15 things to do in American Samoa

American Samoa is just a short hop from Apia in the other Samoa, yet it’s so far off the Kiwi traveller’s radar it might as well be on another planet. But if you do end up in the only US territory south of the Equator, what can you do there? I decided to find out.

 

1. Take a hike

American Samoa is home to the only US national park in the Southern Hemisphere and has a dozen well-maintained hiking trails. They range from a 200m amble along a beach to an 11km slog up Mt ‘Alava with spectacular views of Pago Pago Harbour from the abandoned cable car station at the summit.

For history buffs the World War II Heritage Trail follows a ridge above the harbour past a series of gun installations, some restored, others half-hidden in the bush, built for a Japanese invasion that never happened.

Nine walks are currently open on the main island, Tutuila; the outlying Manu’a Islands have three more. Go to www.nps.gov/npsa for more information.

View from Mt ‘Alava towards Mt Pioa/Rainmaker Mountain
View from Mt ‘Alava towards Mt Pioa/Rainmaker Mountain. Photo: Peter de Graaf
2. The umu at the end of the world

Dubbed “the bar at the end of the world” by a US documentary maker, Tisa’s Barefoot Bar is a local institution and one of the few beachfront drinking establishments on these touristically undeveloped islands.

It’s run by the indomitable Tisa and her Kiwi husband, Candyman, who went to American Samoa on a construction contract 18 years ago and never left. Since then Candyman has become an expert in preparing umu, the Samoan version of the hangi, and he’s a stickler for tradition — you won’t find any aluminium foil here. The umu costs US$44 per person; bookings essential at tisasbarefootbar.com.

If you can’t make it to the Wednesday night umu it’s worth stopping by any time for a pina colada, a swim and a chance to meet two great characters.

Candyman and Tisa run American Samoa’s best-known beachfront drinking establishment
Candyman and Tisa run American Samoa’s best-known beachfront bar. Photo: Peter de Graaf

 

3. Ride an ‘aiga bus

Taxis are pricey in American Samoa but there’s another transport option which is cheap as chips and lots of fun. Brightly painted ‘aiga buses ply the main roads of Tutuila and cost US$1 for any distance – just look out for the village you want on the destination sign and flag one down.

These buses are owned by local families or ‘aiga, hence their name, and are decorated with the owner’s taste in local legends, religious scenes and superheroes. Inside there’s usually a sound system blasting out reggae beats; air-con isn’t required because there’s no glass in the windows.

If you don’t want to get stranded on the far end of the island, be warned they stop running early in the evening on weekdays and hardly run at all on Sundays.

Brightly painted ‘aiga buses are the best way to get around in American Samoa
Brightly painted ‘aiga buses are the best way to get around in American Samoa. Photo: Peter de Graaf

 

4. Go for a paddle

Le Vasa Outrigger Canoe Club is a waka ama (or va’a) club based at South Pacific Watersports at Utulei on Pago Pago Harbour. They train every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon about 5.30pm and welcome new paddlers. Otherwise you can hire a stand-up paddleboard and explore the harbour on your own. Go to levasa.org for more information.

Members of Le Vasa Outrigger Canoe Club paddle in the shadow of Matafao Peak
Members of Le Vasa Outrigger Canoe Club paddle in the shadow of Matafao Peak. Photo: Peter de Graaf

 

5. Call a turtle

The best-known legend on Tutuila Island revolves around a blind grandmother who was fed a rat by her family in a time of famine. Angered by this disrespect for an elderly relative – a Samoan cultural offence if ever there was one – she took her granddaughter and leapt from the cliffs at Vaitogi. The grandmother was transformed into a sea turtle, her granddaughter into a shark.

Locals still call to the turtle and shark from the clifftops; the turtle almost always puts in an appearance but the shark is more elusive. Just don’t point when grandma shows up because that’s a sure way to make her disappear again. If there’s no caller at the cliffs just ask around for Seno.

Calling for sea turtles at Vaitogi
Calling for sea turtles at Vaitogi. Photo: Peter de Graaf

 

6. Take a cultural journey

Peter Taliva’a, a chief on Aunu’u Island, a short boat trip from Tutuila’s eastern tip, offers a hands-on experience of traditional Samoan life. He’ll show you how to make coconut cream, open a coconut and weave coconut fibre rope, then you’ll make your own plate from coconut fronds and harvest taro from his plantation. After exploring his island (population 800) on foot you’ll be able to feast on the fruits of your labour.

The whole Aunu’u cultural experience, including an ’ava ceremony and traditional lunch, costs US$45. Contact Peter via his Facebook page, Samriel’s Aunu’u Island Getaway, to book.

Peter Taliva’a in his taro plantation on Aunu'u Island
Peter Taliva’a in his taro plantation on Aunu’u Island. Photo: Peter de Graaf

 

7. Praise the Lord

Normal life grinds to a halt on Sunday in God-fearing American Samoa. Every village seems to have at least three over-sized churches and they’re all full every Sunday morning. Put on your best frock (make sure it’s modestly below the knees) or trousers and join them. The sermon may be long and sprinkled with hellfire but the singing will be heavenly.

 

8. Play a round of golf

Golf is a popular pastime on American Samoa’s 18-hole, par 72 course at Ili’ili, where the real drawcard is the backdrop of jagged volcanic peaks. The green fees are US$7 weekdays or US$10 weekends.

 

9. Hang out with locals at Fagatogo market

The covered market at Fagatogo, by Pago Pago Harbour, is open daily except Sunday but really comes alive from 6-9pm every first and third Friday night of the month. It’s a good place to pick up produce, buy clothing or souvenirs, and try local treats like panikeke (Samoan doughnuts) – but mostly it’s a great place to people-watch and hang out with the locals.

 

10. Dive Big Momma

The outlying Manu’a Islands have some spectacular snorkelling and diving – not to mention a coral head dubbed Big Momma, said to be the biggest in the world – and it’s virtually unexploited. If you’re keen to pay a visit to Big Momma, Pago Pago Marine Charters (pagopagomarinecharters.com) organises trips anywhere in American Samoa. On the main island, Fagatele Bay has the longest-established marine sanctuary and some of the best marine life.

 

11. Chill out on one of the Pacific’s most beautiful beaches

Ofu Island, in the Manu’a group about 120km east of the main island of Tutuila, has a truly spectacular beach. With impossibly white sand and crystal-clear water backed by coconut palms and sawtooth peaks you could argue it is in fact the most beautiful beach in Polynesia.

The catch is, flights to Ofu are infrequent so getting there usually involves flying to neighbouring Ta’u Island, then hiring a fishing boat at eye-watering expense ($US200-250) to make the crossing. It might be worth it though.

Ofu Beach is one of the most beautiful in all of Polynesia.
Ofu Beach is one of the most beautiful in all of Polynesia. Photo: National Park Service
12. Have a feed

Café DDW on the habourfront (next to South Pacific Watersports at Utulei) specialises in western-style food served in the epic portions American Samoans love. However, check the specials blackboard for Samoan treats such as oka i’a (raw fish marinated in lime juice), panikeke (Samoan doughnuts) and koko laisa (cocoa rice).

 

13. Try a local brew

When I visited American Samoa most bars served a choice of Vailima beer (which is brewed in the other Samoa and is perfectly drinkable) and Bud Light (which isn’t). Shockingly, the territory had no beer of its own. That is about to change, however, thanks to a local brewing enthusiast and his Flying Fox Brewing Company in Pava’ia’i village. Nate Ilaoa will produce Koko (cocoa) Porter, Masina Atoa (a wheat beer flavoured with orange peel) and lime-infused Yolo Kipolo. Check www.flyingfoxbeer.as to see if he’s open for business yet.

 

14. Go bird spotting

American Samoa makes up for its lack of land animals with birds and bats. The fruit bats are huge and can be seen day and night, even in town, while seabirds like the white-tailed tropic bird and the red-footed booby (I didn’t make that up) are abundant along the coast.

The top seabird nesting site is Pola Island, a 120m-high slab of rock off Tutuila’s north coast. The best views are from the hiking trails around Vatia village. Bring binoculars.

Pola Island is American Samoa’s top seabird nesting site
Pola Island is American Samoa’s top seabird nesting site. Photo: Peter de Graaf

 

15. Go time travelling

This is easier than it sounds. When you fly from Apia to American Samoa you will arrive about 23 hours and 30 minutes before you left. Blame the International Date Line.

4 thoughts on “15 things to do in American Samoa

  • December 7, 2018 at 1:57 am
    Permalink

    We love reading about American Samoa.

    Reply
    • December 11, 2018 at 8:22 am
      Permalink

      Glad you’re enjoying it SueAnn! Make sure you check out my other American Samoa stories and photos…

      Reply
  • April 12, 2021 at 1:35 pm
    Permalink

    You don’t mention deep-sea fishing…Some of the best fishing in the world is in American Samoa, you’re practically start catching fish right out of the harbour !!!

    Reply
    • April 13, 2021 at 8:28 am
      Permalink

      Thanks Michael! That makes 16 great things to do in American Samoa…

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Michael R. Walker Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *