Things to do in American Samoa

25 things to do in American Samoa

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Hike to the summit of Mount Alava for panoramic harbor views

  Take the challenging trail or the scenic road to the top of Mount Alava, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Pago Pago Harbor and the deep blue Pacific—the same view that amazed writer Somerset Maugham.

  Tutuila, Pago Pago

• Snorkel among pristine corals at Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary

  Slip into the clear, protected waters of this tiny marine sanctuary to see vibrant reef fish, sea turtles, and massive coral heads in an uncrowded tropical setting.

  Tutuila, south coast

• Tour the National Park of American Samoa visitor center

  Start your exploration with exhibits on Samoan culture, the island’s volcanic geology, and the unique rainforest-meets-reef ecosystem of this remote U.S. national park.

  Pago Pago, Tutuila

• Watch the blowholes shoot seawater at Vaitogi Beach

  Stand on the lava rocks near Vaitogi to see powerful waves explode through natural blowholes, misting the air with salty spray and creating a dramatic coastal spectacle.

  Vaitogi, Tutuila

• Swim and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon at To'aga Beach on Ofu Island

  Float in the impossibly clear shallows backed by dramatic volcanic peaks—this remote beach on Ofu is often called one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the South Pacific.

  Ofu Island, Manuʻa

• Attend a fiafia night for fire-knife dancing and traditional song

  Join a lively evening of Samoan entertainment with siva dancing, slap dance, and the thrilling fire-knife performance, usually paired with a buffet of local dishes.

  Utulei, Tutuila (hotel setting)

• Follow the Pola Island Trail to a dramatic sea arch

  This short coastal path leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Pola Island arch, where huge waves pound the volcanic shoreline and seabirds circle overhead.

  Tutuila, near Vatia

• Dive the USS Chehalis wreck in Pago Pago Harbor

  Explore the sunken World War II patrol gunboat resting on the harbor floor, now encrusted with corals and home to schools of tropical fish.

  Pago Pago, Tutuila

• Browse fresh produce and handicrafts at Fagatogo Market

  Wander the busy aisles of the Maketi Fagatogo to find taro, breadfruit, handmade siapo (bark cloth) and carved wooden weapons, while soaking up local chatter.

  Fagatogo, Tutuila

• Climb through the jungle to the top of Rainmaker Mountain

  Tackle the steep, slippery trail up Mount Pioa, whose peak traps clouds and creates daily rains—rewarding hikers with dense rainforest and views of the harbor below.

  Tutuila, Pago Pago

• See Samoan history at the Jean P. Haydon Museum

  Inside this small Fagatogo museum, you’ll find siapo cloth, historic photographs, traditional tattooing tools and artifacts that tell the story of the islands’ past.

  Fagatogo, Tutuila

• Kayak through the mangroves of Leone Bay

  Paddle the calm, green waters of Leone’s mangrove forest, spotting juvenile fish and crabs among the roots while enjoying a quiet escape from the main road.

  Leone, Tutuila

• Cross to Aunu’u Island and walk to the quicksand lake

  Take a short boat ride to this tiny island, then hike to Pala Lake—a floating mat of peat that quivers underfoot—and visit the red quicksand pond nearby.

  Aunu'u Island

• Watch sunset from Blunts Point Battery

  Walk out to the World War II coastal guns at Blunts Point as the sun sinks behind the mountains, painting the harbor and ocean in gold and pink.

  Pago Pago, Tutuila

• Trek the Lanotoo Ridge Trail in the national park

  Follow this ridge-top path through montane forest, where bird songs fill the air and viewpoints reveal the rugged spine of Tutuila and the coastline far below.

  Tutuila, above Pago Pago

• Visit the sacred site of Saua on Ta’u Island

  Regarded as the legendary birthplace of Polynesian culture, Saua features ancient stone platforms and a calm beach that holds deep cultural significance.

  Taʻu Island, Manuʻa

• Take a dip in the natural freshwater pool at Vaitogi

  A short walk from the coast, this hidden pool is fed by cool underground springs, offering a refreshing soak after exploring the blowholes and lava rocks.

  Vaitogi, Tutuila

• Experience a Sunday church service with soaring Samoan hymns

  Dress modestly and join locals at a congregational church for a powerful service filled with multi-part harmonies, white attire, and a warm welcome.

  Pago Pago, Tutuila

• Photograph the iconic Fatu-ma-Futi flowerpot rocks

  Stop at this postcard-perfect viewpoint where two basalt islets rise from the waves, often framed by splashing surf and a crescent beach.

  Vaitogi, Tutuila

• Tour the Starkist Samoa tuna cannery

  See the bustling production line at one of the world’s largest tuna canneries, and learn how this industry shapes the local economy—advance reservations required.

  Pago Pago, Tutuila

• Hike to the secluded Larsen’s Bay

  Follow a forested trail to a quiet, palm-backed cove on the north coast, perfect for a private swim and picnic far from the main tourist spots.

  Tutuila, north coast

• Snorkel with sea turtles at Utumea Reef

  Enter the water at Utumea to glide alongside graceful green turtles that frequent the shallow offshore reef, especially in the early morning.

  Tutuila, west coast

• Explore World War II fortifications at Breakers Point

  Wander among old gun emplacements, pillboxes and bunkers perched on the clifftop overlooking the ocean, a hidden piece of wartime history.

  Leone, Tutuila

• Share an umu feast with palusami and fresh seafood

  Book a home-cooked Samoan umu—food baked in an earth oven with hot volcanic rocks—and taste taro leaves in coconut cream, reef fish, and roasted breadfruit.

  Pago Pago area, Tutuila

• Paddleboard across Pago Pago Harbor at sunrise

  Launch a stand-up paddleboard from the harbor front as the first light hits Rainmaker Mountain, passing fishing boats and enjoying calm morning water.

  Pago Pago, Tutuila