What to see in American Samoa: 10 must-sees
Discover what to see in American Samoa: 10 must-see destinations, from Turtle and Shark Beach to Pago Pago. Predominantly beach and national park; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Beach(5)
Admire the black sand of Turtle and Shark, in Tutuila, where the Samoan legend of the turtle and the shark lives on among the locals. Watch the waves break against the volcanic coast and walk the shoreline as you learn why this beach is considered the most sacred in American Samoa. Snorkel in its clear waters, look for turtles near the rocks, and ask the residents about the traditional chant that, according to legend, draws these animals to the shore.
Explore Coconut Grove, Tutuila's most famous beach, where white sand and crystal-clear water invite you to swim from early in the day. Snorkel among the corals close to shore, stroll along the strip of sand, and gaze at the open Pacific off the coast. The fine sand and calm sea make for easy swimming and restful breaks under the palms. Bring your own snorkel gear and water, as services in the area are limited.
Sail to Pagogo on Tutuila and find a fine white-sand beach that rarely sees visitors. Snorkel over the reef corals, where crystal-clear water lets you spot colorful fish just a few meters from shore. Walk across sand with no other footprints, take a quiet swim, and gaze at the open Pacific off the coast. Solitude is part of the plan here: arrive early, bring your own gear, and stay until the afternoon light turns the sea golden.
Relax in this bay, where black sand, coral, and Samoan culture create a unique landscape. Snorkel among the corals, take in the view, and enjoy the most sacred bay. Unwind on the beach, where sand, sea, and nature create a picture-postcard scene. Snorkel, stroll along the shore, and enjoy the sun and sea breeze. The crystal-clear water and fine sand create a perfect setting for relaxing and swimming.
Visit Ofu Island, the most remote in the Manu'a archipelago of American Samoa, and walk along its white-sand beach fringed with coral. Swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel over the reef, and roam the shore with hardly anyone around. Here, solitude is part of the trip: few roads, few visitors, and an open sea that invites a peaceful swim and unhurried gazing at the horizon.
National Park(2)
Explore the only U.S. national park south of the equator, on the island of Tutuila, where trails cross Samoan rainforest to lookout points over cliffs and bays. Here frugivorous bats, known on the island as 'fruit bats', coexist with villages that preserve the fa'a Samoa way of life. The marine section protects coral reefs suitable for diving among tropical fish and turtles. Bring water and sturdy footwear: the tropical humidity turns the trails slippery, and the rains arrive without warning.
Explore the National Park of Samoa on Tutuila, where rainforest runs down to sandy beaches and coral reefs. Follow trails among giant fruit trees and breadfruit trees, watch flying foxes and birds such as the manumea pigeon, and dive in clear waters alongside sea turtles. The park, the only one in the US system south of the equator, is managed jointly with the local villages, so you can experience fa'a Samoa culture up close as you explore ancient volcanoes and rugged coastlines.
Natural(2)
From the summit of Mt. Alava, Tutuila's highest peak at 492 meters, watch the rainforest blanket the slopes all the way down to the sea. Climb the trail that crosses the cloud forest, past giant ferns and the calls of fruit doves, then look down: Pago Pago Harbor with its cliffs and water carved by the mountains. Part of the route uses wooden stairs and boardwalks, and on clear days you can make out other islands of American Samoa. Bring plenty of water, because the tropical humidity is noticeable on every stretch of the climb.
Sail in an alia from Au'asi Harbor on Tutuila to Aunu'u, a small island you can explore on foot in just a few hours. Cross the volcanic crater toward Lake Faimulivai, a waterlily marsh where birds nest, and continue on to the coral-sand beach at the southern tip. The trails pass through taro plantations and past Samoan houses, and from the cliffs you can see Tutuila's east coast. Bring water and sturdy footwear: there are no shops or vehicles, just silence, waves, and the slow rhythm of island life.
City(1)
Explore Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, spread along the shores of a deep bay surrounded by the slopes of Rainmaker Mountain, named for Tutuila's frequent rain. Buy fresh fish, taro, and tropical fruit at the local market, watch the tuna boats moored beside the harbor's canneries, and walk through streets where colorful 'aiga buses share space with traditional fales and U.S. government administrative buildings.
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