Any Travels

American Samoa consists of seven islands in the Pacific. While Western Samoa is a independent country, American Samoa is part of the United States. The volcanic island of Tutuila is the largest of the seven islands that comprise American Samoa.

Pago Pago Harbor, a collapsed volcanic caldera is one of the largest natural harbors in the South Pacific. It cuts deeply into the south-central coast almost dividing the island in two.

From east to west, a steep mountainous spine runs the 20-mile length of the island, punctuated in places by notable summits including Matafao Peak, Tutuila's tallest mountain at 2,142 feet; North Pioa Mountain, popularly known as Rainmaker Mountain, 1,718; and Mount 'Alava, the steep ridgeline looming to the north of Pago Pago Harbor, marking the south boundary of the park area.

About one mile southeast of Tutuila's eastern tip is the volcanic island of Aunuu the smallest of the inhabited islands; it can be reached by boat and explored by foot in a day. After you visit the National Park, visits to the east and west ends of the island will reveal more island and ocean scenery and insights into Samoan culture.

The Manu'a Island group includes the volcanic islands of Ofu and Olosega (joined by a bridge), and Tau. These islands lie 60 miles east (a 30-minute flight on a small plane) from Tutuila; flights are available between Ofu and Ta'u. These islands are sparsely populated - each village has only a few hundred people.

The National Park area on Ofu includes sand beach and coral reef with a mountain backdrop. There is also and excellent view of Lata Mountain (3,170 feet) on Ta'u, the tallest peak in American Samoa.

Ofu
A section of Ofu's pristine shoreline and fringing reef is protected within the National Park. The beach is fine coral sand, ideal for walking long stretches uninterrupted. Coral communities are some of the prettiest in the South Pacific. This is an ideal place to snorkel in the protected back-waters of the reef. You must bring gear from Tutuila. Before you visit Ofu, check with the park staff about special rules that may apply.

Tutuila
Tutuila is the largets of the seven island and the main base for travelers. On the island is a large National Park which is one of the major attractions - together with sun, sea and sand of course. Stop first at the visitor center in Pago Pago. A scenic road leads from Pago Pago to the north coast. Allow a few hours for this drive, including stops. You may wish to stay in overnight in the villages next to the park, but prior arrangements should be made. Along the road there are panoramic views, especially from Afono Pass. The Amalau Valley is a good place to watch above the trees for flying foxes. There is a foot trail out towards Pola Island from the village of Vatia.

Mount Alava lies to the north of Pago Pago Harbor. A hiking trail along the maintenance road leads to the 1610 foot summit; the trailhead is located at Fagasa Pass, a short drive west of Pago Pago. The hike is 6 miles round trip; allow 3 hours for your hike up and 2 hours for your return to the pass.

Aunu'u Island
Fifteen minutes by ferry from Tutuila is the tiny, quiet island of Aunu'u. Easily explored in a day (but don't go on Sunday; you won't be welcome), the island is an accessible respite from the traffic chaos of Pago Pago. Pala Lake is a beautiful expanse of fiery red quicksand - extraordinary from the edge, deadly in the middle. On the far side of the island from the ferry harbour is Ma'ama'a Cove, a cauldron of surf, spray and rocks. It's a wild, entertaining natural display.

Culture

The Samoans are a branch of the Polynesian people. Their language is considered to be one of the oldest forms of Polynesian used today. Most Samoans also speak English. The majority of Samoans are Christians; though some of the practices of their orthodox, animistic religions may still be followed, these orthodox religions have virtually disappeared. Samoan society is organized around the extended family, or aigu, headed by a chief. orthodox houses have oval, thatched roofs and are supported on wooden poles. Foreigners, including Americans, are prohibited by local laws from buying Samoan-owned land. Many Samoans have migrated to Hawaii and the continental United States.

The Children's Mass is a special day, as big as Christmas, when all the children of the island receive new clothes and special gifts. The day is focused around the children, who round up all the adults and run the festivities, from cooking in the early morning hours to conducting services and singing in angelic choirs in all the churches. Services are conducted and songs sung in Samoan, a dialect similar to other Polynesian languages.

The American Samoans have a strong christian community which dates back to the days of Reverend Williams who came to the islands in the 1800s, representing the London Missionary Society (LMS). His benevolent ways, and wise counsel soon convinced the Natives to turn from their pagan worship to christianity and brotherly love. Soon after the LMS arrived tribal wars between villages stopped, and were replaced by friendly dance competitions and dugout canoe races.

Agriculture is a principal occupation, and tuna fishing and tourism are major industries. The most valuable crops include taro, coconuts, bananas, oranges, pineapples, papayas, and yams. Additional food must be imported. Canned tuna as well as grass mats and other handicrafts are exported. The economy, remains largely dependent upon grants and appropriations by the Congress of the United States. Regular shipping services connect American Samoa with the mainland United States, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.