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American Samoa Things To Do


Edge of the fringing reef, American Samoa - American Samoa
Edge of the fringing reef, American Samoa
by sennaya
Reviews and photos of American Samoa attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for American Samoa sightseeing.
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Ofu Island
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on November 1, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • Sunset on Ofu Island - American Samoa - American Samoa
    Sunset on Ofu Island -
    American Samoa
    by Groverdean, 2 more photos
    This is an incredibly special place. In all my travels I've not come across such a place. Was it a fact of timing that gave me the amazing high I felt whilst here? I spent 4 days and nights here but could easily have stayed for a month.
    Was it a single occassion that made my stay worthwhile? There where many. In the evenings we'd sit on the beach, under a full moon while the waves rolled across the reef. We'd talk about life whilst sipping a cool Vailima beer. I had some great company. Or was it that special night where I got to party with the locals over a BBQ, who were saying goodbye to 2 of their daughters returning to the US mainland? To walk along the mile long beach or snorkel with the harmless reef sharks in the turquoise lagoon, with absolutely no one around all day, every day. The captivating peaks on both Ofu and Olosega islands provide such a magical backdrop to this wonderous scene. Or was it just to be one of the very few who get the chance to come here? I shared the island with just 2 other visitors from the US. How can one explain the emotion of all of this, it's such a personal experience? Every moment here was special for me and from what I've heard for those who have been intrepid enough to make the journey here, it's the same for them.
    Disappointingly the FAA is embarking on a plan to build a $40 million USD airport here which will completely destroy the environment and the uniqueness of this place. It looks like paradise will soon be lost forever.

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  • Directions: The Manu'a Islands, American Samoa
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    Tutuila Island
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • Looking Like A Tourist - Tutuila Island - Am.Samoa - American Samoa
    Looking Like A Tourist -
    Tutuila Island - Am.Samoa
    by Groverdean, 4 more photos
    Tutuila Island is the main island in American Samoa where 95% of the population lives (out of a total population of 66,000). Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa and is found on Tutuila Island. Like all of the Samoan islands, Tutuila is naturally beautiful and offers more dramatic scenery than the main island of Independent Samoa.
    Not many tourists make the effort to come to American Samoa and Tutuila Island which makes it a great place to get away. Most points of interest can be seen easily within a day by car. There isn't much to see, the best aspect to Tutuila is soaking up it's natural beauty and getting the chance to go for a hike. Hanging out with the local people is also another great way to pass your day.

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    National Park Of American Samoa
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on May 13, 2006
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • National Park Of Amerika Samoa Sign - American Samoa
    National Park Of Amerika
    Samoa Sign
    by Groverdean
    The National Park Of American Samoa came into fruition on October 31, 1988. It does not take up just one single parcel of land but rather various places in Tutuila, Ofu and Ta'u islands. The encircled reef is part of the National Park on Ofu. It is also made up of 2 rainforest preserves. It accounts for a combined total 9,000 acres. The land is leased from the locals. Therefore you need not ask for permission to snorkel on Ofu, where the main beach is, as this is part of the National Park. It is normal throughout the Samoan Islands to ask and pay a fee to use a village's beach.
    The website below will give you more information on what you can expect to see in the National Park Of American Samoa.

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    Pago Pago
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • Yes I've Been To Pago Pago! - American Samoa - American Samoa
    Yes I've Been To Pago Pago! -
    American Samoa
    by Groverdean
    Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango with the "a" spoken soft) is a very small town. There isn't much to do here. It has the best shopping on the island. There is a general market where you can see all the local produce. There is a small museum located opposite the Post Office. The Jean P Haydon Museum houses early Samoan artefacts. The archetecture of some of the buildings in town is quaint and unique.
    There are several places to stay in Pago Pago as well as restaurants and bars.

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    Olosega Island
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • The Approach To Olosega From Ofu Island - American Samoa
    The Approach To Olosega From
    Ofu Island
    by Groverdean, 3 more photos
    Olosega Island is a very beautiful place but falls second in comparison to it's neighbour Ofu. Mt Piumafua dominates Olosega's skyline and provides a magical view when looking from Ofu Island. The same reef that you find on Ofu also encircles Olosega. The two islands are a mere 137 metres apart.
    The school for the two islands is located on Olosega. Many pupils leave these islands for the US mainland in search of higher paid work. Although some return when they realise what a special place this is.

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  • Directions: Manu'a Group of islands, American Samoa
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    Hiking On Ofu and Olosega Islands
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • Just Walking Around Ofu & Olosega Is Awesome! - American Samoa
    Just Walking Around Ofu &
    Olosega Is Awesome!
    by Groverdean, 1 more photos
    The islands are great for hiking around. Every location will stun you with amazing scenery. I hiked to Maga Point on Olosega which provided for some wonderful vistas of Ofu and nearby Ta'u. Unfortunately my camera was broken at the time. The rarely used hiking track from Olosega to Maga Point is a bit precarious in parts. Highly recommended to wear hiking boots when doing this and ask as to the condition of the trail as you may require a machete. I came across a dead boar (been at least a week, I don't need to go into specifics!) in the middle of the path. The only way to negotiate it was a running jump whilst not breathing in! When I made it to the point and rested, I had many Booby birds hovering above me like interested onlookers.
    You can also hike up to Mt Tumutumu on Ofu, however, I was only up for one day's hiking out of 4 during my stay. Again I was told the track is rarely used so it may be necessary to take a machete.
    It gets hot here so take plenty of water and sunscreen!

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    Snorkelling off Ofu Island
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • The Reef On Ofu Looking Towards Olosega - American Samoa
    The Reef On Ofu Looking
    Towards Olosega
    by Groverdean, 1 more photos
    Yes it's a highlight of a visit here and you will want to spend a lot of time in the water. Apart from the wonderful array of marine life here, I was fortunate enough to see two reef sharks while I was here. One at a distance of just 10 metres, however, I was standing at the time. I was also fortunate to hang out with an octopus who kept changing colour in front of me, but was too scared to leave his lair in the coral!
    The corals here are magnificent. At the time I visited I met Ginger Garrison, an ecologist from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). She was very informative and showed me pictures on how parts of the reef are dying slowly to unknown diseases and it's not getting any better. The website below details the work at the USGS.
    The best place to snorkel on Ofu is directly off a place marked by the "Hurricane Hut" (see picture). It is a building in disrepair by the roadside, so it is easy to locate.

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    Pago Pago Harbour
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • The Entrance To Pago Pago Harbour - American Samoa
    The Entrance To Pago Pago
    Harbour
    by Groverdean, 1 more photos
    It's an amazing sight when you first see Pago Pago Harbour for the first time. Often labelled the most beautiful harbour in the world it is easy to see why. Hard to photograph to portray that image, it is sizeable and dramatic. The surrounding mountains drop away to one of the deepest harbours in the world. There is a hiking trail up Mt Alava which provides for some spectacular views. Unfortunately, I never got the chance due to poor weather and camera problems (why many photos are blurry) I had whilst in Tutuila. Another famous peak is Mt Pioa, also known as Rainmaker Mountain.

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    Sliding Rock
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • View of Sliding Rock (Distant) - Tutuila - Am. Sam - American Samoa
    View of Sliding Rock (Distant)
    - Tutuila - Am. Sam
    by Groverdean
    The Sliding Rock Area on Tutuila is a picturesque area of coastline. The constant action of the waves washing over the lava rock has made it smooth hence the name Sliding Rock. It is also a good surfing location (Many throughout the Samoan islands!).

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  • Directions: On the west coast of Tutuila near the village of Vailoa
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    Leone
  • Tip Rating:
  • Groverdean
  • Updated By Groverdean on September 25, 2005
  • American Samoa Page by Groverdean
  • View of Leone - Tutuila - American Samoa - American Samoa
    View of Leone - Tutuila -
    American Samoa
    by Groverdean,
    1 more photos
    This is the second largest town on the Island of Tutuila. It was also where the first missionary set foot on Tutuila, hence the large church dominating the skyline. Leone Bay and the village are quite picturesque. There is a waterfall located behind the village.

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  • Directions: On the West Coast of Tutuila
  • Website: http://www.amsamoa.com/tourism/index1.html
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