Pago Pago Travel Guide

  Pago Pago
by Sedna
 
  • Pago Pago
      Pago Pago
    by Sedna
  • Sailing in the Bay
      Sailing in the Bay
    by webdd
  •   Pago Pago
    by ammie31
  • Vailoatai
      Vailoatai
    by webdd
  • Map
      Map
    by webdd
 

Explore Pago Pago

Things to Do  

Ghost Hunting

Ghost Hunting, Pago Pago

 webdd Says:  Head towards Poloa or the west side of the island on Highway 001. You'll pass an old boat laying in some grass on your right and there's a road next to the boat that heads up the mountain. You won't miss the boat, there's not a whole lot here. Head up the road and if you... 

Blow Hole swimming & snorkeling

Blow Hole swimming & snorkeling, Pago Pago

 webdd Says:  Make sure the tide is down and head to the blow holes in Vailoatai. You can jump in some of them and explore the under water sea caverns. There's also some snorkeling outside of the caves. 

Free Sailing in Pago Pago Harbor

Free Sailing in Pago Pago Harbor, Pago Pago

 webdd Says:  Every Saturday at 12 noon the yacht club meets. They have Optimist , Laser and Hobie 14 & 16 classes. It's free and you can learn how to sail in Samoa! The yacht club is across the street from the only post office on the island close to Utulei. 

Mt Alava Hike

Mt Alava Hike, Pago Pago

 webdd Says:  This is probably the best hike on the island. Park your car in Fagasa pass, you'll see a sign (park at the sign) and a dirt road that heads up to Mt Alava. Hike up the dirt road all the way up to the radio towers. The best views of Pago Pago Harbor are from here. Keep hiking... 

Snorkling

Snorkling, Pago Pago

 webdd Says:  Park your car near the Pala Lagoon and walk next to the airport fence across from Coconut Point. Walk all the way around the corner, past the 'point' of the airport and there are several areas to snorkel. The reefs, accompanied by the crashing ways all around, keep the big... 

Shopping

Shopping, Pago Pago

 scaleguy Says:  Pago Plaza is actually a large place. There is a lot of tourist stuff to buy. Prices are a little high. If you cross the street and go one block you will find small local shops with real Samoan goods. The prices are marked, and high. The people running the shops will barter... 

Hotels  

Tradewinds Hotel

 40 Opinions

Hotels  

Vaitogi Inn: Best on the island

Vaitogi Inn: Best on the island, Pago Pago

 scaleguy Says:  The hotel is owned by the richest man on the island. He runs the local construction company. He also built the entire hotel himself. My room did have television, air conditioning, telephone, and it's own bathroom. There is a swimming pool. The hotel is a little hard to find.... 

Transportation  

Traffic Jams
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scaleguy 52 reviews

The daily trip from Vaitogi to Pago Pago is about 8 miles. The drive took me 30 - 40 minutes. Basicly one road on the island. one lane going each direction. It was under construction when I was there. Very winding and follows the coast. Watch out for cars and buses entering from unseen dirt roads.

Written Oct 31, 2004

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Shopping  

Look around carefully
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scaleguy 52 reviews

Find the true local shops. The people are willing to barter, but beware of imported reproductions.

What to buy: They do make great wooden dishes. Highly decorated and even the sticker price is reasonable. They will still barter with you and you get a better price.

What to pay: You should be able to get gifts for everyone for less than a hundred dollars. Take your time.

Written Oct 31, 2004

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Local Customs  

Dogs and Chickens

Dogs and Chickens, Pago Pago

 scaleguy Says:  Every where you go you will see dogs and chickens. Nobody seems to own them and the locals like to watch the dog fights in the streets. That being said, small spare ribs do not come from cows. If you're at a local resturant, you may be served dog. It is actually pretty... 

Sacred Time

Sacred Time, Pago Pago

 scaleguy Says:  About 6 PM all the bells on the island ring and sacred time begins. This can last for up to an hour. I do not recommend trying to enter a village during the scared time. You will probably be asked to leave. The main road is OK to be on and you can get to your hotel. 

Warnings and Dangers  

Mud slides

Mud slides, Pago Pago

 scaleguy Says:  I went during the rainy season. Watch out for mud slides. 7 people died the day I got there. There are many cliffs along the road and the ancient volcanic ash can let loose with no warning. Watch for the water falls while it's raining. This is the most likely place for the... 

Petite women be cautious

Petite women be cautious, Pago Pago

 scaleguy Says:  I did see a few things that I found disturbing. While at the Chicken of the Sea plant I saw a small women wlking down the hall. Five men walked by her and started hitting her with their heavy rubber gloves. When I asked about it, I was told, that because she was so small she... 

What to Pack  

The basics
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scaleguy 52 reviews

Luggage and bags: Pack an empty duffel. You'll need it to bring all your gifts home.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Rain gear.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Basic first aid and an emergency dental kit.

Photo Equipment: Spend a little money on a panoramic disposable. It is worth it.

Miscellaneous: Food and water. Or find a grocery store.

Written Oct 31, 2004

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Favorites  

Quarters and other change
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scaleguy 52 reviews

Favorite thing: I carry a bag of change in my laptop case to get through airport security faster. I just put this bag in my pocket when I go somewhere. I was buying a can of juice and pulled out this bag of change. When the people at the counter saw it they surrounded me. They wanted my change and no was not an answer. It turns out that money is expensive to ship to Samoa. I had $15.00 in change and managed to keep only $2.00 after this incident. Bring a lot of change with you. If you try to buy something the price may be rounded to the nearest dollar.

Written Oct 31, 2004

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Map of Pago Pago