market on the archipelago to shop for authentic handicrafts (for example, baskets), local food, the freshest catch, and exotic fruit. On Sunday, this place becomes a religious centre, with people gathering to listen to preachers and dance to Gospel music. Fagatogo Marketplace is definitely a must-see for those interested in Samoan culture.
Out of the market, go observe the historic building of Fagatogo's Government House — an imposing white mansion. It is hard to miss due to its uphill location and impressive look. The building is closed to visitors, but after climbing the hill, you can enjoy excellent views of Pago Pago Harbour.
The Jean P. Haydon Museum is situated next to the Government House. The collection showcases Samoan culture and history. Exhibits include traditional canoes, examples of tattooing, and three lunar stones gained during the Apollo moon missions, which President Richard Nixon gifted to American Samoa.
Alofaaga Blowholes
Near the Taga village, on the scenic coastline of the island Savai'i, there is a natural wonder — three blowholes. The magic of this place is waterspouts erupting through the holes, reaching over 20 m in height. Each spout is accompanied by a loud puffing sound. The entrance is in the village, and visitors must pay a fee to support the place and local people. The first visit may seem scary, so try going to Alofaaga with the villagers; they entertain themselves by throwing coconuts into the hole right before a blow. The nut may fly up to 30 metres (100 feet), which makes it a great show, especially at high tide. When coming, don't be afraid to get wet — it is worth it! Working hours are 8 AM to 5 PM (Monday through Saturday) and 12 PM to 5 PM on Sunday.
National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa
One of the largest marine sanctuaries in the USA, it spans over 35174.6 km² (13,581 sq mi) and includes the whole archipelago of Samoa and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
Fagatele Bay is part of the sanctuary, where 271 species of fish and 168 species of corals can be found. The bay, filled with warm water all year round, is surrounded by high cliffs. If you are looking for a snorkelling or diving spot, look no further. One more splendid piece of news is that in Fagatele Bay, it is possible to swim with dolphins, sea turtles, octopi, and many other exciting sea creatures. In autumn, American Samoa becomes a mating spot for humpback whales — therefore, you have a unique chance to look at these magnificent giant mammals.
Fogama'a Bay and Crater, part of a larger Larsen Bay, also adheres to the sanctuary and is situated east of Fagatele Bay. It is formed by a flooded volcano crater and offers another prime spot for snorkelling. Going there is an adventure in itself, as the road passes by rocky cliffs and amazing natural blowholes. The visit costs $5 per person.
An alternative option is Larsen Bay, another quiet cove with a secluded beach, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Access to the bay is paid via private property and costs $5 per person.
Blunts Point Trail
This trail is a must-see for those interested in history, particularly in World War II. Some large turrets are available for examination on the viewpoints overlooking Pago Pago harbour. Before venturing to take this hike, note that most of the way passes through a rainforest: take a mosquito repellent to make the journey more enjoyable.
Beaches
Turtle and Shark and the Le'ala Shoreline, designated a U.S. National Natural Landmark, are two beaches that are rather photogenic destinations than swimming spots. Tropical trees are approached by dark rocks coming out of water, and tides create some picturesque pools.
Two Dollar Beach is a small sandy area set between a small island and the coastline. The highlights of the place are fales, traditional Samoan huts, which can be rented for a day. It is also possible to spend a couple of hours there without having to spend a night at the beach. The entrance costs $5; onsite, you can take advantage of bathrooms and some grills. The beach is situated on the east of the island, in Avaio.
Alega Beach, near Tisa's Barefoot Bar, is a pleasure for wildlife lovers because it is a turtle nesting spot. It also has some nice reefs that make snorkelling here an amazing experience.
How to Get There
American Samoa is located approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, 130 km (80 miles) away from Samoa. The flight is possible from Hawaii (five hours), Samoa (half an hour), Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Planes from Hawaii (Honoulu) take off thrice a week, from June to September; in other months, there are two flights per week. When flying from Samoa, bear in mind that the plane taking you to American Samoa carries only eight passengers. All the flights arrive at Pago Pago International Airport in Tutuila. On the other hand, these planes fly many times every day. If you choose Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji as your starting point, note that, in this case, you have to fly to Samoa (Apia) or Tonga and then take another flight to reach your destination. Besides flying, you can get to American Samoa by cruise ship.
Entry Requirements
Citizens of all countries, except the USA, must apply for the Entry Permit Waiver Programme. For this, your passport must be valid for 6 months after departure from American Samoa, and you must pay a processing fee of $20. However, not all states are eligible for EPWP; check the list on the official site to make sure your homeland is on it.
Know Before the Visit
- Christianity is the basis of today's Samoan culture. This implies the necessity to dress modestly and not walk outside the beach wearing only a bathing suit. Sunday is a holiday for most businesses, so expect shops and attractions to be closed.
- In some settlements, a prayer curfew (Sa in Samoan) is observed, with all the people staying home. It is usually held on Sundays, is announced with a bell ring, and lasts 30 minutes to an hour.
- On Sundays, public beaches are generally closed to swimming. Private beaches might also be inaccessible.
- It is not customary to eat or drink while walking through a village.
- ATMs are rare; therefore, you should take enough cash for the whole stay. The currency is the U.S. dollar.
- Many beaches are privately owned. This means you must go to the owner's house and pay a fee ($5 to $10) to get access to the beach.
- Before entering someone's home, always take off your shoes.
- When choosing a place for swimming, it is worth looking at the locals. They know places safe from dangerous currents, so trust their choice.
Where To Stay
Accommodation options on Tutuila are the Tradewinds Hotel, which offers standard rooms for two and several suits sleeping up to four people; Sadie's by the Sea, the Sadie Thompson Inn, and the Pago Airport Inn. The Tradewinds Hotel is believed to be the best option according to visitors' reviews. There are also a number of homestays. If you would like to know the so-called Samoan way (Fa'a Samoa) better, a homestay in a traditional house called fale should be your first choice. Your hosts will teach you the local customs, recommend places to spend time, and maybe even tell you some of their legends.
There are even fewer hotels on the Manu'a Islands: on Ofu, there are the Vaoto Lodge and Asaga Inn, on opposite ends of the national park, with access to Ofu Beach. Olosega Island has no hotels.
What Is the Weather Like
American Samoa lies next to the equator, which means it has a tropical climate, hot and humid all year round. The summer season is from October to April; that is the wettest season, with more possibilities of tropical storms. The average temperature is around 30 ºC, and precipitation is up to 30 cm of monthly rain. The winter season, from May to September, is drier, with about 20 cm of rain per month. Average temperatures tend to be around 29 ºC. The driest and coolest month is September.
How to Get Around
You can rent a car to move independently or use a public bus called aiga. The problem with buses is the lack of schedule. If you stay in the Tradewinds Hotel, you can take a car from the hotel's rental. The typical speed limit is 32 km/h (20 mph) in and around settlements and 40 km/h (25 mph) outside them. The roads are paved but can be flooded after rainfalls, and some road stretches have potholes.
Where to Eat
Eating options are also limited; however, it is possible to recommend some spots with nice reviews. Tisa's Barefoot Bar, next to Two Dollar Beach, has food and views that are considered best on Tutuila; yet, it is quite small, so reservations should be made. The restaurant Sadie's by the Bay in Pago Pago has the broadest menu. The small bar/restaurant Flying Fox Gastropub has nice decorations, like neon lights and posters. Remember to take some cash, about $25 per person, as these eateries don't accept credit cards.
Conclusion
All in all, American Samoa is an incredible remote destination for wildlife lovers, diving or snorkelling enthusiasts, and those interested in Samoan culture and customs. Don't think too much about luxurious hotels and restaurants; forget the hectic sightseeing. Instead, sip in the sun, listen to the ocean waves, admire the lush vegetation, and get acquainted with the vibrant culture. Take your first tropical island journey to this small piece of the U.S. in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and may it be unforgettable.