Welcome to American Samoa - the unspoiled natural beauty of South Pacific Polynesia! Famed for its rich culture and easy Samoan lifestyle, this little known tropical island paradise delights travelers with its wildlife-rich woodlands, lush rain forests, breathtaking rugged coastal scenery, wonderfully peaceful bays, beautiful reefs, beaches and pristine marine sanctuaries. You can find a variety of accommodation options from the most expensive to the cheapest. Whether you are seeking a comfortable and practical location for a business trip or planning a romantic honeymoon, you will get an overall holiday experience with the highest standards of service in any of the American Samoa's hotels and return home with smiles and unforgettable memories.
American Samoa consists of two separate counties sharing a common history and identity, including the self-governing country of Western Samoa that is made up of 7 islands and American Samoa, administered and influenced by the USA since 1899, comprising 5 volcanic islands (Tutuila, Ta'u, Olosega, Aunu'u, Nu'utele) and two tiny remote atolls (Swain's and Rose Island). With a total area of 76.2 square miles, American Samoa lies about a hundred km to the south east of Apia (capital city of Western Samoa) at the heart of Polynesia, housing over 58,000 inhabitants. The country enjoys a tropical maritime climate moderated by southeastern trade winds and characterized by two seasons: the rainy season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October) with little seasonal temperature variation.
The dragon-shaped island of Tutuila, the largest of American Samoa's islands renowned for its steep coastline, beautiful mountains and some of the most dramatic scenery, is where the 95% of the islanders live. It is home to Pago Pago, the heartbeat capital of American Samoa, boasting one of the most picturesque and deepest natural harbors in the South Pacific. The harbor is all that remains of the volcanic crater that once created the island of Tutuila. What you will find in Pago Pago includes a couple of banks, a few dining options where you can have plenty of good meals, convenience stores and several hotels and inns, including the upscale Hotel Sadie Thompson Inn, the shabbiest Rainmaker Hotel and others. In the west part of Pago Pago Matafao Peak - the highest point of the island is found with a height of 653 meters. Tutuila is also home to the attractive Alega Beach surrounded by shelly blue waters safeguarded by dangerous outer reef, ideal for surfing (though it can be dangerous) and swimming. The beach is famous for its thriving Tisa's barefoot bar and the stunning Alega Beach Resort with the tropical rainforest as the backdrop.
Places of interest in American Samoa include:
- The sublime Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a submerged volcanic crater rich in coral and tropical fish located on Tutuila's southernmost point. Here you can explore the coastal paleo-tropical rainforest, inhabited by fruit bats and flying foxes. The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs, the edges of which serve as the nesting place of large seabirds.
- Tula Village is another attraction on the northeastern tip of Tutuila, worth a visit where you will find a good beach to swim and laze out or else walk to beautiful Cape Mata'ula and Onenoa.
- National Park of American Samoa is something you should not miss out. Blessed with gorgeous sandy beaches, pristine reefs, walking trails and lush rainforest, this protected area is where nature lovers will enjoy native birds and wildlife, snorkel and dive in the crystal clear blue waters.