8 Best Sights in American Samoa

You can't miss American Samoa's colorful local buses, known as agia, or family buses. They converge on the downtown Pago Pago area from both sides of the island. Music blares from them, they bear names such as "Miracle of God" or "Queen Sophia," and they're festooned with flowers on days when ships are in port. For a fare of just $2.50 you can hop on in Fagatogo and go to the island's eastern and western extremes. Take the westbound bus to Leone, wending past the amazing rocky island, Fatumafuti (Flower Pot Island); in Leone visit the cathedral. Other buses go farther west to the end of the line at Fagamalo Village. The eastbound buses go to beautiful beaches, such as Alega, Two Dollar, Pyramid Rock, and Tula Village. Find out more about the routes and timetables at the American Samoa Visitors Bureau in Tafuna, near the airport. Buses are a great way to meet the locals; however, for a speedier journey, hire a car.

Before or after a visit to the national park, stop by this museum to learn about American Samoa's customs and history. Occupying a former naval commissary and garage buildings, the museum features cultural exhibits, books, and performances. A small fale (house) in front of the museum often hosts arts and crafts demonstrations. An unusual exhibit shows the American Samoan flag that was taken to the moon by astronauts on four Apollo moon missions from 1969 to 1971, along with a collection of moon rocks gathered on the missions and gifted to the territory by President Nixon.

Within the national park on Tutuila are several named summits including 490-meter (1,610-foot) Mount Alava. Outside the park is iconic Rainmaker Mountain. Often shrouded in clouds, it's one of three volcanic peaks ranging in height from 493 meters (1,619 feet) to 524 meters (1,718 feet) that loom over Pago Pago Harbor. For a closeup view, drive up Rainmaker Pass.

A visit to this pristine bay, within an eroded volcanic crater on the south side of Tutuila, complements a visit to the national park for the adventurous. Beneath the waters are beautiful corals, hundreds of fish, and many turtles as well as sharks and—at certain times of the year—whales. The bay and nearby walking trails are on land belonging to the Fuimaono family, who have lived here for about 1,000 years. Visitors are allowed to hike the trails, swim, and snorkel but must first pay a negotiated fee ($5--$10 per person) to those greeting them at a locked gate.

To reach Fagatele Bay, drive or take a local bus to Futiga Village, about 19 km (12 miles) southwest of Pago Pago, and turn left at the US Mart. Follow the small feeder road past a landfill area to the gate. After passing through the gate, the greeters may lead you on a primitive road to a parking spot, after which you can walk the rest of the way, or you can walk the full 2 miles to the bay. The last section is steep; mobility is aided by ropes and then wooden steps onto the sand. For the best snorkeling from the beach, avoid going at low tide. Visitors can also hire a boat to get here. 

Take water for the hike, and dress in a modest style when walking and swimming (no bikinis).

Spread over the main island of Tutuila and the Manu'a islands some 68 miles to the east, this national park is the southernmost in the U.S. park system. The most accessible section is the rainforest region in the north of Utilia, reached via a bumpy road to the town of Vatia from where several walks begin. The easiest is the 650-foot Pola Island Trail (Pola Island is also called Cockscomb due to its dramatic shape), while the most challenging is the three-hour round-trip trek to the summit of Mt. Alava for fantastic views over Pago Pago Harbor, the iconic Rainmaker Mountain, and Cockscomb. From the summit there's also a view of the Manu'a Islands, known for their excellent diving and rainforest walks. There are flights and boat trips to the Manu'a Islands; however, a guided tour is the best way to visit. The national parks office in Pago Pago is the best starting point for advice and maps. The staff can also advise on a Samoan homestay, an unusual opportunity to meet the locals and gain a real insight into island life and culture.

The visitor center is on the second floor of the MHJ Building in Pago Pago.

Although this milelong crescent is far and away the most popular attraction on Ofu, don't be surprised if the only footprints in the white sands are yours. You can laze in the shade of a palm tree and wade into the warm, crystal-clear waters to explore the colorful, 350-acre coral reef, the perfect place to snorkel (bring your own gear) amid sea turtles, fish, and sea stars. Indeed, the waters around Ofu contain more than 950 species of fish and over 250 species of corals. If you'd like to dive deeper, it's best to arrange a tour on Pago Pago as there are no vendors here.

On Ta'u Island, the sole path suggested by the national park service is this 9-km (5.7-mile) round-trip route. It leads south from the airport along an old road past coastal forest to the sacred Saua site where Tagaloa, Samoa's supreme ruler and creator of the Universe, is said to have created the first humans who departed Ta'u to populate Polynesia. A small structure marks the site and is a good place to contemplate the origins of Oceania before continuing on to the island's southeastern tip.