American Samoa

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Pago Pago

Population

67,000

Government

USA territory

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Languages

Samoan, English

Calling Code

+684

Nationality

American Samoan

Local name

Amerika Sāmoa

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Introduction

American Samoa is a modernized, somewhat dilapidated Pacific affair where anthropologists spend their days complaining about the loss of culture and the average tourist marvels at the people's traditional daily life. We recommend swallowing your intellect, ignoring the fact that the Samoan culture now presented to visitors is only marginally representative of Samoan culture half a century ago, instead choosing to enjoy the dancing and music, and the weird cultural quirks, like the painful tatooing of teenage boys.

Swimming is not possible in every square inch of the surrounding Pacific, so make sure the spot you pick is not going to see you battered by the shallow coral reef. Hiking is an activity less developed, but one which affords some rewarding adventures. Mt Alava, outside Pago Pago, has a nice hike to its summit, offering excellent vistas of the island and harbor.

Brief History

Geography

Islands

• Tutuila is the main island
• Aunu'u
• Ofu
• Olosega
• Ta'u
• Rose Island
• Swains Island

Towns

• Pago Pago, the capital

Sights and Activities

National Park of American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa has a lot to offer for those travellers keen on the very best of nature in the world. The shorelines, reefs and rainforest are of outstanding beauty. The park actually is actually divided into three parks on four separate islands! Lata Mountain on Ta’u has wild and remote forests, free-flowing streams, and rugged coastline. It occupies 2160 hectares of land with highlights including a spectacular escarpment along the southern side and cliffs up to 900 metres high. The the impressive Judds Crater tops things of. To add, the lowlands and rainforests ar home to fruit bats and many native birds. Islands like Ofu and Olosega have are a bit different in that they have the most accessible coral reefs and also more and longer white-sanded beaches against a dramatic background. The fourth island, Tutuila even has forests accesible by car and also great wildlife and o course a scenic coastline.
Basically, all four islands are actually extinct volcanoes heavily eroded to rugged peaks when the Pacific Plate moved and eruptions from within the earth together made this gift of nature.

Ofu beach

Ofu beach is one of the highlights of this island. It is located along the southern coast and is an impressive 4 kilometers long. It boasts fine white sand, palm fringed beaches and turquoise waters as its front garden. These offshore waters are good for viewinig beautiful corals and tropical fish. There are almost 300 species of fish and an estimated 150 species of coral. Excellent for diving and snorkelling. Or just laze around a bit of coursel.

Leone

Leone is a village on the island o Tutuila. It used to serve as the Polynesian capital of the island and also was the place where the first missionary, John Williams arrived in 1832. Leone has two fine churches and one of it is actually his work and was the first in American Samoa. This church has three towers and faces the sea, which only adds to its beauty. The well maintained church has stained-glass windows and nice detailed woodwork on the ceilings. Here you will also find a monument paying tribute to the efforts of John Williams.

Other sights and activities

• Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary - colourul reef with corals and fish, great for snorkelling and diving

Events and Festivals

Weather

American Samoa has a hot and humid tropical climate. Temperatures hoover around 30 degrees Celcius throughout the year and never drop much lower than 23 or 24 degrees at night. Temperatures are slightly higher during the wetter November to March period and slightly lower between April and October. This last period is the best season to visit as it rains less (but still significantly) and there is almost no chance of hurricanes, which can strik from December to March. Pago Pago is one of the wettest inhabitant places anywhere in the world, so be prepared to get soked sometimes.

Getting there

Plane

Pago Pago International Airport is on Tutuila Island and receives all international air traffic.
Polynesian Airlines, Inter-Island Airways and Hawaiian Airlines all serve American Samoa. Destinations include Los Angeles, Tonga, Samoa, Auckland and Sydney.

By Boat

The only option to get to American Samoa by boat is taking the MV Lady Naomi. It operates between the capital of Samoa, Apia and Pago Pago once a week departing Apia every Wednesday at midnight returning from Pago Pago every Thursday at 4 pm, taking around 7 hours to complete the journey. Expect rough rides now and then. Although it costs about half compared to a plane ticket, it is rather basic and takes much much longer of course.

Getting Around

By Plane

Inter-Island Airways flies between Pago Pago and the Manu'a Islands of Ofu/Olosega and Tau, taking about 30 to 40 minutes.

By Car

Car hire is only of use on the island of Tutuila and most international agencies have offices at the airport or Pago Pago. Although it is not the cheapest way of getting around it sure is one of the best. Allow a few days to see the main island.

By Bus

The island of Tutuila has a good public transportation system with frequent although somewhat unreliable “aiga” or “family” buses. They take you anywhere for a dollar or less. Buses originate and terminate at the market in Fagatogo, near the capital Pago Pago. You can flag one down anywhere and get of the bus anywhere as well.

By Boat

Local boats might be of use if you want to go and travel around the island.

Red Tape

The same requirements as in the United States apply.

Money

See also Money Matters

The US Dollar, or "greenback", is the national currency of American Samoa. One dollar consists of 100 cents. Frequently used coins are the penny (1¢), nickel (5¢), dime (10¢) and quarter (25¢). 50¢ and $1 coins also exist, but are rarely used. Frequently used banknotes are the $1, $5, $10 and $20 notes. $2, $50 and $100 notes can also be found, but are rarely used.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The country calling code to American Samoa is: 1-684
To make an international call from American Samoa, the code is: 011

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