The Samoan culture is Polynesia's oldest. It is believed that the first people on the Samoan Islands came by sea from southwest Asia some 3,000 years ago. Over the centuries, distinct cultural traits emerged that we now call fa'asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah). From Samoa, seafaring explorers and settlers journeyed to other Polynesian island groups hundreds of miles away.
The nearest airport is Pago Pago International Airport (Airport Code: PPG) on Tutuila. Airplane service is available several times per week from Honolulu. Regularly scheduled flights (small planes) serve park areas of Ofu and Tau, and the nearby nation of Samoa. Airlines serving American Samoa include American, United, Air New Zealand and Quantas. Visit our Airports & Airlines section for more information.
Contact Gene at Vista World Travel for the best hotel rates, all inclusive vacation options, charter flights, general airfares and travel insurance options. Planning an important vacation? Check with me, you may be paying too much or receiving too little for your money. Allow me to help you compare prices for the very best values. I often beat all internet prices and I personally inspect the hotels and services which I recommend. Most important, if you have trip problems, I am available 24/7 to help you.
Samoans consider this island world to be sacred. Lands, waters, and food sources are managed in order to sustain them for the future. Samoan culture, customs, and traditions emphasize the importance of the extended family, the aiga (ah-ING-ah). Each aiga's lands are managed by its chief, or matai (mah-TIE), for the common good. The Samoan people welcome visitors; in fact, a stay with a family can be an important part of your island experience. This unique opportunity will allow you to learn about the Samoan culture and lifestyle first-hand, as well as assisting the village economy. Homestays can be arranged in the village of Vatia. More about American Samoa: American Samoa Office of Tourism ~ American Samoa Historic Preservation Office ~ American Samoa National Park Service ~ Tisa's Barefoot Bar
RESPECT THE SAMOAN WAY
Always ask villagers for permission before taking photographs, using the beach, or engaging in other activities, however unobtrusive your actions may seem. Permission will almost certainly be granted.
In a traditional home, called a fale (fah-LAY), sit down on the floor before talking, eating, or drinking. Cross your legs or pull a mat over them; it is impolite to stretch out your legs uncovered.
Sunday is the day for church, for rest, and especially for quiet around the villages. Activities that are acceptable on other days, such as swimming, may not be permitted on Sunday.
Each evening around dusk, villagers observe a time for prayers called Sa. If you are entering a village during Sa, stop and wait quietly until Sa ends. You may even be invited to join in a family prayer. It is not necessary to stop for Sa on the main roads.
It is considered an honor to be asked to share kava (a local drink made from the root of the pepper plant). To show respect, spill a few drops on the ground or mat in front of you, then raise your cup and say "manuia" (mahn-WE-ah) before drinking.
Do not eat or drink while walking through a village.
More about American Samoa: American Samoa Office of Tourism ~ American Samoa Historic Preservation Office ~ American Samoa National Park Service ~ Tisa's Barefoot Bar
Several car rental facilities are available at the airport and/or on the island. Taxis are available at the airport, and near the market in Fagatogo. The island of Tutuila has good public transportation (frequent, but unscheduled) via "aiga" or "family" buses. For 50 cents to a dollar you can be taken around Pago Pago Harbor, and to some of the more remote parts of the island. Buses originate and terminate at the market in Fagatogo, the village right next to Pago Pago. The roads are generally too narrow and the traffic to busy for bicycles.
American Samoa is an "unorganized, unincorporated Territory" of the United States, and is the only U.S. possession in the southern hemisphere. It consists of the islands of Tutuila, Manu'a (Ta'u, Ofu and Olosega), Swains Island and Rose Atoll. Its total area is 76.2 square miles. Rainfall varies from 120 to 200 inches annually, with an average temperature of 80ƒF. The climate is hot and humid; erosion and biodegradation are rapid.
Tutuila and the Manu'a islands are rugged, mountainous volcanic isles, clad in dense tropical rainforest vegetation. The area available for human habitation and the cultivation of crops is limited. The valley bottoms are not very flat and are quite narrow, and the coastal plains are narrow. Recent geomorphological information indicates that many of the valleys were deep embayments when Polynesians first arrived that have subsequently filled in (see Clark & Michlovic 1996). The largest flat area is the Tafuna Plain on the southern side of Tutuila; this is a large volcanic plain. In the twentieth century some areas, such as the perimeter of Pago Pago Bay, have been filled in to provide more flat areas for development.
