Eastern: Market, Culture and History in Fagatogo

Fagatogo is located in the Eastern District of American Samoa and brings together several cultural and historical themes at specific sites. The Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center focuses on the culture, history, and nature of the broader destination; the market and ceremonial Malae o le Talu add other perspectives to a visit to the area. Exploring Eastern lets you discover both Fagatogo’s own sites and other experiences in American Samoa.

Culture and History in Fagatogo

The Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in Fagatogo offers exhibits and educational programs about the culture, history, and nature of American Samoa. This makes it a point of interest for travelers who are interested in the destination’s cultural and historical themes as well as its nature. If you’re planning a visit, check the center’s current operating details in advance.

Malae o le Talu is the ceremonial center of the village of Fagatogo. In a traditional Samoan village, a malae serves a ceremonial function. This offers a different way to connect with village culture than the Ocean Center, with its exhibits and educational programs: here, the focus is on a ceremonial gathering place, while the center presents topics related to American Samoa.

Historic buildings also shape the area’s history. Marine buildings in Fagatogo are part of the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila Historic District. Fagatogo is also home to a historic courthouse, a market, and the Legislative Building. The Maota-Fono complex is the seat of the Legislature of American Samoa.

Visitors can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs at the market in Fagatogo. Shopping is the focus here, while the Ocean Center offers exhibits and educational programs. These different focuses can help you plan a visit around your interests without reducing the sites to the same kind of experience.

Insights into the Broader Destination of American Samoa

The Jean P. Haydon Museum is located in the Historic District of Fagatogo, in the broader destination of American Samoa. First Lady Jean P. Haydon, after whom it is named, founded the museum in 1970. Its collection includes woven fine mats that are over 450 years old, as well as moon rocks commemorating American Samoa’s role in the U.S. Apollo space missions.

The broader destination of American Samoa comprises five volcanic islands—Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega, and Taʻū—as well as Rose and Swains atolls. The National Park of American Samoa includes areas on Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu. About 4,000 acres of the park are underwater and directly offshore from these three islands. Hiking in the National Park is one of the activities in the broader destination.

The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is also part of the broader destination of American Samoa. It comprises six protected areas covering a total of 13,581 square miles; three protected areas are on and near Tutuila. Visitors can hike, swim, and explore reefs in the protected areas on Tutuila. Some areas require access by boat. Diving in the Marine Sanctuary is also an activity in American Samoa; Fagatele Bay is a snorkeling area there.

Fogamaʻa and Fagalua Bays are located in the broader destination of American Samoa, on the southwest coast of Tutuila. They form the inner western part of a bay area that stretches from Steps Point to Sail Point Rock. Both bays were formed by a flooded volcanic crater and are surrounded by steep, forested cliffs. This landscape is different from Fagatogo’s cultural sites.

Getting to the National Park of American Samoa is also part of the broader travel plan: flights to Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila provide access to the park; smaller connecting flights to Taʻū and Ofu are available from there. Since flights and transportation options can change, check them before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ma'oputasi, Western.

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