tours in american samoa

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Last updated: February 13, 2024

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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.

Living on the road with kids

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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Maimoana: American Samoa

Tropical Islands, Culture, and the National Park of American Samoa

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Matais (Family Patriarchs)

Credit: NPS

Tutuila Coastline

Blunt Point

Night Sky over Ofu Island

Tropical Fish

Traditional Samoan performance

• Overview & Pricing

Trip Details

• Related Trips

Settled by seafaring explorers three thousand years ago, the Samoan archipelago is the cultural hub of the Polynesian wheel. American Samoa – the only U.S. Territory south of the equator – is a true off the beaten path paradise, with rugged volcanic mountains, dramatic shorelines, empty beaches, colorful coral reefs, warm azure waters, and dense tropical forests. On this explorer’s journey, you’ll visit three islands, Tutuila, Ta`ū, and Ofu, each containing sections of the National Park of American Samoa.

Arrive into Pago Pago, American Samoa’s territorial capital. From a waterfront hotel, we head out for a variety of adventures over the course of three days, traveling by boat to visit with locals on the 375-acre Aunu`u Island and hiking along the Blunts Point Trail to a scenic high point.

Our next stops are the islands of Ta`ū and Ofu. First, we’ll fly to Ta`ū, half of which is the protected National Park of American Samoa, exploring the island’s archaeological sites and beaches. Later, we travel by boat to Ofu Island, for three nights and days spent hiking, snorkeling, and getting to know their share of the national park, beautiful mountains, lagoons, beaches, and coral reefs.

We return to Tutuila by plane, with time to take in more of the island’s features –Fagasā Bay to Afona Bay, Mount Alava, Maunaloa Ridge, and coastline. We take a walking tour of the village of Fagatogo and visit the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center.

After a farewell dinner, we take the late-night flight to Honolulu.

Small Group Adventure

Departure Dates

8 days / 7 nights

Trip begins/ends

*Price per person based on double occupancy. Trip price includes all lodging, meals, ground transportation, guide services and activities as described in this itinerary.

Call Toll-Free 800-445-2995

Do you want to customize this trip.

We customize trips all the time! Email us today: [email protected] .

• Trip Highlights

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

• National Park of American Samoa: You'll visit three volcanic islands and walk the national park's beaches and rain forests, explore crystalline waters and coral reefs, and marvel at emerald-green mountains that rise from the sea.
• Maimoana American Samoa Culture: Through traditional dances, cultural performances, ceremonies and interactions with local Samoans, you'll learn about the "Samoan Way" and the history of the people whose ancestors traveled by sea from southwest Asia to the islands 3,000 years ago.
• Tropical Exploration: Opportunities abound for coastal beach walking, snorkeling, rainforest hiking, south-of-the-equator wildlife-watching and visits to island villages.
• The Essentials

Trip Type: Small Group Adventure

Territory: Oceania

Region: Pacific Islands

Trip Price: From $7,195

Single Supplement: $850

On-Trip Airfare: $550

Duration: 8 days/7 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Pago Pago, American Samoa / Pago Pago, American Samoa

Minimum Travelers: 8 travelers

Maximum Travelers: 11 travelers

Select Terms & Conditions

Pricing detailed for this Small Group Adventure is based upon double occupancy. Additional charges for single travelers and any on-trip airfare required for the trip apply. A booking deposit is required to reserve your space. Small Group Adventure pricing includes all lodging, meals (unless otherwise noted), activities, baggage handling, transportation, and guide service. Not included are travel costs to/from gateway cities, guide gratuities, and personal incidentals including, but not limited to, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, and laundry service. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions .

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

The Energy Index for this trip is “Nice & Active”, with “No Sweat” elements, at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,650 feet. Activities include hiking 1 to 3 miles per day (with elevation gain/loss not typically more than 300 feet), canoeing, optional snorkeling, and boat rides with choppy water at times.

• Make It Private

Make this trip all yours!

Most all of our Small Group Adventures can be made private to just your traveling troupe. Just give us a call at (800) 445-2995 and tell us that you would like to “make it private”!

Generally, there are two ways to make a small group adventure private. First, you could capture one of our published departure dates for just your group. In order to achieve this, we have to have sufficient space available to create a separate private trip. Second, we could take the details of this itinerary and fashion it for just your group on dates of your choosing. For this, too, we just need to review your interest, group size, and preferred timing in order to create the trip.

In all cases, the process begins with a phone call so give us a ring at (800) 445-2995 and after just a few minutes gathering information, we can set to the task of making your trip a reality!

Day 1: Tutuila

Arrive into Tutuila Island’s Pago Pago on the night flight and transfer to our hotel. Tutuila is the largest of the American Samoa Islands, which sit in the heart of the Polynesian triangle formed by Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand.

Day 2: Tutuila

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll start our day with a visit to the National Park of the American Samoa Visitor Center—then we’re off to explore. Stretching over the middle of the island from Fagasā Bay to Afona Bay, this area’s main features are Mount Alava and Maunaloa Ridge.

Day 3: Aunu'u National Landmark and Village

This morning begins with introductions and breakfast at the hotel, followed by a brief orientation from our guide on the journey ahead. Our first outing takes us by boat to Aunu`u Island off the southeastern shores of Tutuila. Lunch will be hosted at the home of a local family, after which we’ll watch traditional Samoan cultural, ceremonial, and dance performances. 

Day 4: Tutuila

After breakfast, those interested can attend a local church service, noted for the Samoan singing, skits, dances, and performances. After lunch, you will have the option to experience the panoramic view of Rainmaker Mountain and the World War II historic landmarks of Breakers and Blunts Point under your own manpower with experienced paddlers in an outrigger canoe. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5: Tutuila to Ta`ū, National Park of American Samoa Ta`ū then Ta`ū to Ofu

We fly to Ta`ū this morning, American Samoa’s second-largest island. After a picnic lunch, we’ll visit the sacred site of Saua on Ta`ū to explore the “littoral zone.” We’ll then get ready to board a boat to Ofu Island. Upon arrival, we will check in and have dinner at the lodge, where we will spend the next three nights. 

Day 6: Ofu, National Park of American Samoa

Our days are spent exploring Ofu’s claim to National Park of American Samoa, one highlight of which is a strip of land running along the southeastern side of the island, with stunning mountains, lagoons, beaches and coral reefs. There will be time to hike, snorkel and explore the park’s beach environment and marine life. After lunch at the lodge, we’ll head out to get to know more of Ofu’s wonders. 

Day 7: Ofu, National Park of American Samoa

Interested hikers hop into the back of a pickup truck and travel to an island trailhead, spending the morning on a guided hike. Others enjoy free time, relaxing at the lodge or exploring nearby. We’ll gather for lunch at the lodge, then return to the national park to swim, snorkel, and kick around at the beach. Our last night on Ofu features a traditional Samoan dinner. 

Day 8: Village of Fagatogo, Flights Home

We enjoy one last breakfast on Ofu Island, then board a flight to Tutuila. There, we’ll visit the National Park of the American Samoa Visitor Center, after which we’ll set out to explore the park. After lunch, we set out to explore on our own for the rest of the afternoon. Our farewell dinner is at the hotel this evening. After dinner we depart American Samoa on late-night flights to Honolulu. 

Sadie's by the Sea

Sadie’s By the Sea is one of two Sadie’s Hotels in Pago Pago. The hotel sits on the rim of Pago Pago Harbor offering excellent views of the harbor and the beach right out the door. Built in the 1960s, the hotel has been renovated over the years. You’ll find down home and friendly service from the staff. Guest accommodations are in 46 rooms, each with air conditioning, telephone, cable television, WiFi, refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, iron, and ironing board. The hotel has a swimming pool, day spa, restaurant, poolside café, and offers kayak and snorkel gear rental.  

Vaoto Lodge

Vaoto Lodge sits on the beautiful, unspoiled island of Ofu. The lodge was opened in the 1980s by Tito and Marge Malae, both of whom have now passed, but is still owned and operated by the Malae family.  The lodge is simple, with seven clean, comfortable rooms, each with a fan, private bath, and shower. There is a library, dining room, and outdoor patio. The lodge also offers easy access to the beach. Meals at the lodge are tasty and served family style.  While cell service doesn’t work at the lodge, a telephone is available, as is WiFi, though it is quite slow. The lodge accepts cash only and there are no ATM machines on the island.

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THIS IS PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA

Penina o le pasifika.

Welcome to “Penina o le Pasifika” (Pearl of the Pacific), home of friendly people and some of the most beautiful tropical scenery in the world .   There are many historic sites dating back to WWII and the landing of the Apollo Missions.  There is so much to see and do, you’ll wish you could stay longer.

We will show the beauty and everything you need to know to enjoy these islands. 

Our Information section has general information, descriptions of each island and a section on our National Park. 

Our Activities section has several suggested tours, a link to charter fishing services and our Explore section where you can use our great Google Earth map to find places you can explore.

We list all hotels with contact information and links to their websites where available.  We list many restaurants with contact information.

Please keep in mind that this is a new website and we do not claim to have every bit of information on all subjects.  We welcome your participation in helping us to improve the site with additional information and suggestions for new subject matter.

Where is Pago Pago?

The easy answer is:  right in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean and a long way from anywhere. 

The best answer to that question is about 2,575 miles south of Hawaii. It could also be said to be about 2,034 miles north, northeast of New Zealand. The most accurate answer is 14.30 degrees South, 170.70 degrees West. Learn more

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Pago Pago Tradewinds Tours - Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

We are the premier tour operator in American Samoa.  To ensure you make the most of your time while here, book with the best!

In addition to our standard tours, we can tailor a tour to meet your specific needs. We also can arrange for excursions to Independent Samoa!

Manu'a is awaiting your visit.  Manu'a is one of the most remote places in all of the United States and the birthplace of Polynesia.

Our team consists of tour guides who love our islands and want nothing more than for you to love our island too!  And more often than not you will be accompanied by our owners Mike & Paula!

Testimonial

​​"On behalf of NPCA, Andrew and the rest of the PII staff, I wanted to send you a HUGE THANK YOU for all of your coordination efforts to assist our group with...well...pretty much everything!!!  From food, to transportation to being our subject matter expert tour guide and everything in between, we thank you! You have done so much to assist and support us with the logistics in American Samoa. You allowed our participants to have an unforgettable and unique experience that not many others get." 

-Taylor Auyoung

Pacific Island Institute

email: [email protected]

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Fa‘a Samoa: The National Park of American Samoa

Talofa! Welcome to American Samoa and to the only U.S. National Park south of the equator. On this tour, you have the rare opportunity to visit all three of the islands where the National Park of American Samoa is located. You will be spending time with the community and learning about the customs of the islands, while also visiting paleotropic rainforests and seeing flora and fauna that are found in no other U.S. National Park. During this unforgettable NPCA small group tour, you’ll feel the warm welcome of Samoan culture as a guest in an immersive experience of community, culture and conservation.

Snorkeler in American Samoa

Download Detailed Trip Brochure (1 MB pdf) ›

Available Dates:

November 2-9, 2023 - SOLD OUT FOR 2023 (WAITLIST ONLY)

8 days/7 nights

Minimum/Maximum: 8 guests/10 guests

Why Travel with NPCA?

Our goal is to offer premium educational travel itineraries in the places we know best: America’s national parks.

Itinerary Highlights

• Travel with ease through one of the most remote national parks in the U.S. , getting a behind-the-scenes look from NPCA experts at the challenges facing the area
• Spend two full days on Ofu Island : hiking its mountains, exploring its wildlife and plants, snorkeling among the more than 950 species of fish and 250 types of coral and relaxing under a thick blanket of stars
• Paddle an outrigger canoe in the crystal-clear, tropical waters of Pago Pago Harbor with a local canoe club and enjoy panoramic views of Rainmaker Mountain and the historic World War II landmarks of Breakers and Blunts Points
• Embark with a local guide on an exclusive “insiders tour” of Aunu‘u Island, engaging with residents of the local villages and partaking in a traditional “ava” welcome ceremony
• Journey with expert guides through coastal areas and paths, secluded beaches, a littoral forest and archaeological sites on the island of Ta‘ū
• Immerse yourself in the oldest culture of Polynesia, the Samoan culture, with a local family who will prepare a traditional style “umu” lunch for you

Day 1: November 2 - Arrival Day Pago Pago, Tutuila : Arrive in the late evening in Pago Pago on the main island of Tutuila and your NPCA host and trip leader will meet you once you clear immigration and customs. When the group has gathered, transfer in private shuttles to your beachfront hotel, Sadie’s by the Sea, and check-in. Your NPCA host will provide an overview of their role and priorities in the region and the exciting sites you can expect to see throughout your carefully crafted NPCA small group adventure. Sadie’s by the Sea (D)

Day 2: November 3 - Pago Pago, Tutuila : Start your first full day in American Samoa with a group breakfast, introductions, and an orientation to the islands and to fa‘asamoa. The group will then head out together for the National Park of American Samoa (NPAS) Visitor Center , where we will get an overview of the park, which spans land and offshore areas on and around the islands of Tutuila, Ofu and Ta‘ū. A National Park Ranger will join the group as we head out to the Pago Pago section of the national park, which is located on the north side of Tutuila island between Fagasā Bay and Afono Bay and extends from Mt. Alava and the Maunaloa Ridge to the offshore reefs. A picnic lunch will be provided to enjoy during our outing. On the way to the park, we will pass the villages whose chiefs signed the 50-year leases. You may also catch the first glimpse of the large fruit bats, some of which have the wingspan of an owl. Following the visit to the national park, the group will enjoy a tour of the state-of the art Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center to learn about the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa , the largest and most remote of the U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries. Formed by extinct volcanoes, its habitats are host to a bewildering variety of tropical fish, invertebrates and algae. This extraordinary marine national monument has faced unprecedented threats to its vital protections – threats NPCA matched with immediate action ensuring the sanctuary’s natural and cultural resources remained under protection. As you will experience first-hand, its unparalleled beauty is a legacy NPCA remains vigilant in preserving. The group will walk back to the hotel from the Ocean Center to prepare for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Sadie’s by the Sea (B, L, D)

Tutuila Island, American Samoa

Day 3: November 4 - Aunu‘u Island : After enjoying breakfast, depart for your day excursion to Aunu‘u National Natural Landmark . Aunu‘u is a small volcanic island 1.2 miles southeast of Tutuila with a land area of 0.58 square miles and is home to Aunu‘u Village. We will head out to Aunu‘u in water taxis (small boats) with your local guide from Aunu‘u who will take you on a special “insider’s tour” to meet the residents of the village. Residents will share typical aspects of daily village life and Samoan practices and customs, including a traditional “ava” welcome ceremony. They will also share beautiful sites where you can spend some time swimming or snorkeling if you choose. Although the beauty of these sites is unmistakable, residents of the village may share their experiences with challenges from rising sea levels in the area – challenges NPCA is spearheading through innovative plans to help uplift communities most affected from these undue burdens. After swimming or snorkeling, a local style umu lunch will be served, prepared especially for the group by a local family. The “umu” is a traditional Samoan above-ground earthen oven in which food is cooked on heated stones. Samoans usually prepare food in the “umu” on special occasions and for special guests. After lunch we will depart on our return water taxi ride back to Tutuila. At the hotel, you can enjoy a bit of free time before gathering for dinner at the hotel restaurant. Sadie’s by the Sea (B, L, D)

Day 4: November 5 - Pago Pago, Tutuila : Sunday is a day of worship in Samoa. Your morning schedule is free, and you may choose to attend one of the many church services in town. Christian missionaries were very successful throughout Polynesia, and church is a very important part of today’s Samoan culture. Attending church is an interesting cultural experience and an excellent opportunity to also hear wonderful Samoan singing. Services are available in Samoan and English and last approximately an hour. Enjoy lunch in the hotel restaurant, then join your trip leader to head out for a canoe excursion. Paddle an outrigger canoe in Pago Pago Harbor near the hotel with a local canoe club and enjoy panoramic views of Rainmaker Mountain and the historic World War II landmarks of Breakers and Blunts Points under your own power. The group will have dinner together at the hotel, and your trip leader will go over instructions for the three-day visit to the Manu‘a districts of the national park. The islands of Ta‘ū and Ofu are extremely remote with limited modern services. Due to the weight restrictions on the small aircraft for the flight, you will need to pack everything you will need in carry-on sized luggage. The remainder of your luggage will be kept at the hotel in Pago Pago. Sadie’s by the Sea (B, L, D)

Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa

Day 5: November 6 - Ta‘ū – Ofu, Manu‘a Islands : We will be departing the hotel early this morning to catch the flight to our first stop - Ta‘ū, the largest of the Manu‘a Islands . We will provide a boxed breakfast for you. Historically the island of Ta‘ū enjoys high status, not only because its size and beauty, but also because of its connection to Tu‘i Manu‘a, the oldest chiefly title in the Samoan Islands and in all of Polynesia. The national park covers the southeastern half of the island, which makes Ta‘ū’s portion the largest area (approximately 5,400 acres, of which 1,000 acres is offshore) of the national park. We will be exploring coastal areas and paths which are often overgrown. An “explorer’s spirit” will be rewarded with access to secluded beaches, a littoral forest and archaeological sites. While you delight in the deeply significant histories and culture on the remarkable journey through Ta‘ū, we’ll delve deeper into NPCA’s efforts to ensure national parks thrive for the next 100 years, a goal that prioritizes the protection of cultural sites and artifacts. Local residents will prepare a delicious lunch for us before we depart on a 2-hour boat ride to Ofu. Upon our arrival on Ofu, the group will transfer to the Vaoto Lodge, located in the national park and check-in. There will be some time to explore the area and the sandy beach in front of the lodge before joining the group for dinner. Vaoto Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6 and 7: November 7-8 - Ofu, Manu‘a Islands : We will be spending two days on Ofu Island . We’ll hike its mountains, explore its wildlife and plants, swim and snorkel in a pristine sea, get to know the beautiful coral reefs and enjoy American Samoa’s loveliest beach all within the national park. As there are less than 200 residents on this island, it is truly a “private paradise.” As you enjoy the treasures of the park, you’ll get a behind the scenes look at how NPCA and thousands of park advocates helped secure permanent funding for our world-class national parks through the Great American Outdoors Act. In the evening, Ofu is a perfect spot for stargazing and viewing the Southern Cross and falling stars in the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere. All meals will be prepared by the owner and served at the lodge. Vaoto Lodge (B, L, D)

Coral in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

Day 8: November 9 - Departure Day - Return to Pago Pago, Tutuila : Today, we will enjoy our last breakfast at Vaoto Lodge and check out. We will walk over to the Ofu airport, just a few steps away from the lodge and check-in for our flight back to Pago Pago. We will arrive in Pago Pago in time to drop off our luggage at Sadie’s by the Sea before continuing on to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will take a historic walking tour of Fagatogo with a local guide. The village of Fagatogo has been the center of American Samoa since serving as the administrative headquarters of the U.S. Naval base Pago Pago from 1900 to 1951. It was for many decades the most westernized village in the Territory, and the only village with a paved road. Today, only 14 Naval buildings remain, and in 1988 many of them were entered onto the National Register of Historic Places to become part of the U.S. Naval Sation Tutuila Historic District (in Pago Pago Harbor). During the tour, we’ll learn why expanding protections for historic sites is a high priority for NPCA. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town on your own or enjoy the beach in front of the hotel or squeeze in a late hike. Check-out of your room in the evening before joining the group for a farewell dinner at the hotel. After dinner, we will transfer to Pago Pago Airport by private shuttle to catch the flight to Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Day use rooms at Sadie’s by the Sea (B, L, D)

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and park closures related to COVID-19.

NPCA TRAVEL ELIGIBILITY : NPCA is the only independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of the National Park System. Over 70% of our funding comes from donations from individuals like you. NPCA trips are an exclusive NPCA member benefit. One traveler per group must be an NPCA member to participate in an NPCA trip. An annual membership starts at $15 per person. Please make dues payable to NPCA by check or credit card at npca.org.

TRAVEL SAFE WITH NPCA : Your safety is our top priority. NPCA has worked diligently with each of our travel partners to develop important safety measures for all our trips. As guidelines and protocols evolve, we are committed to creating flexible options for those interested in rescheduling or booking new travel. For more information, check out our COVID-19 Travel Update .

MORE INFORMATION : For full details on this trip, including inclusions, exclusions, accommodations, terms and safety protocols, please download the detailed trip brochure.

MAKING RESERVATIONS : To secure your space on this NPCA trip, please contact our Educational Travel Program team at 1.800.628.7275 or email the Travel Program at [email protected] .

TRAVEL PROTECTION : We strongly recommend purchasing important optional travel insurance that will cover you for a variety of travel-related contingencies, such as trip cancellation, interruption, and/or delay; baggage loss, theft, damage or delay; accident and/or sickness medical expenses; accidental death; as well as evacuation/repatriation coverage. Please note that a Pre-Existing Condition waiver is available if you purchase the policy within 21 days of making your initial trip payment. Also consider the optional “Cancel for any Reason” protection. All questions regarding the plan’s coverage should be directed to Travel Insurance Select through USI Affinity at 1-800-937-1387 or by visiting their website .

Check out NPCA’s full tour lineup at www.npca.org/trips

• Cost: $5,400 per person double occupancy; $540 single supplement
• Park: National Park of American Samoa
• NPCA Region: Pacific

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This month marks the 25th anniversary of North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras Lighthouse being moved inland from the encroaching ocean. The iconic beacon is now undergoing a major renovation to restore…

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The Ultimate American Samoa How-To Visit the National Park Guide

Updated: Jul 12, 2023

My most-watched video on Facebook, with 341,000 views and counting.

Halfway between Hawai’i and New Zealand rests the only U.S. National Park Service site south of the equator.

A tropical forest, a beach where you’ll be the only person you see, and a culture than spans five inhabited islands are what make a visit to the National Park of American Samoa unique. My 9 days on the islands were made possible by the Visitor Bureau and my helpful guides Mike and Paula of TourAmericanSamoa.com , who provided information I’ve never found on the internet—until this blog post.

For all my favorite American Samoa photos, visit my Instagram

Because the logistics of accessing this park are one of the biggest struggles for most travelers, I’m going to describe the intricacies of visiting American Samoa while I take you through my 9 days on the islands. I include the expert guidance of the above locals, then outline your options-- and my suggestions --for how to visit.

If you want to talk through a personalized visit plan with a fellow palagi (foreigner—pronounced phonetically “PA-LAH-NG-EE”) to help determine your travels to the National Park of American Samoa, Contact Me here .

But first: The park layout:

- The official park land is spread over 3 islands, Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta’u. 2 other islands, ‘Aunu’u and Olosega, while not technical “park land” according to a map, serve to aid the park’s mission of sharing “Fa’asamoa”: the Samoan culture.

- Of the 3 islands, Ofu* is by far the experience most visitors see online. It’s the most iconic photo, it’s the best snorkeling, and it’s the most in line with what mainlanders imagine when they think of visiting a beach-paradise South Pacific.

However, most visitors never make it there.

Only a few hundred each year (find out why below). Tutuila is the “big island” and is the one where most visitors experience the park.

*Visiting Ofu is a challenge, but one you should consider as you read below and determine if/how you want to experience the National Park of American Samoa. Find out how to reach it below my itinerary, under VISITING OFU .

Day 1 - Monday

Local guides Paula and Mike from TourAmericanSamoa.com picked me up outside the PPG airport, but my checked bag hadn’t arrived (my first encounter with “Island Time”). For weight issues, Samoa Airways will hold a bag until later planes, so mine didn’t arrive till a flight 4 hours later (Samoa Airways was rebranded from Polynesian Airlines in 2017, but still operating as “Polynesian Airlines” when I visited in 2018).

We drove to the far western road of Tutuila island to see some of American Samoa’s 7 National Landmarks. Though not an official Landmark, a highlight was viewing Fatu ma Futi (photo above), the giant rock standing seemingly out in the middle of the sea, and stopping at a road side stand to eat/drink my first coconut (of which there’d be many).

I settled in at Sadie’s by the Sea, a hotel in Pago Pago with its own small beach and pool, air-conditioning (not common in most buildings) and WiFi (though not like mainlanders know internet. It would take 30 seconds to view an Instagram photo, so very slow. If you’re planning on relaxing by the pool watching Netflix, this is not your country/territory! US cell phones do not work here without a Samoan sim card).

Day 2 - Tuesday

A stop at the NPS Visitor Center where I learned all the park’s trails were closed due to Hurricane Gita which had struck the island a week earlier (February is during the rainy season, May/June/July is their dry season).

Because I am a Volunteer In Parks for the NPS, I was able to tag along to help inspect the trails and make sure Closed Trail signs were up. However, general visitors were told trails were officially closed.

There were no Rangers blocking the trails, and indeed, a group of 10 hiked the entire Mount Alava Trail (7 miles) on the previous day. Near Vatia, one of two villages in the park, the Pola Trail that I helped inspect was passable, but required a decent amount of climbing over many branches of large fallen trees and veering off path.

Fortunately, there are no poisonous plants, or venomous spiders and snakes in American Samoa, so hiking off trail felt less dangerous.

You might be lucky enough to be in town during a cultural performance, or perhaps you’ll stumble upon the original superintendent of the park (when it started in the 1980’s), as I did while visiting Pullman National Monument in Chicago. Because of this stroke of good fortune, 18 months later I told an NPS employee “Hello” from this former Superintendent and was treated to a dance performance by the NPS local maintenance crew.

After being taught one of their dances, I shared a similar one from my college days in Memphis (My "most popular video ever" at the top of this blog via YouTube embed, or click here for Facebook Watch video link ).

Day 3 - Wednesday

Since the main activity in the park on Tutuila (the big/main island with Pago Pago) is hiking, and official trails were closed, that would leave most visitors with either the option of exploring the other islands or the small beaches around town.

As an alternate, I was fortunate to don my Volunteer credentials again (earned mostly due to my visiting all 417 sites project —so don’t plan on walking in to “volunteer” if there’s a hurricane) and witness the NPS surveying the underwater coral damage from Hurricane Gita.

Our boat left from Fagasa, the village on the west side of the park and traced the entire coastline of Tutuila’s park unit, returning around the east side of the island to Pago Pago. Large swaths of downed trees and leafless sections of forest were evidence of the extreme winds and mudslides, and broken coral pieces showed the toll the violent storm took on underwater life.

Ending the day at Tisa’s Barefoot Bar, I took part in a popular tourist experience by eating from the traditional Samoan Umu that families still enjoy as part of relaxing Sundays at home. Watch restaurant owner, Tisa, explain the Umu below.

Shout out to the class of PA students on rotation at the Pago Pago hospital who let me hang out with them at dinner and took me for a “Picture with Charlie!”, the Starkist Tuna at the Starkist cannery.

Day 4 - Thursday

A drive to the easternmost portion of Tutuila allowed for a 15-20 minute boat ride to the National Landmark island of ‘Aunu’u. There I was greeted by longtime resident, Peter, who with his assistant, Mike, took me through husking, cracking, drinking, shaving, and creaming a coconut, followed by an example of creating a basket from a palm frond (those suckers are tough!).

We took that basket on a hike to view the giant crater in the middle of the island, and I heard the local legend of the two rocks/eternal lovers keeping guard of the crater’s overflowing waters. From there, we hacked our way through hurricane damaged trails to view the island’s famous tarot-root fields and then my personal favorite:

We went tilapia hunting!

Using the dull end of a machete, I watched the masters Mike and Peter, then joined-in myself to catch native island food in a traditional way: whacking the suckers to death.

Barring any moral qualms, this was one of the most fun things I did on ‘Aunu’u and the entirety of American Samoa. Watch the video to see Mikah the Tilapia Slayer , and ask Mike and Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com to connect you with Peter if you’d like a day on ‘Aunu’u as well.

Day 5 - Friday

Up at 5:30am to catch an 8:00am flight to Ta’u, I arrived at the airport to find out the flight was already delayed 2 hours and Samoa Airways had “called everyone the night before,” though my tour operator got no call…

I landed in Ta’u and was greeted by Keith Ahsoon, a former University of Hawaii football player and local resident turned tour guide. The weather that day was so rainy that the beaches were not worthwhile, and the road into the Park land had been washed out by the hurricane. This meant that the park’s one hiking trail was inaccessible. The remaining day was spent observing local fishing customs, snorkeling at the pier, visiting a church Siva (dance), and talking with Keith about Fa’asamoa. I also stayed in his air-conditioned guest room, ala AirBnB, and meals were cooked by Keith in his home.

Day 6 – Saturday

Early morning boat ride from Ta’u to Ofu. I’ve never been seasick, but this $150, 1.5-hour boat ride is not for the faint of stomach. Was I prone to motion sickness, I would not have enjoyed this open-sea passage. However, that deep sea travel allowed me to witness a local fish catch which was amazing to these palagi eyes.

Ofu and the attached-by-bridge Olosega were the two most beautiful islands of the 5 I visited in Americans Samoa (all the inhabited ones). They make up the panoramic photo at the top of the park’s brochure, and Ofu’s beach is the one you’ll likely see plastered over any enticing advertisement. Riding the boat provided a stellar view of each.

Landing at Ofu, I was greeted by Ranger Brian, his wife, and their dog. The remoteness of Ofu and the extremely small number of people on the island provided one of the most intimate Ranger tours of my entire national parks journey. I was the only visitor to the island during my two days, which meant I was the only person on the entirety of this stunning, picturesque beach, with the exception of when Brian and Rebecca joined me to snorkel (once each day). The charming couple of Deb and Ben, who run the Vaoto Lodge , said they only have approx. 300 visitors per year.

So if you want a pristinely beautiful beach where you could (hypothetically) run around naked shouting obscenities and not be within ear/eyeshot to offend anyone:

OFU is THE place.

Seriously, whether snorkeling or strolling the beach, this is the type of place you can go if you want to escape to your own private beach for some solitude, or would make an incredible spot for a time away with a lover/proposal/anniversary.

I cannot express highly enough this being the “pearl” of the National Park of American Samoa, and an experience 20x better than you’d have on any other of the islands. If you’re going to spend $2,000 to get to Pago Pago, it’d be hard to not ante up for the $500 or so to experience Ofu.

That being said, Ofu is not the type of place to go if you’re looking for a “resort experience.” The meals are cooked by Deb and Ben, the duplex style rooms do not have air conditioning, and there’s no cultural shows or shopping to make you “feel” like you’re experiencing the culture. But the truth is, you’ll experience it in the interesting chats with Ranger Brian about living in such remoteness. You’ll appreciate it while sitting with Deb and Ben for their nightly viewing of the sunset (sitting on the airport runway which is literally in the front yard of the lodge, and steps from the beach). And you’ll for a moment not care about the humidity as you look up at a dusk-lit mountain and realize you truly are in a Robinson Crusoe paradise.

PS – Contact Me if you end up going and doing the proposal, lovers’ getaway, or skinny-dipping experiences above! I want to hear if this blog inspired you 😊

Day 7 – Sunday

Officially, all the trails on Ofu and Olosega are closed, as are all the beaches, because Sunday is meant to be a day of rest. However, because Ofu beach is federal, visitors are allowed to recreate there, and provides even greater security for your private beach experience.

I spent lunchtime with a local family, eating the food from their cooked Umu, and learning more about the lives of American Samoans, particularly how they contrast between those on the mainland and those on the islands (Hint: the outlying islanders think Pago Pago is too fast moving/too big of a city. While I could barely handle the slow pace of life and constant delays of Pago Pago).

Followed by some more snorkeling with Ranger Brian, I rode the Lodge bike to get a sunset view of the famous Ofu beach photo I’d seen everywhere.

Pro Tip: If you want “golden hour” photos of this mini-mountain, arrive 3-3.5 hours before actual sunset. The sun goes behind the larger, western mountain at that time, so your remaining photos will have you on the beach in the shade, and the mountain lit by sun, or shady as well. To determine this, it took me two days of failed golden hour attempts (the first day at 6pm for a 6:30pm official sunset, the second at 4:15pm for a 6:30pm official sunset).

Day 8 – Monday

I caught a very early, very choppy boat back to Ta’u (another $150—cash, you basically have to pay with cash everywhere, but it’s USD which is helpful to American travelers) to arrive in time for a 9:45am flight to Pago Pago…which was delayed 2 hours…

I returned to Pago and attempted to hike the Mount Alava trail, however, it had rained heavily that day, and my KEEN shoes were too slippery to tackle the trail which was very muddy due to the earlier rain. My feet were sliding everywhere and made hiking miserable.

If you want to hike the Mount Alava trail, do so on a dry day, and defy your beach/island-life urges and wear shoes with socks!

Day 9 – Tuesday/Wednesday (yes, really)

8:30am flight from Pago Pago to Samoa (FGI), ***which is a day ahead American Samoa, despite the 1-hour plane ride, followed by a taxi ride and 7 hours of airport waiting (my buffer time in case the Samoa Airways flight was cancelled/delayed) for my flight out of Samoa.

Sharing my week on local Pago Pago radio station 93 KHJ

VISITING OFU

DISCLAIMER: At the time of visiting American Samoa (February 2018), the flights were operated by Polynesian Airlines, even through Samoa Airways had purchased Polynesian Airlines in 2017. At the time of posting this blog, however, Samoa Airways does not advertise flights to Ofu or Ta’u. Manu’a Airways is allegedly beginning service in “Late 2018.” My best advice is to book your local Samoa flights/boats through local travel agency: TourAmericanSamoa.com - ask for Mike or Paula. This blog will be updated as I receive information from the American Samoa Visitor Bureau.

Arguably the best section of the National Park of American Samoa is Ofu Island. However, getting there is a complicated task. There’s only 1 flight per week, on Samoa Airways from PPG (Pago Pago), meaning you either spend 15 minutes on land between the round-trip flight (15 minutes is not worth your time, and the stamp on Ofu Island is also not worth the money. You can get a stamp at the Tutuila Visitor Center), or you have to stay 1 week, or you will need to take a boat to Ta’u Island (1.5 hour and $150 cash boat ride away) for one of their weekday morning flights.

*Flights to/from Ta'u only operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Below are three itinerary options that allow you to reach Ofu.

A reminder that Samoa Airways sometimes cancels these flights and that both my flight to/from Ta’u were delayed 2 hours, meaning you are at risk of missing your connecting flight if you don’t have a buffer day or more. There is chatter of new flights being added, so check with Mike and Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com before booking.

Option 1. One week - First to Ofu

Monday – Land in PPG via Hawaiian Airlines or Samoa Airways. Tuesday – Morning Flight to Ta’u. Overnight in Ta’u, or boat directly to Ofu (book $150 one-way boat with either Deb at the Vaoto Lodge—the main hotel on Ofu, or Mike/Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com ). Wednesday – Boat to Ofu if having spent night on Ta’u, or 2nd day in Ofu if boating from Ta’u the day earlier. Thursday – Morning flight from Ofu to Pago Pago Friday – Tutuila or fly out on Hawaiian/Samoa Airways Saturday – Tutuila or fly out on Samoa Airways Sunday – Tutuila or fly out on Samoa Airways if they’re offering Sunday flights Monday – Fly out on Hawaiian

Option 2. One week - Last to Ofu (more time on Ofu, but slightly riskier)

Monday – Land in PPG via Hawaiian Airlines or Samoa Airways. Tuesday – Tutuila Wednesday – Tutuila Thursday – Morning flight to Ofu. Stay at Vaoto Lodge. Friday – Ofu Saturday – Ofu Sunday – Ofu – Sunday is a Day of Rest for all American Samoa islands, but will make your private beach even more private. Monday – Boat to Ta’u at 6:30am for 9:45am flight to PPG (but big risk if you fly out of Pago that night and the flight gets cancelled--see below for solution. Your boat to Ta'u--book through Deb at Voato Lodge or Mike and Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com--isn't a commerical operator, but more like locals "out for a day fishing"). Fly out on Hawaiian that night or to FGI if there’s a late enough Samoa Airlines flight, OR stay till the next stay and fly to Samoa, OR stay until Friday on Tutuila for the Hawaiian Airlines flight.

Option 3. Trip longer than 1 week

Mix and match the above flights/boats for a custom schedule of your own. Contact Me for help creating it based on your individual desires.

PARK TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

Getting to American Samoa (fly or boat):

Flying to American Samoa: Two options

1. Direct flight from Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines has a monopoly on flights to Pago Pago (PPG) pronounced PAH-NG-O, PAH-NG-O. This means that round trip from Honolulu (HNL) will be about $1,000 USD, and from the U.S. mainland upwards of $2,000 USD. And they only fly on Mondays and Fridays, meaning your scheduling is limited.

2. Samoa Airways flight from Fagalii Airport in Western/Independent Samoa

Samoa Airways flies 15-seat Twin Otter airplanes for $50-$100 one-way from FGI (Samoa) to PPG. A warning that Samoa Airways is not your normal commercial airline. You don’t go through an X-ray security scan to enter the plane, you don’t have to put your liquids into 3 oz. bottles, and the planes aren’t pressurized, so bring earplugs or noise cancelling headphones (a slight benefit of the plane ride is that it is a brief respite from the heat/humidity of the islands).

None of the 4 flights I took on Samoa Airways left on time. 2 of the flights (from PPG to FTI, the Manu’a Islands) were delayed more than 2 hours. This is because Samoa Airways only operates with 4 planes, so if one is out for maintenance, they delay or cancel flights (fortunately, none of mine were cancelled).

The airline does do the job of getting you from Point A to B. If you are traveling on a time sensitive schedule, with children, or don’t enjoy waiting hours in non-airconditioned/indoor airports, then keep that in mind when deciding.

My itinerary to Pago Pago: (all prices USD unless noted, and all flight prices include one checked bag up to 23 kg/50 pounds)

I booked my February 2018 trip 5 months in advance. At that time, roundtrip flights to PPG from one of the cheapest U.S. mainland cities reaching American Samoa, Phoenix (PHX), on Hawaiian Airlines were $1,800. However, for the same price I was able to add some other destinations in the South Pacific along with stops to visit Hawaii’s 8 parks.

Essentially your choice is 1. Fly convenient, expensive, and only to American Samoa. 2. Fly less convenient, greater competition for price, and allow freedom to visit other places in the region.

I chose the latter.

1. PHX to Auckland, New Zealand (AUK) - $608 on Hawaiian Airlines (I was not impressed with Hawaiian Airlines).

2. AUK to Apia, Samoa (APW) - $220. At the time of booking, Virgin Airlines was advertising the same flight for $190, but they were awaiting governmental approval, so I booked with Air New Zealand (which was better than Hawaiian, but not as good as U.S.-based airlines like Delta, American, Southwest).

3. FGI to PPG - $50 on Samoa Airways (+ $40 for local lodging/transport). Because of flight schedules, I had to do an overnight in Samoa after my flight to Apia (APW). My hostel in Apia city was $30 and the Samoa Scenic shuttle from APW to my hostel was $10, but you must have 25 Western Samoa Tala (WST) cash to pay the driver, not USD, NZD, or AUD. There is a change booth outside APW airport. A taxi to the city would be 70 – 80 WST.

Also note, if you take this route, Apia is on the other side of the international date line. For example, I flew out of FGI (Samoa) at 12:30pm on Tuesday Feb. 20, and landed in PPG (American Samoa) at 12:05pm Monday Feb. 19.

4. PPG to FGI - $50 (+$35 for taxi). Samoa Scenic doesn’t do departing trips from FGI, so you have to hire a taxi, which should be 70 – 80 Tala.

The international dateline applies again, only the opposite as going TO American Samoa. I left PPG (American Samoa) on Feb. 27th at 8:30am and landed at FGI (Samoa) at 10am Feb. 28th (according to the schedule, but we were delayed 2 hours as seemed to be Samoa Airways standard).

My flight out of Samoa was a 30-45 minute taxi ride back to APW airport, and I had a 7-hour wait/buffer time before my flight out that evening.

5. APW to Sydney (SYD) - $350.

6. SYD to HNL - $325

7. HNL to PHX - $250

Total Price for flights, taxis, and hotels associated with crafting that itinerary: $1,928 USD.

So very close to flying direct PHX-PPG-PHX, but it included visits to New Zealand, Australia, (Western) Samoa, and American Samoa.

If wanting to build in a Hawaii visit en route, you could likely get fares for under $1,000 roundtrip from the U.S. Mainland to Honolulu, then take the $1,000 RT Hawaiian flight to American Samoa. This would work well if wanting to visit the 8 NPS sites spread over four Hawaiian islands, or visit Hawaii in general.

Boating to American Samoa: Two ways

Many visitors to the park do so on a day’s excursion from a cruise ship. While you will only be able to access the hikes and Visitor Center on Tutuila, you can technically visit the park land either on your own via taxi, or with a tour group like those Mike and Paula run through TourAmericanSamoa.com . Tutuila has very little when it comes to beaches you might imagine in the South Pacific, but if you're doing a long commerical cruise of the region, you'll likely get that other places.

The Samoa Shipping Corporation operates one weekly ship between Apia and Pago Pago on Thursdays. (Leaving Apia on Thursdays at 12am--aka Wednesday night--arriving in Pago Pago at 8am. And leaving Pago Pago that same day at 4pm to arrive at Apia at 12am Friday--aka Thursday night). Fares are $65 one-way for adults, $40 for children 2-12, and $20 for infants 1 and under.

Appreciate the insider tips on visiting American Samoa? This blog, and the experiences that provide its content, run entirely off your donations. To keep this information free and available to all, Donate to this website's operating expenses.

Contact Me if you want to talk through a personalized visit plan to the National Park of American Samoa with the assistance of a fellow palagi .

The author, Mikah Meyer , captures photos of Fatu ma Futi

#AmericanSamoa #Ofu #Tau #PagoPago #Tutuila #NationalParkofAmericanSamoa #UltimateGuide #HowTo #HowToVisit #SouthPacific #SamoaAirways #HawaiianAirlines

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American Samoa

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Planning a Trip in American Samoa

Visitor Information

The American Samoa Office of Tourism, P.O. Box 1147, Pago Pago, AS 96799 (tel. 699-9411; fax 699-9414; www.amsamoatourism.com), has offices inconveniently located in Tafuna, near the airport. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. The brochure of the National Park of American Samoa contains the best map of the territory .

The Delegate from American Samoa to the U.S. Congress (Eni Faleomavaega) also dispenses some tourist information. His address is: U.S. House of Representatives, 2422 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515 (tel. 202/225-8577; www.house.gov/faleomavaega/index.shtml).

Entry Requirements

Except for Samoans, New Zealanders, and a few others, entry permits are not required for stays of up to 30 days. American citizens and nationals need valid passports or certified birth certificates (forget the birth certificate, you will need your passport to go home). Everyone else needs a valid passport and a ticket for onward passage. Women more than 6 months pregnant are not allowed entry.

Immunizations are not required.

Climate -- "It did not pour, it flowed," wrote W. Somerset Maugham in his 1921 short story "Rain," the famous tale of prostitute Sadie Thompson, who seduces a puritanical missionary while stranded in American Samoa. This description, however, applies mainly to Pago Pago, which, because of its location behind appropriately named Rainmaker Mountain, gets an average of over 500cm (197 in.) of rain a year. The rest of American Samoa enjoys a typically tropical climate, with lots of very intense sunshine even during the wet season from December to April. Average daily high temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the drier, somewhat cooler months of June through September to 86°F (30°C) from December to April, when midday can be hot and sticky. Evenings are usually in the 70s (20s Celsius) all year round.

Holidays & Events -- The biggest celebration is on April 17, when American Samoa Flag Day commemorates the raising of the Stars and Stripes over Tutuila in 1900. The second Sunday in October is observed as White Sunday; children attend church dressed in white and are later honored at family feasts.

Public holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Mon in Jan), President's Day (third Mon in Feb), Good Friday, American Samoa Flag Day (Apr 17), Memorial Day (last Mon in May), the Fourth of July, Labor Day (first Mon in Sept), Columbus Day (second Mon in Oct), Veteran's Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving (fourth Thurs of Nov), and Christmas Day.

United States currency is used in American Samoa. Samoan tala are not accepted, nor can they be exchanged here.

How to Get Local Currency -- The Bank of Hawaii and the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank, both in Fagatogo, are open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Both have ATMs at their main offices, and ANZ has one in Pago Plaza, the shopping center at the head of the harbor.

Credit Cards -- American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club are accepted by the hotels, car-rental firms, and airlines. Otherwise, it's best to carry cash to cover your anticipated expenses. No one here accepts Discover.

Getting There

From Samoa -- Polynesian Airlines (tel. 800/644-7659 in the U.S., 22-737 in Apia, or 633-4331 in Pago Pago; www.polynesianairlines.com), Inter Island Airways (tel. 42-580 in Samoa, 699-7100 in American Samoa), and South Pacific Express (tel. 28-901 in Apia, 699-9900 in American Samoa) fly between Faleolo Airport in Samoa and Pago Pago several times a day. I always fly on Polynesian because it is a licensed scheduled carrier while the others are charter airlines. Round-trip fares are about S$310 (US$124/£62) if purchased in Apia, US$155 to US$165 (£78-£83 plus taxes if bought in American Samoa.

For the adventurous, a relatively modern ferry, the Lady Naomi, makes the 8-hour voyage between Pago Pago and Apia at least once a week, usually leaving the main wharf in Apia at 11pm on Wednesday and departing Pago Pago's marine terminal at 4pm on Thursday for the return voyage. Tickets should be bought at least a day ahead. One-way fares from Pago Pago to Apia are US$60 (£30) for a seat, US$75 (£38) for a cabin. The Lady Naomi is operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation, whose ticket office is on Beach Road, opposite the main wharf in Apia (tel. 20-935; www.samoashipping.com). The American Samoa agent is Polynesia Shipping Services (tel. 633-1211 ). Because the trade winds prevail from the southeast, the trip going west with the wind toward Apia is usually smoother.

From Other Countries -- The only international carrier serving American Samoa is Hawaiian Airlines, which flies from several U.S. West Coast cities to Pago Pago, with a change of planes at Honolulu. Otherwise, you can fly to Faleolo Airport in Samoa on Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, or Polynesian Blue, and then connect to Pago Pago.

Arriving & Departing -- Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) is near the village of Tafuna, about 11km (6 3/4 miles) west of Pago Pago. Taxi fare is about US$15 (£7.50) from the airport to Pago Pago harbor. The "Tafuna" local buses stop at the airport terminal on their way into Pago Pago. Bus fare is US75¢ (38p).

Departure taxes are included in the ticket price.

Seeing American Samoa as a Day Trip from Apia -- You can see American Samoa as a 1-day side trip from independent Samoa. The easiest way is to buy a package from Oceania Travel & Tours, at the Kitano Tusitala Hotel in Apia (tel. 24-443; fax 22-255). The US$350 (£175) per-person fee includes round-trip airfare, a guided tour of Tutuila island, and lunch. Oceania's American Samoa office is above the main post office in Pago Pago (tel. 633-1172 ).

To do it yourself, reserve a rental car in Pago Pago at least a day in advance (there is too much to see to rely on the bus system or even a taxi). Then fly early in the morning from Faleolo airport to Pago Pago. Go to the airline's office and reconfirm your afternoon return flight, then pick up your car. Drive into Pago Pago and take a stroll. Drive to the eastern end of the island, then backtrack to Pago Pago and have lunch. If you have time, drive out to the western end. Catch the last flight back to Apia.

Getting Around

Inter Island Airways (tel. 42-580 in Samoa, 699-7100 in American Samoa; www.interislandair.com), the local carrier, flies to the Manu'a Islands, but don't count on it. The territory always has trouble keeping a domestic airline flying.

By Rental Car -- The only international car-rental firm in American Samoa is Avis (tel. 800/331-1212 or 699-2746; www.avis.com), which rents air-conditioned models for US$70 to US$110 (£35-£55) per day, including unlimited mileage, plus an optional US$13 (£6.50) for insurance. Less reliable local firms include Sir Amos (tel. 699-4554 ), Friendly (tel. 699-7186 ), and Dollar Rental Car (tel. 633-7716; [email protected]). The latter is not affiliated with the international rental company of the same name.

Driving Rules -- Your valid home driver's license will be honored in American Samoa. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and traffic signs are the same as those used in the United States. The speed limit is 15 mph in the built-up areas and 25 mph on the open road.

By Bus -- Gaily-painted aiga buses prowl the roads from early morning until sunset every day except Sunday. Basically they run from the villages to the market in Pago Pago and back, picking up anyone who waves along the way. Some buses leave the market and run to Fagasa on the north coast or to the east end of the island; others go from the market to the west. None goes from one end of the island to the other, so you'll have to change at the market in order to do a stem-to-stern tour of Tutuila. Most drivers are helpful, so just ask how far they go in each direction. Fares are between US75¢ and US$2 (£38p/£1) per ride.

By Taxi -- There are taxi stands at the airport (tel. 699-1179 ) and at the Pago Pago market (no phone). None of the taxis have meters, so be sure to negotiate the fare before driving off. The fares should be about US$1 (50p) per mile.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Buffalo Lighthouse tours resume

The iconic Buffalo Lighthouse just reopened for tours after undergoing some repairs to the area around it.

Lighthouse tours have started again after COVID and storm damage forced them to be cancelled for three of the last four years.

On Thursday, 2 On Your Side got to take the tour and learn about some of the history of this iconic lighthouse. Our tour guide for the afternoon was Mike Vogel, the President of the Buffalo Lighthouse Association.

"It's a total panoramic view of the waterfront. There's a view back to the city that is just dynamite," said Mike Vogel.

Once inside, we started up the 50 stone steps to the top.

"What's it like when you bring people out here, who maybe they haven't been out here before, or they haven't been out here in a long time?" asked Kelly Dudzik.

"It's fun. It's just fun dealing with people that come here to see the lighthouse. Especially like dealing with the people who live in this area because this is so iconic for them. This is their lighthouse. A symbol of the city," said Mike Vogel.

But for three of the last four years, tours were out of the question. There wasn't enough room for social distancing during COVID. The November 2020 storm tore up the walkway forcing the 2021 season to be cancelled. They opened in 2022, then the Christmas blizzard caused 30-foot waves that ripped up a whole section of the walkway again. But the lighthouse remained strong.

"We're on the city steel. This tower was built in 1832 and 1833. First light was 1833. That was not long after the War of 1812 and the destruction of Buffalo. This is the oldest building in the city still standing in its original location, " said Vogel.

And still, there's more work to be done.

"We'd love to have a season sponsor. That would help us keep the site open. We have a nominal admission fee, but even that bothers us. We would love to be open as often as we can. We need volunteers to keep the site open more often than we can have it open now. We're just doing weekends," said Vogel.

Vogel says so far, people have visited from 45 countries, every state, and every territory except American Samoa.

"I had a group come in from Luxemburg and then some people showed up, they came from the Republic of San Marino, which is this tiny micro-state locked within Italy, so we get people from all over and you get to talk to them. It's really kind of fun," he said.

The lighthouse needs volunteers and is doing a training session this Saturday.

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