Discover American Samoa: Island Nature and Culture

Five volcanic islands and two atolls give American Samoa a diverse island geography. Different themes can shape your trip: the national park on three islands, the marine protected area, bays on Tutuila, and cultural sites such as the Jean P. Haydon Museum. The ones that interest you most are a good starting point for your planning.

Islands, Bays, and Nature

American Samoa consists of the five volcanic islands of Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega, and Taʻū, as well as the atolls of Rose and Swains. The National Park of American Samoa encompasses areas on Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu. Its geography also includes an underwater area: about 4,000 acres of the park lie underwater and directly off the three park islands.

On Aunuʻu, Faimulivai Marsh lies in the Aunuʻu Crater. The wetland is protected as a National Natural Landmark. On Tutuila’s southwest coast are Fagatele Bay and the bays of Fagalua and Fogamaʻa.

Fagalua and Fogamaʻa form the inner western part of the wider bay area, which stretches from Steps Point to Sail Point Rock. The two bays were formed by a flooded volcanic crater and are surrounded by steep, forested cliffs. Fagatele Bay should be distinguished from these as a separate site.

National Park and Marine Conservation

The National Park of American Samoa is accessible via flights to Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila. Smaller connecting flights to Taʻū and Ofu are available from there. Flight connections and transportation options may change; check them before your trip. The National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center is located in Pago Pago.

The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa consists of six protected areas covering a total of 13,581 square miles. Three are on and near Tutuila. Activities for visitors in the sanctuary areas on Tutuila include hiking, swimming, and exploring the reefs. Diving in the Marine Sanctuary is also an option; some areas require access by watercraft.

Hiking in the national park and activities in the marine protected area offer different focuses for your trip. The visitor bureau lists Fagatele Bay as a snorkeling area. Before making plans, check which of the activities mentioned best matches your interests.

Culture and History

The Jean P. Haydon Museum is located in the Historic District of Fagatogo. It was founded in 1970 by its namesake, First Lady Jean P. Haydon. The collection includes finely woven mats more than 450 years old, as well as moon rocks. These recall American Samoa’s role in the U.S. Apollo space missions. The collection thus brings together very different subjects: ancient woven objects and mementos of space exploration.

In A’asu, a monument commemorates the 1787 Massacre Bay incident. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The flavors of regional cuisine are also among the experiences visitors can discover in American Samoa.

What to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Trip

Choose a hotel based on the experiences that interest you most in American Samoa, rather than on a generalized idea of the islands.

Discover more destinations: Western, Eastern, Wallis and Futuna, New Zealand, Cocos Island, Guam, Micronesia, New Caledonia.

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