Pago Pago

Cruise ships dock directly in the centre of town.

Although Pago Pago, pronounced Pango Pango, is very small, everything can be reached on foot.

Tutuila, the island with its splendid Pago Pago harbour, is a submerged crater that collapsed millions of years ago.

Many local tour buses wait at the gate, with signs advertising $20usd for 3 hours.

Bring an umbrella, as it rains heavily.

A printable map to take with you.

American Samoa is a verdant chain of seven South Pacific isles, covered with ferns, breadfruit and pananus trees, and its capital is Pago Pago. On the south-eastern coast of Tutuila Island, it sits beside Pago Pago harbour, where high, almost wicked-looking mountains plunge straight into the sea. Polynesians have lived here for over 2,500 years, leading many experts to regard it as the birthplace of Polynesian culture. Pago Pago combines the seedy with dramatic beauty. See the Jean P. Haydon Museum of American Samoa, a national historic building, or the handicraft centre in the Old Age Office at the south end of Pago…

Tutuila, American Samoa’s main island, is mountainous and blanketed in lush vegetation. Mt Alava has stunning views across the harbour, the steep-sided crater of an ancient volcano whose seaward side collapsed, allowing the sea to enter and form the harbour mouth. Afono Pass winds from one side of Tutuila to the other and offers seven scenic viewpoints over the incredibly beautiful Pago Pago harbour.

American Samoa is an unusual place in the South Pacific: Americanised in the 1960s, its islands show the effects of commercial and cultural imperialism. Over the past hundred years, English, Germans and Americans have challenged the traditional belief system; despite this, it somehow remains a friendly, spectacular destination for travellers.

Several car-hire facilities are at or near Tutuila airport. On Tutuila, taxis are available at the airport and by the market in Fagatogo. Tutuila has good public transport, frequent but unscheduled, on "aiga" or "family" buses. For 50 cents to a dollar, they can take you around Pago Pago Harbour and to more remote parts of the island. The sound systems on the converted pick-up trucks can be very loud. Try a journey; it is truly worthwhile.

Buses start and finish at the market in Fagatogo, the village next to Pago Pago. Roads are generally too narrow and traffic too busy for bicycles. Small buses follow the roads running along the island’s water’s edge. Many Samoans keep a quarter or two in their ears for bus fare because wraparound skirts have no pockets.

Bus stops occur across Tutuila, the main island, but you can catch a bus anywhere at the roadside by waving one down. All buses carry village names and run from their respective villages to the bus depot in Fagatogo town, then return.

Buses run throughout the day, with services finishing at around 5.00pm at night from Monday to Friday. Saturday services are reduced, while only a handful of buses run on Sundays.

Taxi: fares for taxis and buses are set by the Commerce Commission. A one-way journey from the marketplace in the town area to the eastern or western end of the island costs between $25 and $35 respectively.

Two-hour island taxi tours from the pier are usually available for $20.

Shops open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, although some larger supermarkets and stores stay open late. Saturday shop hours are 8.30am to 2.00pm, and most shops close on Sunday. Shops and supermarkets line Pago Pago’s main street from the port.

Visit the local market for American Samoa’s vibrant culture, where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts, and enjoy traditional Samoan food.

Currency: US Dollar.

Most people speak English or can at least understand it.

SIM cards can be bought from Blue Sky Mobile. For $2 you get 1 gig of data, or for $4 you get 3 Gigs of data. Internet speed fluctuates between 3G and Lte. Turn right at the port exit and walk about 10 minute towards the market. Take ID. The company has its own signed building.

Holiday information.