american samoa visit

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.

Drove to Chicago, All Things Go

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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American Samoa

There but for a more exotic name goes American Samoa. Mention of this distant archipelago more often than not elicits a blank stare, but despite its mundane moniker and confusing status (it belongs to, but isn’t a part of, the US), American Samoa is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful pockets of Polynesia.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Fagatogo Market

This is the town’s social centre on a Friday night. Locals come to gossip, ransack food stalls and pick over fresh coconuts, breadfruit and other produce;…

Fatu ma Futi

Get your camera ready: you'll spot these iconic offshore rock formations on your drive into Pago Pago from the airport. Legend has it that a couple named…

Ofu island's crown jewel is the beach along the south coast - 4km (2.5mi) of shining, palm-fringed white sand. The offshore waters are deep enough for…

Nu’uuli Falls

Standing in stark relief to Nu’uuli’s scruffy strip of restaurants and convenience stores, this secluded waterfall with a deliciously cool swimming hole…

Turtle & Shark Site

The most famous of Tutuila’s legends is set at this dramatic cliff-top site. According to one version, an old lady and her granddaughter were turfed out…

The village of Leone welcomed the first missionary to Tutuila in 1832. John Williams subsequently erected the island’s first church, garnishing it with…

This sacred site is where Tagaloa is said to have created the first humans before sending them out to Polynesia. Its volcanic boulders, wild surf and…

Masefau & Sa’ilele

A cross-island road leads from the village of Faga’itua up over a pass before winding slowly down to Masefau, a village that looks too idyllic to be true.

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Dec 12, 2012 • 6 min read

American Samoa, the only inhabited US territory south of the equator, is given the occasional nod for its love of American football and McDonald's, but…

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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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Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Mikah Meyer
• 15 min read

The Ultimate American Samoa How-To Visit the National Park Guide

Updated: Jul 12, 2023

My most-watched video on Facebook, with 341,000 views and counting.

Halfway between Hawai’i and New Zealand rests the only U.S. National Park Service site south of the equator.

A tropical forest, a beach where you’ll be the only person you see, and a culture than spans five inhabited islands are what make a visit to the National Park of American Samoa unique. My 9 days on the islands were made possible by the Visitor Bureau and my helpful guides Mike and Paula of TourAmericanSamoa.com , who provided information I’ve never found on the internet—until this blog post.

For all my favorite American Samoa photos, visit my Instagram

Because the logistics of accessing this park are one of the biggest struggles for most travelers, I’m going to describe the intricacies of visiting American Samoa while I take you through my 9 days on the islands. I include the expert guidance of the above locals, then outline your options-- and my suggestions --for how to visit.

If you want to talk through a personalized visit plan with a fellow palagi (foreigner—pronounced phonetically “PA-LAH-NG-EE”) to help determine your travels to the National Park of American Samoa, Contact Me here .

But first: The park layout:

- The official park land is spread over 3 islands, Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta’u. 2 other islands, ‘Aunu’u and Olosega, while not technical “park land” according to a map, serve to aid the park’s mission of sharing “Fa’asamoa”: the Samoan culture.

- Of the 3 islands, Ofu* is by far the experience most visitors see online. It’s the most iconic photo, it’s the best snorkeling, and it’s the most in line with what mainlanders imagine when they think of visiting a beach-paradise South Pacific.

However, most visitors never make it there.

Only a few hundred each year (find out why below). Tutuila is the “big island” and is the one where most visitors experience the park.

*Visiting Ofu is a challenge, but one you should consider as you read below and determine if/how you want to experience the National Park of American Samoa. Find out how to reach it below my itinerary, under VISITING OFU .

Day 1 - Monday

Local guides Paula and Mike from TourAmericanSamoa.com picked me up outside the PPG airport, but my checked bag hadn’t arrived (my first encounter with “Island Time”). For weight issues, Samoa Airways will hold a bag until later planes, so mine didn’t arrive till a flight 4 hours later (Samoa Airways was rebranded from Polynesian Airlines in 2017, but still operating as “Polynesian Airlines” when I visited in 2018).

We drove to the far western road of Tutuila island to see some of American Samoa’s 7 National Landmarks. Though not an official Landmark, a highlight was viewing Fatu ma Futi (photo above), the giant rock standing seemingly out in the middle of the sea, and stopping at a road side stand to eat/drink my first coconut (of which there’d be many).

I settled in at Sadie’s by the Sea, a hotel in Pago Pago with its own small beach and pool, air-conditioning (not common in most buildings) and WiFi (though not like mainlanders know internet. It would take 30 seconds to view an Instagram photo, so very slow. If you’re planning on relaxing by the pool watching Netflix, this is not your country/territory! US cell phones do not work here without a Samoan sim card).

Day 2 - Tuesday

A stop at the NPS Visitor Center where I learned all the park’s trails were closed due to Hurricane Gita which had struck the island a week earlier (February is during the rainy season, May/June/July is their dry season).

Because I am a Volunteer In Parks for the NPS, I was able to tag along to help inspect the trails and make sure Closed Trail signs were up. However, general visitors were told trails were officially closed.

There were no Rangers blocking the trails, and indeed, a group of 10 hiked the entire Mount Alava Trail (7 miles) on the previous day. Near Vatia, one of two villages in the park, the Pola Trail that I helped inspect was passable, but required a decent amount of climbing over many branches of large fallen trees and veering off path.

Fortunately, there are no poisonous plants, or venomous spiders and snakes in American Samoa, so hiking off trail felt less dangerous.

You might be lucky enough to be in town during a cultural performance, or perhaps you’ll stumble upon the original superintendent of the park (when it started in the 1980’s), as I did while visiting Pullman National Monument in Chicago. Because of this stroke of good fortune, 18 months later I told an NPS employee “Hello” from this former Superintendent and was treated to a dance performance by the NPS local maintenance crew.

After being taught one of their dances, I shared a similar one from my college days in Memphis (My "most popular video ever" at the top of this blog via YouTube embed, or click here for Facebook Watch video link ).

Day 3 - Wednesday

Since the main activity in the park on Tutuila (the big/main island with Pago Pago) is hiking, and official trails were closed, that would leave most visitors with either the option of exploring the other islands or the small beaches around town.

As an alternate, I was fortunate to don my Volunteer credentials again (earned mostly due to my visiting all 417 sites project —so don’t plan on walking in to “volunteer” if there’s a hurricane) and witness the NPS surveying the underwater coral damage from Hurricane Gita.

Our boat left from Fagasa, the village on the west side of the park and traced the entire coastline of Tutuila’s park unit, returning around the east side of the island to Pago Pago. Large swaths of downed trees and leafless sections of forest were evidence of the extreme winds and mudslides, and broken coral pieces showed the toll the violent storm took on underwater life.

Ending the day at Tisa’s Barefoot Bar, I took part in a popular tourist experience by eating from the traditional Samoan Umu that families still enjoy as part of relaxing Sundays at home. Watch restaurant owner, Tisa, explain the Umu below.

Shout out to the class of PA students on rotation at the Pago Pago hospital who let me hang out with them at dinner and took me for a “Picture with Charlie!”, the Starkist Tuna at the Starkist cannery.

Day 4 - Thursday

A drive to the easternmost portion of Tutuila allowed for a 15-20 minute boat ride to the National Landmark island of ‘Aunu’u. There I was greeted by longtime resident, Peter, who with his assistant, Mike, took me through husking, cracking, drinking, shaving, and creaming a coconut, followed by an example of creating a basket from a palm frond (those suckers are tough!).

We took that basket on a hike to view the giant crater in the middle of the island, and I heard the local legend of the two rocks/eternal lovers keeping guard of the crater’s overflowing waters. From there, we hacked our way through hurricane damaged trails to view the island’s famous tarot-root fields and then my personal favorite:

We went tilapia hunting!

Using the dull end of a machete, I watched the masters Mike and Peter, then joined-in myself to catch native island food in a traditional way: whacking the suckers to death.

Barring any moral qualms, this was one of the most fun things I did on ‘Aunu’u and the entirety of American Samoa. Watch the video to see Mikah the Tilapia Slayer , and ask Mike and Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com to connect you with Peter if you’d like a day on ‘Aunu’u as well.

Day 5 - Friday

Up at 5:30am to catch an 8:00am flight to Ta’u, I arrived at the airport to find out the flight was already delayed 2 hours and Samoa Airways had “called everyone the night before,” though my tour operator got no call…

I landed in Ta’u and was greeted by Keith Ahsoon, a former University of Hawaii football player and local resident turned tour guide. The weather that day was so rainy that the beaches were not worthwhile, and the road into the Park land had been washed out by the hurricane. This meant that the park’s one hiking trail was inaccessible. The remaining day was spent observing local fishing customs, snorkeling at the pier, visiting a church Siva (dance), and talking with Keith about Fa’asamoa. I also stayed in his air-conditioned guest room, ala AirBnB, and meals were cooked by Keith in his home.

Day 6 – Saturday

Early morning boat ride from Ta’u to Ofu. I’ve never been seasick, but this $150, 1.5-hour boat ride is not for the faint of stomach. Was I prone to motion sickness, I would not have enjoyed this open-sea passage. However, that deep sea travel allowed me to witness a local fish catch which was amazing to these palagi eyes.

Ofu and the attached-by-bridge Olosega were the two most beautiful islands of the 5 I visited in Americans Samoa (all the inhabited ones). They make up the panoramic photo at the top of the park’s brochure, and Ofu’s beach is the one you’ll likely see plastered over any enticing advertisement. Riding the boat provided a stellar view of each.

Landing at Ofu, I was greeted by Ranger Brian, his wife, and their dog. The remoteness of Ofu and the extremely small number of people on the island provided one of the most intimate Ranger tours of my entire national parks journey. I was the only visitor to the island during my two days, which meant I was the only person on the entirety of this stunning, picturesque beach, with the exception of when Brian and Rebecca joined me to snorkel (once each day). The charming couple of Deb and Ben, who run the Vaoto Lodge , said they only have approx. 300 visitors per year.

So if you want a pristinely beautiful beach where you could (hypothetically) run around naked shouting obscenities and not be within ear/eyeshot to offend anyone:

OFU is THE place.

Seriously, whether snorkeling or strolling the beach, this is the type of place you can go if you want to escape to your own private beach for some solitude, or would make an incredible spot for a time away with a lover/proposal/anniversary.

I cannot express highly enough this being the “pearl” of the National Park of American Samoa, and an experience 20x better than you’d have on any other of the islands. If you’re going to spend $2,000 to get to Pago Pago, it’d be hard to not ante up for the $500 or so to experience Ofu.

That being said, Ofu is not the type of place to go if you’re looking for a “resort experience.” The meals are cooked by Deb and Ben, the duplex style rooms do not have air conditioning, and there’s no cultural shows or shopping to make you “feel” like you’re experiencing the culture. But the truth is, you’ll experience it in the interesting chats with Ranger Brian about living in such remoteness. You’ll appreciate it while sitting with Deb and Ben for their nightly viewing of the sunset (sitting on the airport runway which is literally in the front yard of the lodge, and steps from the beach). And you’ll for a moment not care about the humidity as you look up at a dusk-lit mountain and realize you truly are in a Robinson Crusoe paradise.

PS – Contact Me if you end up going and doing the proposal, lovers’ getaway, or skinny-dipping experiences above! I want to hear if this blog inspired you 😊

Day 7 – Sunday

Officially, all the trails on Ofu and Olosega are closed, as are all the beaches, because Sunday is meant to be a day of rest. However, because Ofu beach is federal, visitors are allowed to recreate there, and provides even greater security for your private beach experience.

I spent lunchtime with a local family, eating the food from their cooked Umu, and learning more about the lives of American Samoans, particularly how they contrast between those on the mainland and those on the islands (Hint: the outlying islanders think Pago Pago is too fast moving/too big of a city. While I could barely handle the slow pace of life and constant delays of Pago Pago).

Followed by some more snorkeling with Ranger Brian, I rode the Lodge bike to get a sunset view of the famous Ofu beach photo I’d seen everywhere.

Pro Tip: If you want “golden hour” photos of this mini-mountain, arrive 3-3.5 hours before actual sunset. The sun goes behind the larger, western mountain at that time, so your remaining photos will have you on the beach in the shade, and the mountain lit by sun, or shady as well. To determine this, it took me two days of failed golden hour attempts (the first day at 6pm for a 6:30pm official sunset, the second at 4:15pm for a 6:30pm official sunset).

Day 8 – Monday

I caught a very early, very choppy boat back to Ta’u (another $150—cash, you basically have to pay with cash everywhere, but it’s USD which is helpful to American travelers) to arrive in time for a 9:45am flight to Pago Pago…which was delayed 2 hours…

I returned to Pago and attempted to hike the Mount Alava trail, however, it had rained heavily that day, and my KEEN shoes were too slippery to tackle the trail which was very muddy due to the earlier rain. My feet were sliding everywhere and made hiking miserable.

If you want to hike the Mount Alava trail, do so on a dry day, and defy your beach/island-life urges and wear shoes with socks!

Day 9 – Tuesday/Wednesday (yes, really)

8:30am flight from Pago Pago to Samoa (FGI), ***which is a day ahead American Samoa, despite the 1-hour plane ride, followed by a taxi ride and 7 hours of airport waiting (my buffer time in case the Samoa Airways flight was cancelled/delayed) for my flight out of Samoa.

Sharing my week on local Pago Pago radio station 93 KHJ

VISITING OFU

DISCLAIMER: At the time of visiting American Samoa (February 2018), the flights were operated by Polynesian Airlines, even through Samoa Airways had purchased Polynesian Airlines in 2017. At the time of posting this blog, however, Samoa Airways does not advertise flights to Ofu or Ta’u. Manu’a Airways is allegedly beginning service in “Late 2018.” My best advice is to book your local Samoa flights/boats through local travel agency: TourAmericanSamoa.com - ask for Mike or Paula. This blog will be updated as I receive information from the American Samoa Visitor Bureau.

Arguably the best section of the National Park of American Samoa is Ofu Island. However, getting there is a complicated task. There’s only 1 flight per week, on Samoa Airways from PPG (Pago Pago), meaning you either spend 15 minutes on land between the round-trip flight (15 minutes is not worth your time, and the stamp on Ofu Island is also not worth the money. You can get a stamp at the Tutuila Visitor Center), or you have to stay 1 week, or you will need to take a boat to Ta’u Island (1.5 hour and $150 cash boat ride away) for one of their weekday morning flights.

*Flights to/from Ta'u only operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Below are three itinerary options that allow you to reach Ofu.

A reminder that Samoa Airways sometimes cancels these flights and that both my flight to/from Ta’u were delayed 2 hours, meaning you are at risk of missing your connecting flight if you don’t have a buffer day or more. There is chatter of new flights being added, so check with Mike and Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com before booking.

Option 1. One week - First to Ofu

Monday – Land in PPG via Hawaiian Airlines or Samoa Airways. Tuesday – Morning Flight to Ta’u. Overnight in Ta’u, or boat directly to Ofu (book $150 one-way boat with either Deb at the Vaoto Lodge—the main hotel on Ofu, or Mike/Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com ). Wednesday – Boat to Ofu if having spent night on Ta’u, or 2nd day in Ofu if boating from Ta’u the day earlier. Thursday – Morning flight from Ofu to Pago Pago Friday – Tutuila or fly out on Hawaiian/Samoa Airways Saturday – Tutuila or fly out on Samoa Airways Sunday – Tutuila or fly out on Samoa Airways if they’re offering Sunday flights Monday – Fly out on Hawaiian

Option 2. One week - Last to Ofu (more time on Ofu, but slightly riskier)

Monday – Land in PPG via Hawaiian Airlines or Samoa Airways. Tuesday – Tutuila Wednesday – Tutuila Thursday – Morning flight to Ofu. Stay at Vaoto Lodge. Friday – Ofu Saturday – Ofu Sunday – Ofu – Sunday is a Day of Rest for all American Samoa islands, but will make your private beach even more private. Monday – Boat to Ta’u at 6:30am for 9:45am flight to PPG (but big risk if you fly out of Pago that night and the flight gets cancelled--see below for solution. Your boat to Ta'u--book through Deb at Voato Lodge or Mike and Paula at TourAmericanSamoa.com--isn't a commerical operator, but more like locals "out for a day fishing"). Fly out on Hawaiian that night or to FGI if there’s a late enough Samoa Airlines flight, OR stay till the next stay and fly to Samoa, OR stay until Friday on Tutuila for the Hawaiian Airlines flight.

Option 3. Trip longer than 1 week

Mix and match the above flights/boats for a custom schedule of your own. Contact Me for help creating it based on your individual desires.

PARK TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

Getting to American Samoa (fly or boat):

Flying to American Samoa: Two options

1. Direct flight from Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines has a monopoly on flights to Pago Pago (PPG) pronounced PAH-NG-O, PAH-NG-O. This means that round trip from Honolulu (HNL) will be about $1,000 USD, and from the U.S. mainland upwards of $2,000 USD. And they only fly on Mondays and Fridays, meaning your scheduling is limited.

2. Samoa Airways flight from Fagalii Airport in Western/Independent Samoa

Samoa Airways flies 15-seat Twin Otter airplanes for $50-$100 one-way from FGI (Samoa) to PPG. A warning that Samoa Airways is not your normal commercial airline. You don’t go through an X-ray security scan to enter the plane, you don’t have to put your liquids into 3 oz. bottles, and the planes aren’t pressurized, so bring earplugs or noise cancelling headphones (a slight benefit of the plane ride is that it is a brief respite from the heat/humidity of the islands).

None of the 4 flights I took on Samoa Airways left on time. 2 of the flights (from PPG to FTI, the Manu’a Islands) were delayed more than 2 hours. This is because Samoa Airways only operates with 4 planes, so if one is out for maintenance, they delay or cancel flights (fortunately, none of mine were cancelled).

The airline does do the job of getting you from Point A to B. If you are traveling on a time sensitive schedule, with children, or don’t enjoy waiting hours in non-airconditioned/indoor airports, then keep that in mind when deciding.

My itinerary to Pago Pago: (all prices USD unless noted, and all flight prices include one checked bag up to 23 kg/50 pounds)

I booked my February 2018 trip 5 months in advance. At that time, roundtrip flights to PPG from one of the cheapest U.S. mainland cities reaching American Samoa, Phoenix (PHX), on Hawaiian Airlines were $1,800. However, for the same price I was able to add some other destinations in the South Pacific along with stops to visit Hawaii’s 8 parks.

Essentially your choice is 1. Fly convenient, expensive, and only to American Samoa. 2. Fly less convenient, greater competition for price, and allow freedom to visit other places in the region.

I chose the latter.

1. PHX to Auckland, New Zealand (AUK) - $608 on Hawaiian Airlines (I was not impressed with Hawaiian Airlines).

2. AUK to Apia, Samoa (APW) - $220. At the time of booking, Virgin Airlines was advertising the same flight for $190, but they were awaiting governmental approval, so I booked with Air New Zealand (which was better than Hawaiian, but not as good as U.S.-based airlines like Delta, American, Southwest).

3. FGI to PPG - $50 on Samoa Airways (+ $40 for local lodging/transport). Because of flight schedules, I had to do an overnight in Samoa after my flight to Apia (APW). My hostel in Apia city was $30 and the Samoa Scenic shuttle from APW to my hostel was $10, but you must have 25 Western Samoa Tala (WST) cash to pay the driver, not USD, NZD, or AUD. There is a change booth outside APW airport. A taxi to the city would be 70 – 80 WST.

Also note, if you take this route, Apia is on the other side of the international date line. For example, I flew out of FGI (Samoa) at 12:30pm on Tuesday Feb. 20, and landed in PPG (American Samoa) at 12:05pm Monday Feb. 19.

4. PPG to FGI - $50 (+$35 for taxi). Samoa Scenic doesn’t do departing trips from FGI, so you have to hire a taxi, which should be 70 – 80 Tala.

The international dateline applies again, only the opposite as going TO American Samoa. I left PPG (American Samoa) on Feb. 27th at 8:30am and landed at FGI (Samoa) at 10am Feb. 28th (according to the schedule, but we were delayed 2 hours as seemed to be Samoa Airways standard).

My flight out of Samoa was a 30-45 minute taxi ride back to APW airport, and I had a 7-hour wait/buffer time before my flight out that evening.

5. APW to Sydney (SYD) - $350.

6. SYD to HNL - $325

7. HNL to PHX - $250

Total Price for flights, taxis, and hotels associated with crafting that itinerary: $1,928 USD.

So very close to flying direct PHX-PPG-PHX, but it included visits to New Zealand, Australia, (Western) Samoa, and American Samoa.

If wanting to build in a Hawaii visit en route, you could likely get fares for under $1,000 roundtrip from the U.S. Mainland to Honolulu, then take the $1,000 RT Hawaiian flight to American Samoa. This would work well if wanting to visit the 8 NPS sites spread over four Hawaiian islands, or visit Hawaii in general.

Boating to American Samoa: Two ways

Many visitors to the park do so on a day’s excursion from a cruise ship. While you will only be able to access the hikes and Visitor Center on Tutuila, you can technically visit the park land either on your own via taxi, or with a tour group like those Mike and Paula run through TourAmericanSamoa.com . Tutuila has very little when it comes to beaches you might imagine in the South Pacific, but if you're doing a long commerical cruise of the region, you'll likely get that other places.

The Samoa Shipping Corporation operates one weekly ship between Apia and Pago Pago on Thursdays. (Leaving Apia on Thursdays at 12am--aka Wednesday night--arriving in Pago Pago at 8am. And leaving Pago Pago that same day at 4pm to arrive at Apia at 12am Friday--aka Thursday night). Fares are $65 one-way for adults, $40 for children 2-12, and $20 for infants 1 and under.

Appreciate the insider tips on visiting American Samoa? This blog, and the experiences that provide its content, run entirely off your donations. To keep this information free and available to all, Donate to this website's operating expenses.

Contact Me if you want to talk through a personalized visit plan to the National Park of American Samoa with the assistance of a fellow palagi .

The author, Mikah Meyer , captures photos of Fatu ma Futi

#AmericanSamoa #Ofu #Tau #PagoPago #Tutuila #NationalParkofAmericanSamoa #UltimateGuide #HowTo #HowToVisit #SouthPacific #SamoaAirways #HawaiianAirlines

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American Samoa

• 3 Other destinations
• 4 Understand
• 5.1.1 Passports not requiring visas
• 5.1.2 Passports requiring visas
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.3 By boat
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.4 By boat
• 10.2 Shopping
• 15 Stay healthy
• 16 Stay safe

American Samoa is a U.S. territory in the South Pacific Ocean that lies about 100 km (60 mi) east of its neighboring country of Samoa , which is part of the same archipelago. American Samoa consists of five main islands and two coral atolls; the largest and most populous island is Tutuila, with the Manuʻa Islands, Rose Atoll and Swains Island also included in the territory.

American Samoa is not well developed for tourism, and there are no five-star hotels. But is is a great place for lounging on a beach, hiking the national park, snorkeling the lagoons, visiting historical World War II sites, or diving in the marine sanctuary.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• -14.27806 -170.7025 1 Pago Pago (pronounced "Pango Pango") - capital city

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -14.258333 -170.683333 2 National Park of American Samoa - The Samoan village leaders and the U.S. Congress have set aside the finest samples of the islands' land and seascapes as a national park.

Understand [ edit ]

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America . The citizens of American Samoa are US "nationals" and not US "citizens," but they are allowed to travel freely between American Samoa and the U.S. mainland. They are not required to obtain green cards or visas to stay or work in the United States, and they are allowed to serve in the U.S. armed forces (and often do). There are some ways that American Samoa's special status as an unincorporated territory has interesting legal consequences. The U.S. Constitution is not necessarily the supreme law of the land in American Samoa, and Samoan cultural norms, in particular those related to the ownership of property and public displays of religion, actually trump certain well-settled U.S. constitutional rights in American Samoa.

The main city is Pago Pago and the smaller Fagatogo is constitutionally designated seat of government. The governor's office is in the village of Utulei, on the opposite side of Fagatogo from Pago Pago.

The islands are frequently referred to as Samoa , which is the name of a separate island, and independent country, that used to be known as Western Samoa , that lies about 100 km west of American Samoa. Also the whole island group, including Samoa, is often identified as the Samoan islands.

Settled as early as 1000 BCE by Polynesian navigators, Samoa was reached by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany (later Britain) and the U.S. divided the Samoan archipelago. The U.S. formally occupied its portion, a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago in the following year.

American Samoa is warm, humid and rainy year-round, but there is a long, wet summer season (October - May) and a slightly cooler and drier season (June - September). Total annual rainfall is 125 in (3,200 mm) at the Tafuna airport and more than 200 inches in mountainous areas. Such rainfall gave the English writer Somerset Maugham the name for his short story "Rain", based in Pago Pago, which was subsequently turned into a play and movie.

90% of the land in the group of islands is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the U.S. and the greater part of its foreign trade is with the U.S. The private sector is dominated by tuna fishing and the tuna processing plants, canned tuna being the primary export. Monetary transfers from the US Government also add substantially to American Samoa's economic well-being. Since the emergence of U.S. influence and control the government of the United States of America has put up resistance to the emergence of local independence movements. In the early 20th century the American Samoa Mau movement was actively suppressed by the U.S. Navy.

The Governor of American Samoa is the head of government and exercises executive power. American Samoa is an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States, administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. Its constitution was ratified in 1966 and came into effect in 1967.

In both American Samoa and (independent) Samoa there is traditional village political system common to all of the Samoa Islands, the "fa'amatai" and the "fa'asamoa" interacts across the current international boundaries. The Fa'asamoa represents language and customs, and the Fa'amatai the protocols of the "fono" (council) and the chief system. The Fa'amatai and the Fono take place at all levels of the Samoan body politic, from the family, to the village and include regional and national matters.

• American Samoa Visitors Bureau , Level 1, Suite #200, Haleck Center ( Corner Ottoville Rd & Ili'ili Rd, Ottoville, Pago Pago ), ☏ +1 684 699-9805 , fax : +1 684 699-9806 , [email protected] .  

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ]

American Samoa lies outside federal U.S. immigration and customs jurisdiction. All visitors (except U.S. citizens and green card holders) to American Samoa require a passport valid for six months or more, a return ticket or onward ticket and enough funds to support their stay. U.S. citizens and green card holders traveling from the U.S. may enter without ID, though it is still recommended [dead link] .

However, since American Samoa has an immigration system independent from the U.S., U.S. Green Card Holders traveling to American Samoa from another country (namely Apia Fagali’i Airport as it is the only foreign gateway) still have to present their passports, and if they are not citizens of any American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Countries , they still need to acquire an American Samoa entry permit before traveling. The only exception may be passengers on transit to another US destination (Apia-Pago Pago-Honolulu), who are granted to stay in Pago Pago for 24 hours.

Passports not requiring visas [ edit ]

Citizens of countries under the federal Visa Waiver Program , plus Canada, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands may visit for up to 30 days with an "OK to board". Citizens of Samoa are permitted to visit for up to 7 days with an "OK to board".

To obtain an "OK to board", travelers must apply online , and upload a copy of their passport (valid for at least 6 months after planned departure from American Samoa) and a copy of their round-trip or onward ticket at least 3 business days before travel. It costs $10 for Samoan citizens, and $40 for all other nationalities, which must be paid when you submit your application.

To obtain a business or residence visa or to extend your stay to 60 days, you must visit the Attorney General's office after arrival.

Passports requiring visas [ edit ]

All other international passport holders intending to visit American Samoa for business or holiday are required to apply for a visa (called an entry permit). This will require a local sponsor in American Samoa to apply and pay the required fees on your behalf. You must obtain a copy of the entry permit in order to board the plane, and your sponsor must present the original copy in person to immigration when you arrive. If you are joining a package tour, the tour company might be able to arrange this for an extra fee; check with them to be sure.

By plane [ edit ]

There is one international airport, Pago Pago International Airport ( PPG  IATA ), with a runway length of 2,750 m (9,000 ft). This is also referred to as Tafuna Airport (or Tafuna International Airport) and is at Tafuna 5 km (3 ml) southwest of the central business district of Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila.

• Hawaiian Airlines operates 2 return flights per week from Honolulu with Boeing 767 aircraft.
• Samoa Airways operates services to Pago Pago from Maota airport ( MXS  IATA ) on Savaii Island in (independent) Samoa.
• Talofa Airways operates flights to Pago Pago from Faleolo International Airport ( APW  IATA ) in (independent) Samoa.

Faleolo International Airport ( APW  IATA ) also serves as an international gateway to the region. That airport is 40 km (25 mi) west of Apia , the capital of (independent) Samoa . Daily inter-island flights between the Samoas are operated by Samoa Airways and Talofa. Samoa is in the western part of the Samoan islands archipelago.

The Faleolo airport in nearby Samoa has wider international connections including Air New Zealand to Auckland in New Zealand , Fiji Airways to Honolulu USA and Nadi in Fiji , Samoa Airways to Maota in Samoa and Pago Pago in American Samoa, Tongatapu in Tonga , Polynesian Blue (operated by Pacific Blue) to Auckland in New Zealand, Brisbane and Sydney in Australia .

The 2 airlines operating international services between Pago Pago and Apia , Samoa provide scheduled daily flights.

• Samoa Airways . Operate a 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft.  
• Talofa Airways Operates two 9-seater Twin Commander 690B aircraft.

By boat [ edit ]

The island of Tutuila has the international seaport of Pago Pago. This port is served by a number of passenger carrying cruise ships and cargo ships.

Get around [ edit ]

Samoa Airways is the only airline providing daily domestic air services between Pago Pago and the Manu'a Island of Tau.

• Flight time between Pago Pago and the Manu'a Islands is approximately 30-40 min. Samoa Airways will generally add additional flights as needed.

Fitiuta Airport ( FTI  IATA ), ( FAA LID : FAQ ), 975 x 23 m (3,200 x 75 ft) is a public use airport in the village of Fiti‘uta on the northeast portion of Ta‘ū island.

• Samoa Airways operates flights between Fitiuta Airport on Ta‘ū island and Apia (Faleolo International Airport ( APW  IATA ) in (independent) Samoa. Upon arrival at Ta'u airport, locals with boats are available to take visitors to Ofu and Olosega islands.

Ofu Airport ( OFU  IATA ) has a public airport one 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of the village of Ofu on the island of Ofu which is not served by a commercial airline.

• Samoa Airways operates flights to Ta‘ū island

Tau Airport ( TAV  IATA ) 661 x 30 m (2,170 x 100 ft) is a privately owned, private-use airport 2 km (1 mi) southeast of the village of Ta‘ū in the northwest corner of Ta‘ū island. It is not normally utilized for scheduled services.

Rose Island (Rose Atoll) and Swains Island do not have an airport.

By car [ edit ]

Several car rental facilities are available at or near the Tutuila airport. On Tutuila taxis are available at the airport, and near the market in Fagatogo.

By bus [ edit ]

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 the more remote parts of the island. Buses originate and terminate at the market in Fagatogo, the village next to Pago Pago. The roads are generally too narrow and the traffic too busy for bicycles.

Hail an aiga bus with a wave of your hand. Many Samoans carry a quarter or two in their ears for bus fare as the wraparound skirts ( lavalava ) don't have pockets. When you want off, tap the window a few times and the bus will stop and pay the driver by tossing your fare (a quarter up to a dollar depending on the route and distance traveled) onto the dashboard on your way out.

A weekly ferry service from Pago Pago to the Manu’a Islands is provided by government operated excursion boat. This service travels around Tutuila, calling at the north coast villages of Afono, Vatia and Fagasa. Regular small ferries also offer service to and from the island of Aunuʻu.

Talk [ edit ]

The native language is Samoan , a Polynesian language related to Hawaiian and other Pacific island languages. The Samoan language is still in use in daily exchange. English is widely spoken, and most people can at least understand it. Most people are bilingual to some degree.

Some common words/phrases:

• Hello - Talofa (tah-low-fah)
• Please - Fa'amolemole (fah-ah-moh-lay-moh-lay)
• Thank you - Fa'afetai (fah-ah-feh-tie)

See [ edit ]

• Fatu ma Futi or Flower Pot Rock , about 275 m (900 ft) out in the ocean stands a tall mini-island. It is home to many exotic birds and fruit bats.
• Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (requires a steep, moderately difficult hike)
• National Park of American Samoa , including the view of Pola Island, AKA Cock's Comb
• Turtle and Shark Site - Beautiful small cove in Vaitogi central to an ancient Samoan legend
• Tia Seu Lupe - The most accessible of American Samoa's ancient star mounds, used for the chiefly sport of pigeon catching, in Ottoville near Holy Family Catholic
• Blunt's Point Battery - Incredibly well-preserved WWII defensive cannons atop a mountain with a spectacular view. Accessible via a trail with a small, unassuming entrance to the right of the laundromat in Utulei.

Do [ edit ]

• To'aga Beach on the south side of Ofu. Bring your snorkel to explore the pristine coral reef that fringes its shore.
• There is abundant hiking on the island, especially in the National Park of American Samoa
• Tisa's Barefoot Bar & Grill on the eastern part of the island. Beach access but no shower. Features weekly umu feasts of traditional Samoan foods and an annual tattoo festival.
• Two Dollar Beach is a beautiful beach in Avalo with great snorkeling and many fish darting anong the rocks in its tranquil waters. Very affordable, even if it isn't just $2 anymore.

Events [ edit ]

• Flag Day Fautasi Races - Held on April 17th, the day the US flag was first raised over the territory. A team from each of the bigger villages races a fautasi, or 50-person longboat, in Pago Harbor.
• Tisa's Tattoo Festival - Festival of traditional body inking held every October at Tisa's Barefoot Bar in Alega.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

American Samoa uses the U.S. dollar (" $ , ISO code currency: USD ). It is divided into 100 cents.

Shopping [ edit ]

American Samoa has a lot of locally run shops and kiosks with products ranging from handmade clothing to traditional wooden weapons. A covered market operates in Pago Pago when cruise ships are in town. There is also a mini-mall, Laufou Shopping Center , in Nu'uuuli.

Eat [ edit ]

Tutuila has a wide variety of places to eat—from familiar fast food stops to fine restaurants. The outer islands have far less variety. Restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including American, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Polynesian. Tisa's Barefoot Bar in Alega holds weekly traditional Samoan Umu feasts.

Signature/national dishes include Palusami, Lu'au and Supoesi.

Drink [ edit ]

Kava is often considered to be the national drink. The beverage is made from the roots of the pepper plant ( Piper methysticum ). Kava is known for its mellow and relaxing effects. Many people drink kava because it is a natural alternative to alcohol and anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medication.

Flying Fox Brewing Company in Pava'ia'i is the island's first and only brewery.

Sleep [ edit ]

There is hotel-style lodging on the main islands, but not Olosega, Swains, or Rose (uninhabited).

Work [ edit ]

The tuna industry is very prominent, but about 30% of the population is unemployed.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

American Samoa has few health risks of concern for normally healthy persons visiting the islands. There are, however, a significant number of cases of dengue fever each year, and (since 2014) chikungunya, both spread by mosquitoes , so don't forget your insect repellent (containing DEET).

Another common danger, in or near residential areas, are packs of stray dogs. Most dogs, while they may nominally belong to someone, are left to fend and forage for themselves. They are territorial, and will often bite. The most common response by locals is to pretend to bend down and pick up a rock. This will often scare the dogs away because they are used to being abused and hit with thrown rocks.

Bring necessary medications with you, for supplies may not be available. Medical care is limited and there is none available on the Manu’a Islands. The LBJ Tropical Medical Center is on Tutuila island in the village of Faga'alu. It was once a highly regarded regional health center; however, it has fallen on hard times. It has staffing problems and only provides marginal (though inexpensive) service. A serious illness or injury will generally be evacuated to a hospital in Hawaii, Fiji, or New Zealand. When traveling in the region, carry some basic medications such as aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol), cold capsules, band-aids, sun screen, vitamins, anti-diarrhea pills, and a good insect repellant.

In many areas of Tutuila, the tap water is not safe for drinking or washing dishes due to E. coli contamination. Check with the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency for details or drink bottled water.

Stay safe [ edit ]

American Samoa has low crime rates, though it's best to stay where the crowds are while on the beach. While swimming, don't go too far out, as rip tides are common. Keep a close eye on your valuables, as theft is also common.

Respect [ edit ]

Except for perhaps a few thousand individuals nearly all inhabitants of American Samoa are indigenous Samoans of Polynesian ancestry. More than any other U.S. or Polynesian peoples, Samoans are oriented toward traditional customs and lifestyles. They closely follow the social customs and hierarchies developed prior to the arrival of the first Europeans in the region. This Samoan way, or fa'asamoa is still deeply ingrained in American Samoa culture.

The most apparent character is the Samoan matai system of organization and philosophy. In general, each village is made up of a group of aiga , or extended families, which include as many relatives as can be claimed. Each aiga is headed by a chief, or matai , who represents the family on all matters including the village council, or fono . Matais hold title to all assets of the aigas , or families; they represent and are responsible for law enforcement and punishment of infractions occurring in their villages.

The fono consists of the matais of all the aiga associated with the village. The highest chief of the matais of all the village aigas is the highest chief, or the ali’i , and heads the fono . Also, each village has a pulenu’u (somewhat like a police chief or mayor), and one or more talking chiefs, tulafale .

Over the centuries, distinct cultural traits emerged that we now call fa'asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah). Whether you are a guest or simply passing through a village, please observe these customs as a sign of respect.

Follow 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-ooh-WE-ah) before drinking.
• Do not eat or drink while walking through a village.
• It is very disrespectful to walk in a village when a sacred ritual is in progress.

Connect [ edit ]

American Samoa uses the U.S. Postal Service with zip code 96799 and a state code of "AS". Postage between Hawaii, American Samoa, the mainland, and overseas military & diplomatic installations (APO, FPO, DPO addresses) is charged at the same domestic rates as it would be within a single island or between the islands of American Samoa.

American Samoa's area code is 684. When dialing any off-island telephone number, dial 1 + area code + phone number. Check with your phone/long distance company to regarding the rates.

American Samoa is not covered by US mainland mobile phone operators. There are two local mobile providers- BlueSky and ASTCA . iPhone users can freely choose either of the two, but not all Android devices are supported by the ASTCA network, so some Android users may be limited to BlueSky. Additionally, if continuing to Samoa later, BlueSky SIMs will roam in Samoa with the same pricing as local usage on certain data bundles (but not for voice or text, which are charged extra). If you have a data-only device such as an iPad or hotspot device, BlueSky also offers data-only prepaid plans (pricing details are here ).

In addition to mobile data, ASTCA and BlueSky both offer a few WiFi hotspots around Tutuila. ASTCA hotspots cost $2 for 24 hours of unlimited usage at up to 3Mbps, $10 for 7 days of unlimited usage at up to 10Mbps, and $40 for 30 days of usage at up to 20Mbps. BlueSky hotspots charge by usage instead of speed and time, and their pricing table can be found here.

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Alerts in effect, explore the islands of sacred earth.

The National Park of American Samoa welcomes you into the heart of the South Pacific, to a world of sights, sounds, and experiences that you will find in no other national park. Enjoy this unique national park and the welcoming people of American Samoa. We are here to protect its rich culture and natural resources. Come explore them with us!

When you aren't snorkeling, enjoy a walk in the sand or relax in the shade along this quiet and remote beach.

Because fa'asamoa is important to this park, subsistence farming is allowed on some parklands. You will see small plantations around.

This park is home to over 35 resident and migratory species, including seabirds, water birds, forrest birds, and shorebirds.

The Samoan fruit bat has the habit of flying during the day as well as at night and usually seen roosting.

The daughter of a high chief in a village.

Fine mats are used for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and the bestowing of chiefly titles.

Last updated: May 6, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

National Park of American Samoa MHJ Building, 2nd Floor Pago Pago, AS 96799

684 633-7082 x22

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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.

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.

10 tropical destinations you can visit without a US passport

A trip to the tropics is one of the best family vacation ideas any time of the year, but many tropical destinations can’t be accessed without a passport. And while in an ideal world everyone in the family would have valid passports ready at any moment, that's not always possible − especially with busy work and school schedules, historically long wait times for passports, and kids needing new passports every five years.

I've heard countless stories of people postponing or canceling family vacations because they discovered their passports were expired or damaged. Even those with valid passports may find they can’t travel because their passports expire within three to six months, which could prevent entry in many countries. 

For my family, fears of delays in issuing new passports are already getting in the way of planning a tropical vacation abroad for spring break , so we're turning instead to tropical vacation spots that do not require a U.S. passport. Fortunately, there are a lot more than you might expect. Some are easier to reach than others, but it’s always good to know all of your choices. Here are the best options. 

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NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 21 best all-inclusive family resorts in the U.S.

The islands of Hawaii are probably the first passport-free tropical destination that comes to mind for many families. Legendary for their beauty, rich culture and hospitality, they're also far-flung enough from the mainland to feel like a genuine tropical vacation despite being one of the 50 United States. That means U.S. citizens not only don’t need a passport to enter, but the islands are also easy to get to, with loads of direct and nonstop flights from all across the country. Hawaii has near-perfect summer-like weather all year long, making it the perfect tropical destination any time of year.

ALOHA STATE: 6 Hawaii family resorts that are nearly all-inclusive

Although there's no shortage of incredible family resorts in Hawaii , the idea of being able to have cultural experiences on-site is very appealing to me, because I always try to expose my family to the local culture wherever we go. In that sense, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort on Oahu is a good choice for its immersive cultural experiences and gorgeous beachfront location. A stay at the resort includes access to a team of "Aunties" and cultural experts ready to "talk story" about Hawaiian history and culture. The resort also hosts performances by local Hawaiian musicians, holds Hula lesions, and offers traditional bamboo printmaking experiences. 

On Maui, the Wailea Beach Resort − Marriott, Maui is the place to stay if you want to be as close as possible to the island’s golden-sand beaches. Your family will love the resort's four distinct pools, including Hawaii’s longest resort waterslide. The resort also features a game room and arcade, family-friendly dining, watersports and plenty of cultural events. 

On the Big Island, the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a great choice. The resort features cultural activities and has a strong focus on giving back to the residents of Hawaii. Kids will love the infinity pool, waterslide and water sports. There's also a heated children’s pool for the little ones. 

The easiest passport-free tropical destination for most Americans to reach is sunny Florida. Much of the state has tropical weather all year long. The Sunshine State also boasts resorts that rival those found on the Caribbean islands . Key West, Marco Island, and Orlando are just a couple of Florida destinations well worth a visit. 

My family is partial to Orlando because it has a good mix of resorts with fantastic on-site pools and activities. Hanging out poolside is a great way to enjoy Florida’s tropical weather, and we enjoy the town’s amusement parks . The beaches of Key West are also a personal favorite and, like much of the state, make for great family beach vacations .

FLORIDA FUN: 7 best Florida all-inclusive resorts for families

In Orlando, my family loves the JW Marriott Grande Lakes . The hotel’s lazy river and epic waterslides are the perfect complement to Florida’s tropical weather. The JW Marriott Bonnett Creek is another great choice. A highlight of a stay here for my family was that my kids got to enjoy the hotel's kids club, complete with a rooftop climbing wall, mini-golf course and playground, while I enjoyed an adult dinner and drinks.  

In Key West, just 90 miles from Cuba, the Havana Cabana is a fun family hotel with daily pool parties, poolside popsicles and complimentary snacks in the lobby. This hotel has the largest pool in Key West, so there's plenty of room for everyone to splash the day away. 

3. Closed-loop cruises

Many closed-loop cruises don't require U.S. passports. Closed-loop cruises begin and end at the same port within the United States and stay solely within the Western Hemisphere. For example, if your cruise starts and ends in Miami with a stop in the Bahamas, it is probably a closed-loop cruise. 

Even on a closed-loop trip, some form of government identification will be required to board the cruise ship and to go on land excursions, but it doesn’t have to be a passport. For example, birth certificates for children might be acceptable. It’s important to check with your cruise line before booking to make sure that you have documentation that will be accepted for your cruise. 

FAMILY CRUISES: Kids sail free on these 7 family-friendly cruise lines

While a closed-loop cruise may seem like an attractive option, it’s important to know the risks. If anyone in your family becomes sick and needs to seek medical care off the ship or if you need to leave a cruise early, you may find yourself in big trouble and unable to respond appropriately without valid passports. This is not a risk I would take with my family, but it is an option for those with a higher risk tolerance than me. 

Most major family cruise lines have some closed-loop routes, including Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line . It’s extremely important to verify both that your cruise is closed-loop and what type of documentation you need before booking if you won’t have a valid passport at the time of sailing. 

4. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

Americans can access three U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport. Traveling around the USVI is easy because most residents speak English and the islands use the U.S. dollar as their official currency. And especially for East Coast families like mine, any of the U.S. Virgin Islands are easier to get to than Hawaii.

CLOSE TO HOME: 19 best family resorts and hotels in the USA

St. Croix is the most far-flung USVI, and it feels like a different world. The island isn't full of large resorts, which makes it a good choice if your family prefers to get out instead of lounging at the pool every day. St. Croix is home to fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling, though, plus four national parks, mangrove estuaries accessible only by kayak, sugar plantations and a historic downtown. You might be particularly interested in visiting St. Croix for a nighttime bioluminescence tour in Salt River Bay, one of only seven full-time bioluminescent bays worldwide.

Stay at the Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort , the first hotel built and operated by a St. Croix family. A building has stood on the land since 1653 and The Buccaneer has operated as a hotel since 1922. The hotel has family cottage suites and lots of activities for kids, including complimentary water sports, a private beach stocked with games, and beach toys. It also hosts local musicians, traditional fire dancers and Caribbean stilt walkers.

5. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

St. John is also part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and more than 60% of the island is a protected part of the national park system. I visited St. John when my son was an infant and I was taken aback by the island's beauty. I'm anxious to return now that my children are older and can engage in more activities. 

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Exploring the St. John national park is a highlight of any visit. Trunk Bay is a gorgeous beach, and Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail is an easy and kid-friendly introduction to snorkeling and spotting marine life. On St. John, you can also hike through a tropical forest to the ruins of a sugar mill, with a short side trail bringing you to see petroglyphs that are more than 1,000 years old. 

I have two recommendations for where to stay on St. John. If ocean views, a pool and easy access to the beach are your priority, consider Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort . If you'd prefer to be immersed in St. John's tropical national park, book a stay at Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground . The campground is in the heart of the park and even has simple cabins for tent-averse people like me. 

6. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)

Just a short ferry ride from St. John is St. Thomas, which makes it simple to hit two of the three U.S. Virgin Islands on the same trip. When I took the ferry on a previous visit, the ride lasted about 20 minutes each way and was a fun part of the experience. Charlotte Amalie, the pastel-colored capital of the USVI, is on St. Thomas.

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It's great for shopping, but your family may be more interested in visiting the Pirate Treasure Museum . There's also loads of pristine beaches and plenty of opportunities for hiking, snorkeling and kayaking here, but I'd recommend staying on St. John and making a day trip of St. Thomas. That way you get to visit two tropical islands in one go without ever having to switch hotels. 

7. Puerto Rico

My favorite family vacations involve a mix of adventure and relaxation, and that's exactly what you get in Puerto Rico. You don't need a passport to visit, but if you've never been there, then that's more of a perk than the whole reason to go. When we talk about Puerto Rico, many people assume it's just one island, but actually it's an archipelago comprising more than 140 islands, of which Puerto Rico (the island itself) is the largest. 

NO HIDDEN FEES: 8 best Puerto Rico all-inclusive resorts for families

Puerto Rico has it all: big cities, tranquil beaches and plenty of history. Historic Old San Juan is full of colorful Spanish buildings, two centuries-old forts, and an arts district. By night, Vieques' Mosquito Bay glows an incredible shade of blue thanks to the bioluminescent organisms that live in the bay. Vieques is one of the offshore islands, easily accessible by ferry as a day trip. Another highlight of Puerto Rico is El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Park system. 

Stay at Caribe Hilton in San Juan, where the kids will delight at the property's peacocks, underwater helmet diving, on-site playground, secluded beach, oceanfront swimming pools and on-site water activities. Interested families can become a Manatee Caretaker for a Day at the resort’s manatee conservation center. The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is another family-friendly hotel option and has been named by FamilyVacationist as one of the best resorts in the world for multigenerational family vacations . It has El Yunque as a backdrop and boasts three pools, including a children’s pool and a huge lagoon-style pool.  

8. American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States that sits in the South Pacific. The chain of five islands sits about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Its remote location makes American Samoa difficult for most mainland Americans to access, but because Hawaii is the closest point in the United States to American Samoa, it's feasible to add a trip to American Samoa onto a trip to Hawaii if you have an extended period of time to travel. 

SUN AND SAND: 11 best all-inclusive beach resorts in the world  

Those who do make it deep into the South Pacific are rewarded with a passport-free tropical vacation rich in Polynesian culture. Believed to be home to the oldest Polynesian culture in the region, American Samoa is a fantastic place to learn about the traditional Polynesian way of life. The National Park of American Samoa is a draw, too. It features fruit bats, a coral reef and a World War II heritage trail.

There aren’t many hotels in American Samoa, but the Tradewinds Hotel is one of the nicest. It’s a good base for exploring the beaches and jungles of American Samoa. The hotel has a pool and easy beach access. 

Guam is a small U.S. territory in Micronesia in the Western Pacific. It has a tropical climate, but before planning a trip be aware of the island’s long rainy season from July to December (dry season is roughly January to June ). Guam's size means nowhere on the island is too far away. By some measures, it's home to the largest mountain in the world, Mount Lamlam. Families who visit can hang out at the beach, dive and enjoy the island's warm culture. 

GO BIG: 10 luxury Caribbean resorts for a splurge family vacation  

Guam also has several family-friendly resorts and hotels. The Hilton Guam Resort and Spa has a private beach and multiple pools. The Hyatt Regency Guam has three pools, waterslides and plenty of aquatic games. 

10. Northern Mariana Islands

Just north of Guam in the Western Pacific lie the 22 Northern Mariana Islands. They're a Commonwealth of the United States, so American citizens can visit any of the islands without a passport. Of all the islands, Saipan draws the most tourists and is where most of the permanent residents of the Northern Mariana Islands live. 

AROUND THE WORLD: 15 best all-inclusive family resorts in the world

You can visit Saipan’s beaches, dive or snorkel in Saipan’s legendary crystal-clear blue waters at the Grotto, take a day trip to Bird Island or Forbidden Island, or spend your days playing water sports on one of the islands' many beaches. The Hyatt Regency Saipan is an excellent choice for family accommodations. The resort has expansive tropical gardens, an enormous pool, and easy access to Saipan’s white-sand beaches and blue waters of the West Pacific. Kids will love the pool’s cascading waterfall and volleyball net. 

10 passport-free tropical vacations for families originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.  

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 10 best beach resorts in Florida for families  
• 10 best Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts and beach hotels  
• 13 best all-inclusive Mexico resorts for families  

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 tropical destinations you can visit without a US passport

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You can sail on a lavish cruise from Vancouver to Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand at a steal

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Travellers looking for an epic transpacific voyage can cruise from Vancouver to New Zealand with multiple stops in coveted destinations.

Princess Cruises takes guests down the ruggedly beautiful Pacific Coast en route to California before sailing to Hawaii. The voyage includes exotic stops such as Tahiti and American Samoa before disembarking in New Zealand. 

Passengers will sail on the five-star Royal Princess, which offers a range of exciting amenities, including Princess Cruises’ largest top-deck pool that features an evening water and light show, mini-golf, movies under the stars, renowned spa treatments, a disco, nine bars, tennis and much more.

The cruise overnights in Vancouver at Canada Place on Sept. 21 before spending a day in Victoria on Sept. 22. Passengers will then have a couple of days to enjoy the ship before stopping in San Francisco on Sept. 25. The Golden City is home to several popular attractions that can be seen in a day, including excursions to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

After one more day at sea, guests will spend a day in San Deigo before stopping in sunny Los Angeles on Sept. 28. 

The voyage includes five days at sea to reach the tropical Hawaiian Islands, where it stops in Honolulu on Oahu and the Big Island.

Passengers will enjoy another five days on the ship before spending two days in Tahiti and one in Moorea on the Society Islands on Oct. 12. After three more sea days, the ship spends a day in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

The cruise includes three more days at sea, crossing the international dateline before sailing into Tauranga, New Zealand on Oct. 21. It disembarks on Oct. 22 in Auckland. 

Cruise from Vancouver to Auckland, New Zealand with Princess Cruises 

There are four stateroom categories to choose from, including the interior, balcony, mini-suite, and suite. No ocean views are available on this sailing (see slide two).

The interior stateroom is the best option for folks travelling on a budget. While they won't enjoy any fresh air in their rooms, there are plenty of places around the ship to enjoy the view or stand outside. The lowest price for two people is $6,727.86 or $3,363.93 per person. This total breaks down to a per-diem, per-person amount of $112.13 (see slide three). 

• Related:  Here's how you can sail on dozens of Vancouver cruises for $49 a day

Travellers in parties of three or more can also take advantage of some discounted offers.

The cost for the 30-day cruise includes transportation on a beautiful five-star vessel, meals, entertainment, snacks and lodging. The only thing it doesn’t factor in is alcohol, Wi-Fi or tips, but you may purchase packages to reduce the price.

Flights home from New Zealand shouldn't depart the same day the cruise disembarks in Auckland. Plus, "Middle Earth" is home to several shooting locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and other intriguing attractions and places you might want to explore. 

One-way flights from Auckland start at around $880 and include a stop before Vancouver. However, you can also create a multi-stop itinerary that includes several days in Honolulu, Oahu.

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