cost to visit american samoa

A Complete Guide to Visiting American Samoa

American Samoa doesn’t see a lot of visitors, and most of those are visiting for the day from cruise ships. But this little U.S. territory is eminently worth a visit for its traditional culture, natural beauty and incredible hiking . Here’s what we wish we’d known when we were planning our trip to American Samoa.

There are five islands in American Samoa: Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega. Most travelers to American Samoa will begin their journey on Tutuila: it’s home to the international airport and capital city as well as the majority of the population. But if you’ve come all the way here, don’t let your visit stop with Tutuila! It’s easy to get to Aunu’u as a day trip from Tutuila; getting to Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega (collectively called Manu’a) requires a bit more planning, but is completely doable and incredibly worthwhile.

The National Park consists of land on Tutuila, Ofu and Ta’u, but maintains trails in areas outside the park, too. The National Park of American Samoa is unique in that the land is leased to the NPS by the families who own it, rather than being owned by the federal government. It’s a system that respects the traditional familial land ownership of Samoans—the backbone of Samoan culture—and it means that the NPS works on conservation very closely with local villages. Locals still use park land for fishing, harvesting and other activities they’ve traditionally done there, and the NPS looks to village chiefs for permission and cooperation with park activities.

Getting There:

Currently, Hawaiian Airlines operates two flights per week to Pago Pago. These are the only flights that come here from the U.S. It’s rare to find a sale on this fare, but Hawaiian does occasionally offer deals through Expedia, so watch there for sales. If you’re planning this trip a while in advance, it might be worth looking into Hawaiian’s Mastercard offer: you can get a large signup bonus and use those points on your Pago flight.

If you don’t want to fly directly from the U.S., you can get to Pago from both Western Samoa and Tonga with Talofa Airlines. We took a circuitous route to American Samoa, first visiting the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Western Samoa (we visited all these places over the course of a two-month-long trip , not all at once.) We booked each of those flights one-way and the total of all of them ended up being cheaper than a single flight from the mainland to Pago. If you have the time and would like to do some additional travel while you’re on the other side of the world (which we’d highly recommend!), play around with options in Google Flights and on Skyscanner to find the best deals on a series of one-way flights that will eventually land you in Pago.

Getting to Aunu’u:

Aunu’u makes a great day trip from the eastern end of Tutuila. Get yourself to the dock at Au’asi and wait there for the boat; it’ll cost you $2 each way. Before you set off on Aunu’u, make sure to ask the driver how late the boat will be running; you don’t want to miss the last one.

Getting to Manu’a:

There are two ways to get to the Manu’a islands: by boat or by plane. The boat is a large ferry that carries passengers and cargo roughly once a week. The schedule is unpredictable and changes so often that it’s not worth trying to work the dates out too far in advance; if you’re set on taking the ferry, make sure you have a large enough window of time in American Samoa to accommodate its schedule. Depending on the weather, this can be an extremely rough ride and it’s likely your fellow passengers will be puking their guts out around you (turns out Samoans are known for being prone to seasickness; who knew??) If you have a flexible schedule, a strong stomach and a very tight budget, the ferry might be a good fit for you. It costs $35 one way and takes about 5 hours. If your final destination is Ofu, you might luck out and have the boat stop there first; otherwise, you’ll be stuck going all the way to Ta’u and then riding back to Ofu.

If you want a less nauseous, easier-to-plan option for getting to Manu’a, you’ll want to take the plane. Samoa Airways currently runs four flights per week from Pago Pago to Ta’u (at time of writing, they’re on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday), and one flight per week to Ofu (at time of writing, it’s on Thursday.) Both are about $160 and can be booked within a month of your travel date. If you want to visit Ofu but can’t make the once-a-week flights, it’s easy to take the plane into and/or out of Ta’u and take a boat to Ofu. This will involve flying into one side of Ta’u, catching a ride to the wharf on the other side of the island (~$20), then taking the boat over to Ofu ($150 for 2-3 passengers). Because you have to pay for the boat, this route will cost you more, but it’s a good way to fit a visit to Ofu into a tighter schedule.

How Long to Stay:

We stayed in American Samoa for 8 days and really wished we’d had longer. Your trip will depend, of course, on how much time you have available, but if you’re on the fence, may we attempt to persuade you to stay at least two weeks if at all possible? Here’s why: American Samoa is on the other side of the world. It’s an expensive flight that’ll make your carbon footprint awfully big, and there’s a good chance you’ll only make it there once in your life. If you can really make it count by going all-in in terms of time and in-depth exploration, we think it’ll be 100% worth it.

There’s a lot to do in American Samoa and a lot of culture to take in. If you’re visiting the Manu’a islands on your trip (and you REALLY REALLY should), the easiest (and cheapest) way to do that is by flying in and out of Ofu. That flight only happens once a week, so you’ll spend that full week in Ofu. It’s quite hard to book the flight to Ofu more than a month in advance, since the airline (Samoa Airways) doesn’t generally schedule flights very far in advance. So if, when booking your international flight, you give yourself two weeks or more in-country, you’ll easily be able to fit a trip to Ofu within that window of time.

Connectivity:

If you need to stay connected to home, get a SIM card from Bluesky when you arrive in Pago. We had good service in most places in Tutuila, all over Aunu’u, and in the more populated spots in Manu’a. Internet access is easy to find in Pago’s hotels and Vaoto Lodge on Ofu also has WiFi. You won’t get the speeds you find on the mainland, of course, but it should work for most purposes.

Where to Stay on Tutuila:

There are plenty of accommodation options on Tutuila. Two popular choices are the Tradewinds Hotel (bland, but clean and nice) and Sadie’s By the Sea (which we heard several unfavorable reports of from fellow travelers, but may still be worth looking into). Tisa’s Barefoot Bar runs eco-fales on Eastern Tutuila and the beach there is beautiful, so it would be a good option for a laid-back stay if it’s in your budget. There are also several AirBnB options. If we’d had the time on Tutuila, we’d have loved to do a homestay. The NPS maintains a list of families who will open their homes to you; contact the Pago visitor’s center for up-to-date info. You’ll contact the family yourself, so be aware of the time change and be patient with the language barrier! (We contacted several homestay families before we decided to cut our time on Tutuila so we could visit Ofu. While most people in American Samoa speak English well, we sometimes had trouble communicating clearly over the phone.) For a fuller report on the homestay program from people who actually experienced it, check out this post from the Switchback Kids.

Where to Stay in Manu’a:

There are two main accommodation options in Ofu/Olosega: Vaoto Lodge and Asaga Inn . Vaoto is right next to the airstrip, so if you’re flying in and out of Ofu, it’s extremely convenient. It’s also right next to the NPS Visitor’s Center and a short walk from the national park area itself. Asaga Inn is right next to the bridge that connects Ofu to Olosega; it’s closer to Olosega village. Both have stunning views and are close to mind-boggling beaches.

On Ta’u, your options are more limited. The NPS can help you arrange a homestay with a Samoan family on the island; the ranger in Ofu should also know if there are any other options for accommodation. At time of writing, a small, family-run hotel is set to open on Ta’u, but it’s hard to get booking information online. Contacting the NPS will probably be your best bet for arranging something here.

It is possible to camp in American Samoa, though you’ll have to get permission from whoever’s land you’re landing on. In some places, the NPS rangers can give you an idea of where to camp and who to contact for permission; in other places, you’ll have to ask around the village for the chief and get permission directly from him. Samoans are very helpful and generous; this doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily grant you permission to stay on their land, but you’ll at least be able to find someone who can help you figure out if it’s possible. Make sure you have a backup option in case your camping plans fall through, and put all your Leave No Trace skills to the test. Be respectful of your hosts, pack everything out with you, and live lightly. Camping is not a mainstream activity in American Samoa—you might be the first experience someone has with a foreign camper, so don’t mess it up for everyone who comes after you. You won’t have any facilities, and there are very few public toilets on the islands, so be aware. Don’t try to stealth camp; Samoans take land rights very seriously and if you’re caught, it could mean trouble. And don’t even think about sleeping outside without a reliable mosquito net!

Planning Resources:

Even if you’re not a national park junkie, a visit to the NPS Visitor’s Center in Pago should be your first stop when planning your activities. The rangers there can give you loads of info. on trails and sights, and will be able to offer some cultural insight too. The American Samoa Visitors Bureau website also has lots of great information. Because American Samoa is not (yet) a super-popular destination, you will probably have great luck calling the NPS Visitor’s Center or Tourism board before your visit to get answers to specific questions; in our experience, these people were more than willing to take some time and help us out.

Getting Around:

Tutuila has a great bus system that can get you all around the island, though it might take a while to cover large distances. Hitchhiking is common and easy to do on any of the islands; we didn’t hitch since there are so many of us, but with one or two people, you can probably manage to get where you need to go without trouble. For maximum flexibility, it’s worth renting a car so you can squeeze as much into your visit as possible, though driving yourself always means missing out on the cultural experience of public transportation.

On Ofu, if you stay at Vaoto Lodge, you can borrow one of their bicycles. We cycled all around the island and it was an incredibly pleasant way to get around. Without a bike, your options here are limited to walking and hitching.

Where to Eat on Tutuila:

Pago has a good range of restaurants and plenty of well-stocked grocery stores to keep you fed. Traditional Samoan food is delicious and well worth a try. In the smaller villages and on Aunu’u, your food options will be more limited. Small stores stock lots of processed foods and few fresh options. If you want to eat healthy, your best bet is to stock up on produce, healthy snacks and sandwich fixings from one of the bigger groceries around Pago before you head to other parts of the island.

Where to Eat in Manu’a:

There are no restaurants in Ofu/Olosega and only four small stores spread over the two islands. All the stores have eggs and milk, plus a range of processed food (ramen is a staple.) Fresh produce is hard to come by, unless you’re getting it from the fruit trees on the island. Unless you want to subsist on ramen and Pringles, bring some food with you from Pago, or plan on having meals at your accommodation. We bought breakfast and dinner each day from Vaoto Lodge; they accommodated our vegetarianism deliciously and gave us some of the best food we had in all of Samoa (which is saying a lot—we had some excellent food there.) You can work out meals with your accommodations before you go, but definitely do think through this—getting food on the islands can be very tricky and you really don’t want to be stuck eating stale Marshmallow Mateys your whole stay.

What to Do on Tutuila:

American Samoa is one of the best places in the South Pacific for hiking , since the NPS has the resources to maintain trails in an area where things get overgrown super quickly. There are several trails around Tutuila that’ll give you a taste of both the jungle and the coast. Around the village of Vatia, the Tuafauna Trail leads through rain forest before dropping you off on a rocky beach with gorgeous views of Pola Island and it’s sea arches. The Lower Sauma Ridge Trail will take you down to an overlook of the northeast coast of Tutuila and the archeological site of a star mound (be careful on this trail, as it’ll be very slippery if it’s been raining before your hike!) The Mt. Alava Trail is more challenging and offers panoramic views of the island (or so we hear! It was closed when we visited, so we weren’t able to check it out for ourselves.) On the western end of Tutuila, another trail will lead you to the secluded beach of Cape Taputapu and long views over the ocean. On Aunu’u, you can follow the 4WD track around the island to see isolated sea arches, surf-pounded coves, a lake in the island’s volcanic crater, a lake of quicksand and taro marshes.

Aunu’u’s beach is lovely and a great way to cool down after you’ve spent some time exploring the island on foot. The water is clear enough to see the reef and some of its inhabitants even without a snorkel mask, but if you want to snorkel, this is a great place to do it. Alega Beach is regarded as Tutuila’s best, and Two Dollar Beach (which will cost you 5 dollars to access) is also lovely. Just outside Vatia, the rocky beach at the end of Tuafauna Trail is a bit rough for swimming, but a great place to watch the surf and listen to the shore’s stones clicking and clattering as the waves recede—it’s completely lovely. On the west side of the island, you can be the last person on Earth to see the sunset at Cape Taputapu’s beach.

You can rent a kayak from Sadie’s or from a few other outfitters in Pago. A paddle around the harbor is a great way to take in the gorgeous views around the city.

To get a taste of Samoan culture, stay with a family through the NPS’s homestay program! While we weren’t able to do a homestay here, we did stay at family-run fales while we were in Western Samoa and were able to have the experience of being brought into a Samoan home to participate in some of their traditions.

Attend a fiafia  show to watch traditional dances and to see some fancy fire spinning. The Tradewinds Hotel hosts a fiafia  on Friday nights. An umu  (often held on Sunday for lunch) is the Samoan method of cooking in an underground oven. Try taro, breadfruit,  palusami  (young taro leaves in coconut cream),  oka  (raw fish in coconut cream), pork and seafood.

What to Do on Manu’a:

You might just spend your entire visit to Manu’a thanking your lucky stars to be in this absolute paradise. This is a great place to slow down and just enjoy yourself, especially if you’re flying in and out of Ofu and have a full week on the island.

Kenai Fjords National Park: Glacier and Wildlife Boat Cruise

The NPS maintains two trails on Ofu/Olosega and one on Ta’u. At the far end of Olosega Village, you’ll find the Oge Beach Trail, which leads up the side of Mata’ala Ridge and steeply down to Oge Beach. If you don’t want to descend all the way to the beach, just getting to the top will give you wonderful views over the island. Ask the ranger in Ofu to call the village chief for permission before you hike this trail.

Ofu’s most rewarding hike is up Tumu Mountain. The trail ascends through the jungle on a grassy track; at the very top, it opens up to a spectacular view over Ofu. The trail is mostly shaded on the way up, but you’ll still need lots of water: Ofu is very humid and this trail will make you sweat. Go early in the day for cooler temperatures and pack a picnic for the top.

No one is allowed to hike either of these trails on Sunday, so keep that in mind when you’re planning things out.

Beaches and Snorkeling:

Ofu Beach is regarded by loads of travel magazines and bloggers to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and we’d definitely agree with that assessment. The national park protects the stretch of beach and the reef extending from it; the coral here is one of the healthiest in the world and makes for incredible snorkeling. Research teams from all over the planet come to Ofu to study the secrets of the reef here—it’s wonderfully resistant to rising ocean temperatures and after being wiped out in the 2009 tsunami, rebounded quickly. Wait for high tide to snorkel at Ofu Beach so you have enough clearance over the coral and BYO snorkel gear.

Because the reef starts so close to the shoreline, Ofu Beach isn’t the best spot for a swim. For better swimming, try the end of the beach near Olosega Island, where you can jump off the bridge (if the current isn’t too brisk) or just have a splash in the deeper water below the bridge. Another good option is the beach in front of Vaoto Lodge, along the airstrip. This is also a great spot for a snorkel and it’s deeper, so you don’t have to wait til the tide is all the way up.

To swim at other spots around the island, get permission from the village chief first. On Sundays, you can swim in front of Vaoto Lodge or in the park, but nowhere else.

Stargazing:

If it’s a clear night, don’t miss laying out under the night sky for a while. These little islands are the definition of isolated and the clear air makes for some of the best starry nights you’ll ever see.

Coconut crabs are the largest land bug in the world, and they’re abundant on Ofu. We saw small ones in the rocks near the airstrip and enormous ones in the jungle on our way up Tumu Mountain.

One of the NPS’s missions is to protect the fruit bat population that calls American Samoa home. These bats, also called flying foxes, can be up to three feet across and feed on the fruit trees around the islands. We saw them everywhere we went, but most abundantly on Ofu around the beach.

The ride from Ta’u to Ofu is wonderfully scenic and is a great place to see some marine life. We saw loads of flying fish and had dolphins swimming and jumping around our boat. The boat ride between Tutuila and Aunu’u is also a good place to spot dolphins. The reef all around Ofu has lots of sea turtles and reef sharks; if you do enough snorkeling, you’re likely to see both. If you’re on the islands between mid-August and October, you may also get to witness the humpback whale migration. A ranger we talked to at the visitor’s center in Pago saw the whales from atop Tumu Mountain, and the water was so clear that he could see the whole pod in detail. Just his report of it had my jaw on the floor.

American Samoa is an incredibly special place, rich in culture and natural beauty, with friendly people, few visitors, and some of the best snorkeling in the world. If you get a chance to visit, don’t miss it!

And if you’ve got any extra time, we highly recommend adding a side trip to Western Samoa as well. It’s a quick and inexpensive flight away, and you won’t regret spending more time in this South Pacific paradise. See this post for some top spots in Western Samoa to inspire you!

Me, currently: ‘Hmmm… could I swing four weeks for my birthday?’ Hahahaha. We will probably only be able to do 4-5 days on Ofu since we’ll only have 3 weeks to do all three Pacific Island parks… but damn, I could go for two weeks just in Samoa. This is super helpful info though, even for me!

My husband and 2yr old identical twin boys and myself were enriched by spending 2yrs living in Tafuna From 1980-82 we explored the beaches enjoyed our Samoan friends and feasted on the Samoan food Everything in the above article is spot on The family bus or we called it the inga bus will take you most places It was .25 back then I was lucky enough to go to the only college on the island American Samoa Comm College while my boys went to nursery school They were the only blonds in school The Samoans loved them Soon they were speaking Samoan and English It’s a simple language and a beautiful language Back in the 80s there was no refined sugars on the island Most of the milk with the cream on top and butter came from New Zealand Common to drive down the narrow roads as Samoans went about there business in open falis watching one of the three channels on tv Tuunga was my best friend She taught me the daughters never leave home When they marry the man comes to live with her in her village Women do women chores men do men chores For supper we would look for the fisherman walking down the road carrying fresh fish my favorite was Parrot fish He would sell or trade for liquor or tobacco a fish large enough for four It’s been 40 yrs and I can remember so many details of this once in a lifetime experience We loved it Let me add 200” of rain a yr fills the road with giant snails and giant frogs The snails are poisonous if eaten We were told they were brought there hitchhiking in large pipes brought over on ships by Koreans The harbor in Pago Pago is the deepest in South Pacific 300’ deep which is why it is US Territory for use in case of war

Thank you so much for this! We have a trip booked to visit American Samoa (and side trip to Ofu) at the end of May 2019 and this has been so helpful in our planning. We’re coming from Columbus, Ohio and it’s been so hard to find really good information on American Samoa.

Oh I’m so glad it could be helpful! We had such a hard time finding info before our trip—hope everything goes smoothly for you guys and that you have a great time!

How did your trip go? I am in the early stages of planning. I was going to plan to stay just 3-4 days as my time is limited, I am probably going to rethink this approach after reading this page. Any tips would be well received – My e-mail is [email protected] . Thanks in advance.

My friends and I are planning to go to Samoa later this year and I was struggling for ideas when I found your lovely blog! Your pictures are so inviting! We want to visit so many different places, but our budget is limited, so your tips definitely help to plan our journey. Thank you so much!

I’m so glad it could be useful to you! We absolutely fell in love with it and hope you love your time there!

Thanks for your wonderful descriptions! I’ve not been to Samoa since 1969 (!), when I was in Afono for 3 weeks (including a side trip by the boat to Western Samoa). I would like to get in touch with someone — mayor or other village official — in Afono to send to photos of people who back then were so kind to me. Do you have any idea how i could locate a village address or official chief/mayor, etc., of Afono to do this? I’ve looked online and find nothing so far. I guess I could contact someone in Pago Pago and ask for referrals. Thank you again! It took me back, to read your lovely words. charles

Headed to American Samoa to teach computer classes to government workers. What can I take as a gifts? What can you not get there that would be a small token of appreciation? Thanks, Ron (in Florida)

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How to Get to American Samoa, America’s Hidden Tropical Paradise

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

For having the word "America" in its name, American Samoa is pretty far removed from the US. A jewel of the South Pacific , American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, and it's home to one of the least visited national parks in the entire park system: The National Park of American Samoa .

For explorers and park junkies, this particular one is high on the list of must-dos. The only trouble? Getting to American Samoa.

Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), located on the island of Tutuila, is essentially the territory's only significant link to the rest of the world. Currently, the only scheduled flights are to three other islands: Samoa, Tonga, and O'ahu, Hawaii. You read that correctly: Hawaiian Airlines flies directly from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Pago Pago (PPG) two times per week on Monday and Thursday, which creates an ideal opportunity for island lovers and savvy points collectors alike to visit one of the most remote places on Earth.

Can I Use Points and Miles to Visit American Samoa?

Why, yes! While Hawaiian Airlines prices this flight fairly consistently on a cash basis (around $560 one-way, or just under $1,000 roundtrip in economy), you can use points and miles as well. Pago Pago PPG falls in Hawaiian's " South Pacific " bucket in terms of award redemptions, which prices Coach SuperSaver tickets at 27,500 miles each way. First/Business class award seats can be had for 47,500 miles.

If you want to buy a ticket from Pago Pago back to North America, Coach SuperSaver prices out at 47,500 miles one-way, or 87,500 in First/Business.

If you don't have any Hawaiian miles, fret not. For a limited time, you can earn a 60,000 mile bonus by spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of with the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. For small business owners, they too can snag 50,000 miles after their first purchase on the Hawaiian Airlines Business Mastercard.

Moreover, you can instantly transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to your Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles account at a 1:1 ratio. So, if you're flush with Amex Membership Rewards points, you're flush with miles to use on a Hawaiian flight to Pago Pago — simply login to your Amex account and initiate the online transfer after you've found award space on dates that work for you using Hawaiian's online award search calendar.

For those looking to add an Amex to their wallet, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Amex Membership Rewards . For the hefty welcome bonus and myriad travel perks, we'd suggest The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

What's The Route Strategy?

Now, let's take a look at Hawaiian's little-known flight between two remarkable islands.

Hawaiian Flights 465/466, Honolulu (HNL) to Pago Pago (PPG)

• Distance — 2,600 miles
• Approximate Time — 5 hours, 40 minutes (HNL-PPG); 5 hours, 30 minutes (PPG-HNL)
• Aircraft — Airbus A330
• Schedule — Mondays and Thursdays

When I visited American Samoa in 2012, I hopped 93 miles from Apia–Faleolo (APW) via Inter Island Airways (which is no longer operational ), spent a few days on the island, and then proceeded to fly to Honolulu for several more sun-soaked days. Here are a few of my recommended routes to make the most of a visit to American Samoa.

The O'ahu – American Samoa holiday : Use FlyingBlue Miles – which you can transfer from Citi ThankYou Rewards , Amex Membership Rewards , and Chase Ultimate Rewards – to fly to and from Honolulu on Delta Air Lines for as little as 25,000 miles. Set your return date far enough out to sandwich a multi-day trip to American Samoa in between. Essentially, you'd book two roundtrip tickets. One to get you between home and Honolulu, and another to get you from Honolulu to Pago Pago (and back). For the Honolulu roundtrip, be sure to check out our guide outlining the best transfer partners for booking flights to Hawaii .

The Oceania – Samoa – American Samoa trifecta : You can't be 93 miles from The Independent State of Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa) and not visit, right ? Faleolo International Airport (APW) is far more connected than Pago Pago (PPG), allowing you to first enjoy New Zealand ( Air New Zealand ), Fiji ( Fiji Airways ), or Australia ( Virgin Australia ) before flying to Samoa, and onto American Samoa via Talofa Airways. All of the aforementioned locales can be reached by nonstop flights to the United States. In other words, if you've had any of those destinations on the brain, you could creatively route back home via Samoa and American Samoa rather than enduring a long nonstop back to California.

Bottom Line

American Samoa consists of five main islands and two coral atolls, while The National Park of American Samoa covers 13,500 acres across pieces of three islands (Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta'ū). The scenery there is otherworldly. Jagged cliffs rise up from the Pacific to meet thick jungle, teeming with life. It's quite easy to hike 20 miles in a day and spot only a couple of other humans. If you're looking to truly get away from it all, few places hit the mark as well as this.

It's also relatively unknown, and for AvGeeks, landing and departing from a remote airport such as PPG provides a thrill all its own. If you're already scoping out a trip to Oceania, but want to get creative on the return routing, planning a mid-trip visit to American Samoa is an ideal way to do so. Generally speaking, award availability is quite tight on long-haul flights between destinations in Oceania (e.g. Nadi, Auckland, Sydney, and Brisbane) and California. You're much more likely to find award availability between those locals and Samoa, American Samoa to Honolulu, and Honolulu back to the mainland.

While American Samoa is indeed a US territory, it's not a US state . Your phone will be roaming internationally, and you'll want to put purchases on a card that has no foreign transaction fees . With a bit of planning, a stash of Amex Membership Rewards points, and a fresh bottle of sunscreen, one of the world's most far-flung islands is within reach.

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American Samoa Vacations & Trips

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Your American Samoa Vacation

Leave the planning up to us with an American Samoa vacation package. With everything arranged before you leave, all you need to do is sit back, chill out and enjoy this destination's culture and charm. Your trip to American Samoa wouldn't be complete without exploring some of its most popular cities, such as Ottoville , Pago Pago and Utulei . From the moment you book your American Samoa vacation to when you return home, Expedia will be with you each step of the way.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in american samoa, national park of american samoa visitors center.

Explore the great outdoors at National Park Of American Samoa Visitors Center, a lovely green space in Pago Pago. Wander the seaside and beaches in the area.

Mount Alava

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Alava during your travels in Pago Pago. Wander the seaside and beaches in the area.

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Ofu Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Ofu Island.

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American Samoa

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
• Things to See
• Best Restaurants
• Organized Tours
• Walking Tours

Planning a Trip in American Samoa

Visitor Information

The American Samoa Office of Tourism, P.O. Box 1147, Pago Pago, AS 96799 (tel. 699-9411; fax 699-9414; www.amsamoatourism.com), has offices inconveniently located in Tafuna, near the airport. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. The brochure of the National Park of American Samoa contains the best map of the territory .

The Delegate from American Samoa to the U.S. Congress (Eni Faleomavaega) also dispenses some tourist information. His address is: U.S. House of Representatives, 2422 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515 (tel. 202/225-8577; www.house.gov/faleomavaega/index.shtml).

Entry Requirements

Except for Samoans, New Zealanders, and a few others, entry permits are not required for stays of up to 30 days. American citizens and nationals need valid passports or certified birth certificates (forget the birth certificate, you will need your passport to go home). Everyone else needs a valid passport and a ticket for onward passage. Women more than 6 months pregnant are not allowed entry.

Immunizations are not required.

Climate -- "It did not pour, it flowed," wrote W. Somerset Maugham in his 1921 short story "Rain," the famous tale of prostitute Sadie Thompson, who seduces a puritanical missionary while stranded in American Samoa. This description, however, applies mainly to Pago Pago, which, because of its location behind appropriately named Rainmaker Mountain, gets an average of over 500cm (197 in.) of rain a year. The rest of American Samoa enjoys a typically tropical climate, with lots of very intense sunshine even during the wet season from December to April. Average daily high temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the drier, somewhat cooler months of June through September to 86°F (30°C) from December to April, when midday can be hot and sticky. Evenings are usually in the 70s (20s Celsius) all year round.

Holidays & Events -- The biggest celebration is on April 17, when American Samoa Flag Day commemorates the raising of the Stars and Stripes over Tutuila in 1900. The second Sunday in October is observed as White Sunday; children attend church dressed in white and are later honored at family feasts.

Public holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Mon in Jan), President's Day (third Mon in Feb), Good Friday, American Samoa Flag Day (Apr 17), Memorial Day (last Mon in May), the Fourth of July, Labor Day (first Mon in Sept), Columbus Day (second Mon in Oct), Veteran's Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving (fourth Thurs of Nov), and Christmas Day.

United States currency is used in American Samoa. Samoan tala are not accepted, nor can they be exchanged here.

How to Get Local Currency -- The Bank of Hawaii and the ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank, both in Fagatogo, are open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Both have ATMs at their main offices, and ANZ has one in Pago Plaza, the shopping center at the head of the harbor.

Credit Cards -- American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club are accepted by the hotels, car-rental firms, and airlines. Otherwise, it's best to carry cash to cover your anticipated expenses. No one here accepts Discover.

Getting There

From Samoa -- Polynesian Airlines (tel. 800/644-7659 in the U.S., 22-737 in Apia, or 633-4331 in Pago Pago; www.polynesianairlines.com), Inter Island Airways (tel. 42-580 in Samoa, 699-7100 in American Samoa), and South Pacific Express (tel. 28-901 in Apia, 699-9900 in American Samoa) fly between Faleolo Airport in Samoa and Pago Pago several times a day. I always fly on Polynesian because it is a licensed scheduled carrier while the others are charter airlines. Round-trip fares are about S$310 (US$124/£62) if purchased in Apia, US$155 to US$165 (£78-£83 plus taxes if bought in American Samoa.

For the adventurous, a relatively modern ferry, the Lady Naomi, makes the 8-hour voyage between Pago Pago and Apia at least once a week, usually leaving the main wharf in Apia at 11pm on Wednesday and departing Pago Pago's marine terminal at 4pm on Thursday for the return voyage. Tickets should be bought at least a day ahead. One-way fares from Pago Pago to Apia are US$60 (£30) for a seat, US$75 (£38) for a cabin. The Lady Naomi is operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation, whose ticket office is on Beach Road, opposite the main wharf in Apia (tel. 20-935; www.samoashipping.com). The American Samoa agent is Polynesia Shipping Services (tel. 633-1211 ). Because the trade winds prevail from the southeast, the trip going west with the wind toward Apia is usually smoother.

From Other Countries -- The only international carrier serving American Samoa is Hawaiian Airlines, which flies from several U.S. West Coast cities to Pago Pago, with a change of planes at Honolulu. Otherwise, you can fly to Faleolo Airport in Samoa on Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, or Polynesian Blue, and then connect to Pago Pago.

Arriving & Departing -- Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) is near the village of Tafuna, about 11km (6 3/4 miles) west of Pago Pago. Taxi fare is about US$15 (£7.50) from the airport to Pago Pago harbor. The "Tafuna" local buses stop at the airport terminal on their way into Pago Pago. Bus fare is US75¢ (38p).

Departure taxes are included in the ticket price.

Seeing American Samoa as a Day Trip from Apia -- You can see American Samoa as a 1-day side trip from independent Samoa. The easiest way is to buy a package from Oceania Travel & Tours, at the Kitano Tusitala Hotel in Apia (tel. 24-443; fax 22-255). The US$350 (£175) per-person fee includes round-trip airfare, a guided tour of Tutuila island, and lunch. Oceania's American Samoa office is above the main post office in Pago Pago (tel. 633-1172 ).

To do it yourself, reserve a rental car in Pago Pago at least a day in advance (there is too much to see to rely on the bus system or even a taxi). Then fly early in the morning from Faleolo airport to Pago Pago. Go to the airline's office and reconfirm your afternoon return flight, then pick up your car. Drive into Pago Pago and take a stroll. Drive to the eastern end of the island, then backtrack to Pago Pago and have lunch. If you have time, drive out to the western end. Catch the last flight back to Apia.

Getting Around

Inter Island Airways (tel. 42-580 in Samoa, 699-7100 in American Samoa; www.interislandair.com), the local carrier, flies to the Manu'a Islands, but don't count on it. The territory always has trouble keeping a domestic airline flying.

By Rental Car -- The only international car-rental firm in American Samoa is Avis (tel. 800/331-1212 or 699-2746; www.avis.com), which rents air-conditioned models for US$70 to US$110 (£35-£55) per day, including unlimited mileage, plus an optional US$13 (£6.50) for insurance. Less reliable local firms include Sir Amos (tel. 699-4554 ), Friendly (tel. 699-7186 ), and Dollar Rental Car (tel. 633-7716; [email protected]). The latter is not affiliated with the international rental company of the same name.

Driving Rules -- Your valid home driver's license will be honored in American Samoa. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and traffic signs are the same as those used in the United States. The speed limit is 15 mph in the built-up areas and 25 mph on the open road.

By Bus -- Gaily-painted aiga buses prowl the roads from early morning until sunset every day except Sunday. Basically they run from the villages to the market in Pago Pago and back, picking up anyone who waves along the way. Some buses leave the market and run to Fagasa on the north coast or to the east end of the island; others go from the market to the west. None goes from one end of the island to the other, so you'll have to change at the market in order to do a stem-to-stern tour of Tutuila. Most drivers are helpful, so just ask how far they go in each direction. Fares are between US75¢ and US$2 (£38p/£1) per ride.

By Taxi -- There are taxi stands at the airport (tel. 699-1179 ) and at the Pago Pago market (no phone). None of the taxis have meters, so be sure to negotiate the fare before driving off. The fares should be about US$1 (50p) per mile.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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The Best Time to Visit American Samoa for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit American Samoa for ideal weather are

July 23rd to September 9th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

American Samoa Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other American Samoa Travel Info

Weather in american samoa.

Average temperatures in American Samoa vary barely at all. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year. The area is far less temperate than some — in the 4th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit American Samoa, the hottest months are March, February, and then April. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid March where highs are regularly around 88.2°F (31.2°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 79.2°F (26.2°C) at night.

American Samoa Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

American samoa temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

American Samoa Perceived Temperature (F)

American samoa perceived temperature (c), average american samoa temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in American Samoa are August, September, and then July. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid July. For example, on the week of July 16th there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early December with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of December 3rd.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in American Samoa.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in American Samoa (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

American Samoa has some very humid months, and high humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is March (75.8% relative humidity), and the most humid month is November (78.9%).

Wind in American Samoa is usually moderate . The windiest month is July, followed by August and June. July’s average wind speed of around 10 knots (11.5 MPH or 18.5 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late July where average top sustained speeds reach 17.3 knots, which is considered a fresh breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in American Samoa.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to american samoa.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for American Samoa; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in American Samoa is July, followed by June and September. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit American Samoa in March. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall american samoa travel experience by season, fall (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 88.2°F (31.2°C) and 85.2°F (29.6°C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 7 to 8 days of significant precipitation per month. Fall is the slowest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Winter (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the least precipitation with 4 to 6 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in American Samoa, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Spring (September through November)

Spring daily highs range from 86.4°F (30.2°C) and 83.8°F (28.8°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 5 to 8 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Summer (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in American Samoa to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 87.9°F (31.1°C) and 85.6°F (29.8°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 7 to 10 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › American Samoa

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American Samoa Vacation Packages

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Tradewinds Hotel

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Popular places to visit in american samoa, national park of american samoa visitors center.

Explore the great outdoors at National Park Of American Samoa Visitors Center, a lovely green space in Pago Pago. Wander the seaside and beaches in the area.

Mount Alava

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Alava during your travels in Pago Pago. Wander the seaside and beaches in the area.

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Ofu Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Ofu Island.

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Samoa Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Samoa Cost? [2024]

The cost of travelling to samoa + how to plan a budget for samoa.

How much does a trip to Samoa  cost? Since everyone has their own style of travel, from how they eat to what activities they do, it would be pointless to just state a price… In this guide, we list as many typical expenses you’re likely to encounter as possible in Samoa so you can pick and choose what prices apply to your holiday and, therefore, plan your budget accordingly. Note that prices are approximate and are subject to change.

Samoa Travel Budget Examples

We can’t stress enough how everyone’s budget will be different for a trip to Samoa That’s why we strongly encourage you to look at the prices in the below guide to determine what prices apply to your trip so that you can budget more accurately. Nevertheless, because we know that many of you like the average cost of a trip to Samoa, we have put together three examples of a Samoa travel budget.

The Daily Cost of a Trip to Samoa

Here are a few averages for a daily budget for Samoa. This includes accommodation ,  food and transport  and takes into account that you might do one paid activity/ visit three paid attractions each day. This  does not include international flights or anything else not previously mentioned. Each price is per person per day.

• Budget daily budget : ST$270
• Mid-range daily budget : ST$690
• Luxury daily budget : ST$1,150

How much does it cost to go to Samoa for one week?

Budget trip – ST$1,890, Mid-range trip – ST$4,830, Luxury trip – ST$8,050.

How much does it cost to go to Samoa for 10 days?

Budget trip – ST$2,700, Mid-range trip – ST$6,900, Luxury trip – ST$11,500.

How much does it cost to go to Samoa for two weeks?

Budget trip – ST$3,780, Mid-range trip – ST$9,660, Luxury trip – ST$16,100.

For more advice about your daily expenses in Samoa, take a look at How Much Spending Money Do You Need for Samoa?

Typical Costs Before You Arrive in Samoa

There are a few things to think about purchasing in preparation for your trip, from the essential flight ticket to the optional travel insurance.

The Cost of Flights to Samoa

Because travellers to Samoa are coming from New Zealand, Australia, North America, Asia, Europe and beyond, it would be inappropriate to give an average flight cost here. However, you can head over to  How to Book a Cheap Flight to Samoa  for advice on reducing the cost of your airfare.

The Cost of Visas for Samoa

You do not need to pay for a tourist visa to visit Samoa. See How Much Does a Visa Cost for Samoa?  for more details.

The Cost of Items to Pack for Samoa

You might want to consider making a few purchases for your Samoa wardrobe, as well as get essentials like reef-safe sunscreen and snorkelling gear. Check out What to Pack for Samoa: A Full Samoa Packing List   for more advice.

The Cost of Accommodation in Samoa

Accommodation is available in Samoa to suit a range of styles and budgets. You need to book at least your first accommodation for Samoa before you arrive, as it is one of the requirements for entering the country . Note that accommodation prices can vary widely depending on the season, check out The Best Time to Visit Samoa: A Month-by-Month Guide  for more information on the high season and low season.

Here are your typical accommodation costs in Samoa:

• Beach fale /night – ST$40-$50
• Beach fale + meals /night – ST$70-$100
• Budget hotel room /night – ST$120-$220
• Mid-range hotel room /night – ST$240-$270
• Family hotel room /night – ST$240-$380
• Budget resort bungalow /night – ST$190-$320
• Mid-range resort bungalow /night – ST$340-$670
• Luxury resort bungalow /night – ST$690-$1,700
• Family resort bungalow /night – ST$265-$1,500
• Holiday home /night – ST$180-$400.

Take a look at Where to Stay in Samoa: The Best Accommodations in Samoa   to start finding a place to stay categorised by budget.

The Cost of Food in Samoa

Whether you decide to eat out in Apia or at your resort’s restaurant or save a bit extra by making the most of your accommodation’s self-catering facilities (limited availability outside of Apia), you’ll be able to plan your food budget for Samoa with this list of typical food prices. See a quick rundown below or head over to The Cost of Food in Samoa: Restaurant & Grocery Prices  for a full cost breakdown.

Restaurant Prices in Samoa

• Main breakfast meal – ST$18-$35
• Main lunch meal – ST$15-$40
• Main dinner meal – ST$28-$90
• Fiafia night buffet and show – ST$50-$90
• Small coffee – ST$8-$11
• Bottle of beer – ST$6-$10
• Bottle of wine – ST$75-$90
• Cocktail – ST$10-$29
• Mocktail/Smoothie – ST$15-$20
• Soft drink – ST$4.50-$9

Supermarket Food Prices in Samoa

• 1.5 l (50 fl. oz) box of milk – ST$3-$5.50
• 12 eggs – ST$5-$7
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) rice – ST$6-$8
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) pasta – ST$4.60-$5.50
• A loaf of bread – ST$1.80-$2.40
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) cheese – ST$22.50
• 100 g (3 oz) dry-freeze coffee – ST$6.10-$28.50
• Bag of chips – ST$3-$5.50
• Can of coke – ST$2.50-$3
• Box of cereal – ST$12.50-$20
• 6 muesli bars – ST$7
• 100 g (0.22 lbs) banana chips – ST$1
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) jam – ST$4-$11
• 220 g (0.5 lbs) baby food – ST$3.80
• 1 l (34 fl. oz) bottled water – ST$2-$2.50
• 1 l (34 fl. oz) local beer  – ST$7
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of oranges – ST$11
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of onions – ST$4-$7
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of carrots – ST$6
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of chicken thighs – ST$5
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of beef mince – ST$13
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of lamb – ST$17-$32
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of sausages – ST$25
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of rump steak – ST$27-$50

Find out more about shopping for food in A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Samoa .

The Cost of Activities in Samoa

Of course, you’re going to want to do stuff while you’re exploring the islands of Samoa. The islands are full of amazing land and water experiences, from action-packed waterfall tours to spa treatments. See if you can afford your bucket list activities with this list of Samoa’s activity prices (plus, check out what there is to do in the 101 Best Things to Do in Samoa ).

Paying for Beaches and Natural Attractions

That’s right, in Samoa, you must seek permission and usually pay an entry fee before using a beach or visiting a natural attraction. They are owned by local families and communities who provide infrastructure like beach fales and access roads. To help fund and maintain these sites you are usually charged a customary fee. For tips about respecting Samoan customs, check out our guide, Samoan Etiquette: Samoa Customs & Traditions .

Land Activity Prices

• Waterfall attraction /person – ST$5-$20
• Beach access /person – ST$5-$10, or /vehicle – ST$20-$40
• Cave tour /person – ST$15
• Culture tour /person – ST$0-$25
• Full/multi-day guided hike /person – ST$110-$200
• Spa treatment /1 hr massage – ST$80-$190
• Quad bike tour /bike – ST$250 (+ ST$25/extra passenger)
• Abseiling tour /person – ST$330
• Guided island tour – ST$250-$440
• Museum entry – ST$0-$10

Water Activity Prices

• Snorkel hire /day – ST$7-$25
• Snorkel tour /person – ST$50-$300
• SUP or Kayak hire /1 hr– ST$0-$20
• Canoe/kayak tour /person – ST$35-$180
• SUP tour /person – ST$80-$410
• Island day trip /person – ST$50-$400
• Fishing charter /private/half-day – ST$800
• Scuba dive /intro dive – ST$350-$400
• Scuba dive /open water course – ST$1,250
• Scuba dive /two-tank dive – ST$380
• Surf boat /half-day – ST$80
• Surf beach fee /person – ST$20-$50

Free Activities

A trip to Samoa also has plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy free of charge! For activities that you can enjoy for 100% free, check out the 50 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Samoa !

The Cost of Transport in Samoa

With road transport, from convenient car rentals to wacky buses to travelling between islands on the ferry, there are many ways to get around Samoa. Discover all of your transport options in the Samoa Transport Guide: 14 Best Ways to Get Around Samoa .

Road Transport Prices

• Bicycle rental /day – ST$30-$100
• Temporary Driver’s Licence /month– ST$21
• Scooter rental /day – ST$50-$60
• Car rental /day – ST$90-$220
• Bus /one-way trip – ST$0.50-$12
• Taxi /around Apia– ST$3-$6
• Taxi /Apia to Faleolo Airport – ST$60-$80
• Airport transfers /person – ST$50-$180

Water Transport Prices

• Savai’i – Upolu ferry /passenger – ST$10
• Savai’i – Upolu ferry /car + driver – ST$80-$100
• Upolu – Manono boat /shared one-way – ST$5-$20
• Upolu – Manono boat /charter one-way – ST$50-$100
• Upolu – Namu’a /person return – ST$50-$60

The cost of transport is included in each of our guides to specific transportation methods, such as  The Cost of Renting a Car in Samoa: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown and How Much Do Ferries Cost in Samoa? so have a look at the links above.

The Cost of WiFi, SIM Cards, Credit Card Fees, Toiletries etc.

And for those miscellaneous costs, including phones, WiFi, credit card transaction fees, laundry services and toiletries, here are a few approximate costs that may or may not apply to your holiday.

Phone and Internet Prices

• WiFi Voucher /20 Gb – ST$0-$15
• Visitor’s SIM Card + Bundle  – ST$50
• Portable modem + 25 Gb  – ST$45-$50

Overseas Bank Card Fee

• Overseas card transaction fee – 3-5%
• ATM overseas card withdrawal fee – ST$5-$16
• Resort wash and tumble dry /item – ST$3-$8
• Laundromat /machine – ST$7-$15.

Toiletries and Pharmaceuticals

• Deodorant – ST$8
• Shampoo – ST$5-$9
• Toothpaste – ST$2.80-$3.50
• Sunscreen – ST$20-$30
• Insect repellent – ST$5-$10
• Sanitary towels/pads – ST$3.70
• Nappies/diapers – ST$29-$35.

Note that tampons are not readily available in Samoa.

More About the Cost of Travelling in Samoa

That’s it for the guide to the cost of a trip to Samoa but by no means the end of our Samoa budget advice. Check out the following guides for more tips:

• Is Samoa Expensive ?
• How Much Spending Money Do You Need for Samoa?
• 20 Tips to Save Money in Samoa

Finally, learn more about travelling to Samoa on a budget in The Complete Backpacking Guide to Samoa on a Budget .

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Samoa Tourism Authority, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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Ofu Island's coral reef lies within the 13,500 acres of National Park of American Samoa, the first U.S. national park in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit This Unique, Tropical National Park

The oft-overlooked American territory of Samoa is home to a national park spanning rain forest, beach, and coral reef.

Location: American Samoa Established: October 31, 1988 Size: 13,500 acres (9,500 land, 4,000 marine)

For some 3,000 years, the people of Polynesia's oldest culture have been keenly attuned to their island environment, holding it to be precious and managing it communally. The name they gave their land reflects their attitude: Samoa means "sacred earth."

Located roughly 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii, American Samoa, a United States territory, comprises ten volcanic islands (five inhabited) and two coral atolls (one inhabited). In 1988 Congress authorized the land for a national park. In 1993, Samoan chiefs agreed to sign a 50-year lease that enables the National Park Service to manage an area of rain forest, beach, and coral reef on three islands. Samoans help manage the park, and their villages offer a few guest facilities (ask the park about its unique homestay program).

The park protects hundreds of plant species in five distinct rain forest communities: lowland, montane, coast, ridge, and cloud. It is the only such rain forest on American soil. Among the fauna visitors can see are tropical birds and the endangered flying fox—a fruit bat with the wingspan of a barn owl.

On Tutuila, American Samoa's largest island, lofty volcanic ridges overlook the deep blue waters of Pago Pago Harbor. Except for a few villages, and the scenic drive that skirts the harbor and the dramatic southern coastline, there is little level land. Atop this crumbled terrain and plunging steeply toward the sea on the island's northern side lies the park area—about 2,500 acres of land and some 1,200 acres of ocean.

Parkland on Ta'u, the easternmost island, encompasses about 5,400 acres—including Lata Mountain, American Samoa's highest peak—and 1,000 acres offshore. Unforgettable is the panoramic view from the cloud forest toward the rugged cliffs of the southern coast. Small, remote Ofu Island includes what many call American Samoa's loveliest beach. Its main attraction is the 350-acre coral reef.

How to Get There

There are flights to Pago Pago from Honolulu twice a week that take 5.5 hours. Time from California is about 14 hours, including a 3- or 4-hour Honolulu layover. From the airport, taxi or rent a car to the Sadie Thompson Inn, Sadies by the Sea Hotel, Pago Airport Inn, Tessarea Vaitogi Inn, Tradewinds, or Motu-o-Fiafiaga Motel. From any of those accommodations you can reach the park visitor center in Pago Pago by bus or car. Accommodations are also available on Ta'u, Ofu, and Olosega. To get to Ta'u requires about a half-hour flight from Pago Pago while Ofu visitors are transported to Ofu Island by local fisherman. Ofu's park begins at the edge of the airport; parkland on Ta'u is about a half-hour walk from the airport.

Any time. The islands are 14 degrees south of the Equator, giving them a hot and rainy climate year-round. The heat and rain abate slightly from June through September.

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How to Visit

Contact the park headquarters before you visit. For information, write National Park of American Samoa, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799, talk by phone at +1 684 633 7082 ext. 22, or visit the website . You can also drop in at the visitor center, located in Pago Pago across from the Pago Way Service Station.

The National Park of American Samoa is the only National Park Service site south of the Equator.

Related: See the wonder of Earth's oceans

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Find cheap flights to American Samoa from $542

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to american samoa departing on 6/19. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to american samoa.

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Good to know

Faqs - booking american samoa flights, where should i fly to if i want to visit ofu island.

If you want to visit the island of Ofu, then your trip will most likely start with a US to American Samoa flight. After landing at the international airport in Pago Pago, you may board a once-a-week domestic flight from that airport to Ofu Airport (OFU). It takes around 30min.

Which airlines I can book when flying from other countries?

Hawaiian Airlines is currently the only international carrier that offers flights to American Samoa. They have routes connecting several cities on the U.S. West Coast to Pago Pago, with a stopover at Honolulu. If you prefer an alternative option, you can consider flying to Faleolo Airport in Samoa with Air Pacific, Polynesian Blue, or Air New Zealand and then catch a connecting flight to Pago Pago.

I want to visit Ta’u island. Where should I fly to?

If you want to visit Ta’u island, then you may do so through a domestic flight. However, first you need to take a flight from the US (most likely Hawaii) to the international airport at Pago Pago on Tuitila island. From there, you may catch a domestic flight with Samoa Airways to the Fitiuta Airport (FAQ) on Ta’u island. These take around 30 to 40min.

What is the safety belt law in American Samoa?

In American Samoa, there is a law regarding safety belts to ensure the well-being of passengers. For children under the age of four, it is mandatory to use a child restraint system. However, once a child reaches the age of four, it is permissible to use an adult safety belt instead.

Are there any nonstop flights to American Samoa?

Yes, there are nonstop flights from the US to American Samoa. Nearly all of them leave from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – or the Honolulu Airport – and arrive at Pago Pago International Airport. The flights are operated by Hawaiian Airlines and run a few times a week. Another option is to fly from the US to Faleolo International Airport (APW). From there, you may catch a regular flight to American Samoa.

Can I rent a car at Pago Pago International Airport?

You can find car rentals outside the baggage claim area at Pago Pago International Airport. Some car rental brands at PPG include Tautai car rentals, Thomas Car Rentals, and O&O car rentals.

If I want to visit Olosega island, where should I fly to?

The island of Olosega is connected by land bridge to Ofu island. To get there, you may start by taking a US to American Samoa flight. After landing at the international airport at Pago Pago, you may board a domestic flight to Ofu Airport. Alternatively, you may take a daily flight to Fitiuta Airport on Ta’u island and then take a boat to Ofu island. From there, the land bridge connects you to Olosega island.

Which is the best airline to travel with children to American Samoa?

Hawaiian Airlines is an excellent option when traveling to American Samoa with children. You can select your own seats and make sure that your minors are seated next to you. If the best seat selection options are already taken, then you can contact a customer service agent for help. The airline also provides multiple carriers that accommodate different types of child restraint systems (car seat) sizes.

Which airline classes can I book for flights to American Samoa?

When booking flights to American Samoa, you can typically choose different classes. For example, Hawaiian Airlines offers a range of fare options including main cabin, extra comfort, and first class. Other airlines feature economy class offering basic amenities and services and business class, which provides a higher level of luxury and comfort.

What is the baggage allowance for flights to American Samoa?

Hawaiian Airlines allows a baggage allowance of 50 pounds for all cabins on flights from the USA to Pago Pago, American Samoa. This means that regardless of the face class you are traveling in, you will be permitted one free checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds.

How long is the flight to American Samoa?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to American Samoa takes 25h 27m, covering a distance of 5836 miles. The most popular route is Honolulu - Pago Pago with an average flight time of 5h 40m.

What is the cheapest flight to American Samoa?

The cheapest ticket to American Samoa from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $548 one-way, and $1,068 round-trip. The most popular route is from Honolulu to Pago Pago and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $1,068.

Which airlines fly to American Samoa?

Hawaiian Airlines flies the most frequently from the United States to American Samoa.

What is the most popular destination in American Samoa?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Pago Pago (100% of total searches to American Samoa).

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to American Samoa

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest American Samoa flight deals.
• If you’re traveling from the United States to American Samoa, then the most common airport to land at is Pago Pago International Airport (PPG). This airport is conveniently located on the main island of Tutuila, a few miles outside the capital city of Pago Pago. From there, you may catch domestic flights or ferries, buses, and taxis to other domestic destinations.
• Flights to American Samoa majorly involved Hawaiian Airlines, which offers direct flights from Honolulu to Pago Pago International Airport (PPG). If you are flying from London, you would typically fly to a major hub in the United States, such as Los Angeles International Airport, Honolulu, or Vancouver. From there, you would catch a connecting flight to Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa.
• Pago Pago International Airport is a hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which provides most US flights, and Samoa Airways, which provides most inter-island flights.
• Visitors to American Samoa require a passport which should be valid for at least 6 months. You will also need to show proof of return or continuing trip, in addition to sufficient funds to sustain your stay.
• If you plan on hiking in American Samoa, you may want to visit the national park. After flying from the US to Pago Pago International Airport, you may hire a taxi or rent a car to drive to the national park trailhead at Fagasa Pass.
• If you are a US national, you don't require a visa to fly to American Samoa. All other nationals visiting American Samoa should apply for a 30-day-validity entry visa, which can be extended for 30 days. Note that it is not an entry hub into the US and therefore you need to comply with respective US regulations.
• If you’re traveling with young children to American Samoa and are planning on renting a car, then child car seats are available for an added fee. If you plan to use taxis, it’s best to notify them ahead of time or bring your own car seat.
• If you’re a US citizen, then no tourist visa is required for traveling to American Samoa for up to 90 days. However, your passport should have at least six months validity and you should show a return or onward ticket.

Top airline flying to American Samoa

Unable to perform online check in using Hawaiian Airlines APP Only ONE meal choice available - Totally unacceptable Low Airline ranking compared to other International airlines and service Old Airplane (A330-200) Entertainment system - Outdated Total Score - Mediocre

This flight was delayed approximately 4 hours due to bad weather in HNL.

It was great with the exception of a rude desk member on the way back. And a terrible sandwich on the way back.

One of the best flights Ive had in a long time

Flight delayed then cancelled then gate changed two times then baggage lost.

My flight was canceled minutes before boarding started. It took three hours to get rebooked and it was on another airline overnight with another stop added. All I got was two $15 food coupons.

The plane is extremely loud and there’s no place to charge devices.

Not great to be very honest. Our flight was delayed after we sat at the airport until 15 minutes after we were supposed to leave . We were then notified the plane was being worked on “and the parts were out in the ground and still not finished .” Even though the work started the evening before and they knew it wasn’t fixed. . Then we were told it would be a 1:15 pm boarding time so we waited then at 1:45pm we were told it would be an 11:15pm boarding . It was changed to and 3:55am boarding the next morning . We lost out on a day in Hawaii and a night of our VRBO rental.

Safety record impeccable and important since flying many hours and thousands of miles over ocean.

Love the food service and attentiveness of the crew. Could have wi-if on flight

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Entry Requirements

Be sure you know the immigration laws of American Samoa before traveling.

All visitors to American Samoa require a valid passport, return ticket or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support their stay. US Citizens and US Nationals do not require a visa and may enter and leave freely, with return or onward tickets.  Australian, New Zealand and citizens of the United Kingdom upon entering American Samoa are issued a 30 day permit under the US Visa Waiver Program. All other international passport holders intending to visit American Samoa for business or holiday are required to apply for an entry visa.

American Samoa is the only United States Territory that has retained oversight of its own borders and the Department of Legal Affairs is tasked with protecting our borders and regulating travel to and from the Territory. Specifically, the Immigration Office ensures lawful entry of all travelers into and out of the Territory.

Immigration officers are stationed at all ports to ensure all travelers entering or departing American Samoa have the proper travel documents. Our office is located on the first floor of the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building (also known as “EOB”) in Utulei.

ENTRY PERMITS

Entry Permits are listed as follows:

• 7 Day Permit – Applicable only to travelers from the Independent State of Samoa and only as a block permit. A minimum of ten (10) travelers is required for issuance of a block permit. Click here  for more information. 

14 Day Permit – Applicable only to travelers from the Independent State of Samoa. Click here  for more information.

• 30 Day Permit – Applicable to all foreign travelers. Click here for more information.
• Multiple Entry Permits – Applicable only to business travelers with affiliations or ties to local businesses.  Click here for more information.

For further information contact the Attorney General’s Office, phone +1 (684) 633-4163.  Or visit the Immigration Office website here .  Email the Immigration Office for further information at immigration@la.as.gov . 

Don’t even think about bringing drugs to American Samoa .  The customs officers are highly trained to spot drug carriers.  There are dogs at the airport and post office that reliably find drugs.  The penalties for drug smuggling, possession and use are absolutely horrendous.  Marijuana is not legal for any purpose.

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Maimoana: American Samoa

Tropical Islands, Culture, and the National Park of American Samoa

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Matais (Family Patriarchs)

Credit: NPS

Tutuila Coastline

Blunt Point

Night Sky over Ofu Island

Tropical Fish

Traditional Samoan performance

• Overview & Pricing

Trip Details

• Related Trips

Settled by seafaring explorers three thousand years ago, the Samoan archipelago is the cultural hub of the Polynesian wheel. American Samoa – the only U.S. Territory south of the equator – is a true off the beaten path paradise, with rugged volcanic mountains, dramatic shorelines, empty beaches, colorful coral reefs, warm azure waters, and dense tropical forests. On this explorer’s journey, you’ll visit three islands, Tutuila, Ta`ū, and Ofu, each containing sections of the National Park of American Samoa.

Arrive into Pago Pago, American Samoa’s territorial capital. From a waterfront hotel, we head out for a variety of adventures over the course of three days, traveling by boat to visit with locals on the 375-acre Aunu`u Island and hiking along the Blunts Point Trail to a scenic high point.

Our next stops are the islands of Ta`ū and Ofu. First, we’ll fly to Ta`ū, half of which is the protected National Park of American Samoa, exploring the island’s archaeological sites and beaches. Later, we travel by boat to Ofu Island, for three nights and days spent hiking, snorkeling, and getting to know their share of the national park, beautiful mountains, lagoons, beaches, and coral reefs.

We return to Tutuila by plane, with time to take in more of the island’s features –Fagasā Bay to Afona Bay, Mount Alava, Maunaloa Ridge, and coastline. We take a walking tour of the village of Fagatogo and visit the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center.

After a farewell dinner, we take the late-night flight to Honolulu.

Small Group Adventure

Departure Dates

8 days / 7 nights

Trip begins/ends

*Price per person based on double occupancy. Trip price includes all lodging, meals, ground transportation, guide services and activities as described in this itinerary.

Call Toll-Free 800-445-2995

Do you want to customize this trip.

We customize trips all the time! Email us today: [email protected] .

• Trip Highlights

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

• National Park of American Samoa: You'll visit three volcanic islands and walk the national park's beaches and rain forests, explore crystalline waters and coral reefs, and marvel at emerald-green mountains that rise from the sea.
• Maimoana American Samoa Culture: Through traditional dances, cultural performances, ceremonies and interactions with local Samoans, you'll learn about "the Samoan way" and the history of the people whose ancestors traveled by sea from southwest Asia to the islands 3,000 years ago.
• Tropical Exploration: Opportunities abound for coastal beach walking, snorkeling, rain forest hiking, south-of-the-equator wildlife-watching and visits to island villages.
• The Essentials

Trip Type: Small Group Adventure

Territory: Oceania

Region: Pacific Islands

Trip Price: From $7,195

Single Supplement: $850

On-Trip Airfare: $550

Duration: 8 days/7 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Pago Pago, American Samoa / Pago Pago, American Samoa

Minimum Travelers: 8 travelers

Maximum Travelers: 11 travelers

Select Terms & Conditions

Pricing detailed for this Small Group Adventure is based upon double occupancy. Additional charges for single travelers and any on-trip airfare required for the trip apply. A booking deposit is required to reserve your space. Small Group Adventure pricing includes all lodging, meals (unless otherwise noted), activities, baggage handling, transportation, and guide service. Not included are travel costs to/from gateway cities, guide gratuities, and personal incidentals including, but not limited to, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, and laundry service. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions .

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

The Energy Index for this trip is “Nice & Active”, with “No Sweat” elements, at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,650 feet. Activities include hiking 1 to 3 miles per day (with elevation gain/loss not typically more than 300 feet), canoeing, optional snorkeling, and boat rides with choppy water at times.

• Make It Private

Make this trip all yours!

Most all of our Small Group Adventures can be made private to just your traveling troupe. Just give us a call at (800) 445-2995 and tell us that you would like to “make it private”!

Generally, there are two ways to make a small group adventure private. First, you could capture one of our published departure dates for just your group. In order to achieve this, we have to have sufficient space available to create a separate private trip. Second, we could take the details of this itinerary and fashion it for just your group on dates of your choosing. For this, too, we just need to review your interest, group size, and preferred timing in order to create the trip.

In all cases, the process begins with a phone call so give us a ring at (800) 445-2995 and after just a few minutes gathering information, we can set to the task of making your trip a reality!

Day 1: Tutuila

Arrive into Tutuila Island’s Pago Pago on the night flight and transfer to our hotel. Tutuila is the largest of the American Samoa Islands, which sit in the heart of the Polynesian triangle formed by Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand.

Day 2: Tutuila

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll start our day with a visit to the National Park of the American Samoa Visitor Center—then we’re off to explore. Stretching over the middle of the island from Fagasā Bay to Afona Bay, this area’s main features are Mount Alava and Maunaloa Ridge.

Day 3: Aunu'u National Landmark and Village

This morning begins with introductions and breakfast at the hotel, followed by a brief orientation from our guide on the journey ahead. Our first outing takes us by boat to Aunu`u Island off the southeastern shores of Tutuila. Lunch will be hosted at the home of a local family, after which we’ll watch traditional Samoan cultural, ceremonial, and dance performances. 

Day 4: Tutuila

After breakfast, those interested can attend a local church service, noted for the Samoan singing, skits, dances, and performances. After lunch, you will have the option to experience the panoramic view of Rainmaker Mountain and the World War II historic landmarks of Breakers and Blunts Point under your own manpower with experienced paddlers in an outrigger canoe. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5: Tutuila to Ta`ū, National Park of American Samoa Ta`ū then Ta`ū to Ofu

We fly to Ta`ū this morning, American Samoa’s second-largest island. After a picnic lunch, we’ll visit Ta`ū’s Sau`a area to explore the “littoral zone.” We’ll then get ready to board a boat to Ofu Island. Upon arrival, we will check in and have dinner at the lodge, where we will spend the next three nights. 

Day 6: Ofu, National Park of American Samoa

Our days are spent exploring Ofu’s claim to National Park of American Samoa, one highlight of which is a strip of land running along the southeastern side of the island, with stunning mountains, lagoons, beaches and coral reefs. There will be time to hike, snorkel and explore the park’s beach environment and marine life. After lunch at the lodge, we’ll head out to get to know more of Ofu’s wonders. 

Day 7: Ofu, National Park of American Samoa

Interested hikers hop into the back of a pickup truck and travel to an island trailhead, spending the morning on a guided hike. Others enjoy free time, relaxing at the lodge or exploring nearby. We’ll gather for lunch at the lodge, then return to the national park to swim, snorkel, and kick around at the beach. Our last night on Ofu features a traditional Samoan dinner. 

Day 8: Village of Fagatogo, Flights Home

We enjoy one last breakfast on Ofu Island, then board a flight to Tutuila. There, we’ll visit the National Park of the American Samoa Visitor Center, after which we’ll set out to explore the park. After lunch, we set out to explore on our own for the rest of the afternoon. Our farewell dinner is at the hotel this evening. After dinner we depart American Samoa on late-night flights to Honolulu. 

Sadie's by the Sea

Sadie’s By the Sea is one of two Sadie’s Hotels in Pago Pago. The hotel sits on the rim of Pago Pago Harbor offering excellent views of the harbor and the beach right out the door. Built in the 1960s, the hotel has been renovated over the years. You’ll find down home and friendly service from the staff. Guest accommodations are in 46 rooms, each with air conditioning, telephone, cable television, WiFi, refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, iron, and ironing board. The hotel has a swimming pool, day spa, restaurant, poolside café, and offers kayak and snorkel gear rental.  

Vaoto Lodge

Vaoto Lodge sits on the beautiful, unspoiled island of Ofu. The lodge was opened in the 1980s by Tito and Marge Malae, both of whom have now passed, but is still owned and operated by the Malae family.  The lodge is simple, with seven clean, comfortable rooms, each with a fan, private bath, and shower. There is a library, dining room, and outdoor patio. The lodge also offers easy access to the beach. Meals at the lodge are tasty and served family style.  While cell service doesn’t work at the lodge, a telephone is available, as is WiFi, though it is quite slow. The lodge accepts cash only and there are no ATM machines on the island.

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American Samoa

American Samoa, seven islands in the South Pacific, is a place of serene tropical beauty and simple pleasures. Visit a Samoan village and see huts made from cocoanut leaves. Sample a delectable meal cooked in an  umu  oven. Experience an  Ava  demonstration, with traditional Samoan songs and dances. Learn the legend of Flower Pot Rocks as you take in this iconic sight. Savor the sunsets from the Leala Coast and watch for migrating Humpback whales giving birth, fisherman hauling in their catch and local children sliding down rocks into the waves.

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