American Samoa

A deep natural harbour in American Samoa in the South Pacific, where the rainforest ridges of the National Park of American Samoa, coral coastlines and traditional fale villages preserve an authentic Samoan way of life.

American Samoa is an unincorporated US territory in the South Pacific. Its capital, Pago Pago, lies in the middle of the main island of Tutuila, wrapped around a deep-water harbour formed by a collapsed volcanic crater and ringed by steep rainforest peaks – a spectacular setting. Samoan tradition (fa'a Samoa) remains strong: villages are made up mostly of open-sided fale houses, and land is held communally by extended families. Sightseeing centres on Tutuila: around the harbour are the Jean P. Haydon Museum, the market and the Governor's residence; the north coast is home to the National Park of American Samoa, with the Mount Alava Trail and the sea stacks of Pola Island; the south coast has Fagatele Bay marine sanctuary and the site of the turtle and shark legend; to the east are Alega Beach, Aunu'u Island and Tula, and to the west the old village of Leone. With more time, take a small plane to Ofu in the Manu'a Islands to see the white-sand coral beaches inside the national park. The climate is hot and humid: May–Oct is the dry season, cooler with less rain, while Nov–Apr is the sticky wet season, with the possibility of tropical cyclones. Getting there: Hawaiian Airlines flies to and from Honolulu about twice a week, and there are also flights to Apia, the capital of Samoa. American Samoa has its own immigration controls, so US visas and ESTA do not apply; non-US citizens must apply for an entry permit in advance. On the island you can hire a car or ride the brightly painted aiga buses, which barely run on Sundays. Allow 4–6 days. Sunday is the Sabbath, and many villages prohibit swimming and noise; during evening village prayer time (sa), please stop and wait. Most beaches belong to villages, so ask and pay a fee before entering; dress modestly in villages, and don't wear a hat or carry an open umbrella as you walk through.

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