Pago Pago

Cruise ships dock right in the center of the town.

Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango) is a very small town, so everything is within walking distance.

The isle Tutuila, which features splendid Pago Pago harbor, is a submerged crater that collapsed millions of years ago.

There are lots of local tour buses waiting at the gate. $20usd for 3 hours on signs.

Take an umbrella.....it rains a lot.

Printable map to take along.

Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, a verdant chain of seven South Pacific isles covered with ferns, breadfruit and pananus trees. It is situated on Pago Pago harbor, surrounded by high, almost wicked-looking mountains that plunge straight into the sea, on the south-eastern coast of Tutuila Island. Populated by Polynesians for over 2,500 years, many experts believe this is the birthplace of Polynesian culture. Pago Pago is an alluring mix of the seedy and the dramatically beautiful. Visit the Jean P. Haydon Museum of American Samoa, a national historic building or the handicraft center at the Old Age Office at the south end of Pago…

Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, is mountainous and covered with lush vegetation. Mt Alava provides stunning views of the harbor which is the steep sided crater of an ancient volcano, the seaward side of which has collapsed to allow the sea to enter and form the mouth of the harbor. Afono Pass, which winds from one side of Tutuila to the other, offers seven scenic points from which to view the incredibly beautiful Pago Pago harbor.

American Samoa is something of an oddity in the South Pacific - Americanized in the 1960s, the islands show the results of commercial and cultural imperialism. Over the last hundred years English, Germans, and Americans have challenged the traditional belief system, yet despite all of this, it still somehow manages to be a friendly, spectacular destination for travelers.

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. 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. The sound systems on the converted pick-up trucks can be very loud. Try a trip, it's truly worth it.

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. Little buses run along the roads that follow along the waters edge of the island. Many Samoans carry a quarter or two in their ears for bus fare as the wraparound skirts don't have pockets.

Bus stops are found throughout the main island of Tutuila, but you can stop and catch a bus from anywhere on the side of the road simply by waving down a bus. All buses have village names on them and travel from their respective villages to the bus depot at Fagatogo in town and then return.

The buses operate throughout the day with services ending around 5.00pm at night Monday to Friday. On Saturday services are reduced and on Sundays only a handful of buses operate.

Taxi: The Commerce Commission sets out the fares for taxi and buses. For between $25 and $35 you can travel one way from the marketplace in the town area to either the eastern or western end of the island respectively.

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

Shops are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday with some of the bigger supermarkets and stores opening till late. On Saturday shops are open 8.30am to 2.00pm and most shops are closed on Sunday. There are shops and supermarkets along the main street in Pago Pago from the port.

Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture of American Samoa. You can buy fresh produce, local crafts, and enjoy traditional Samoan food.

US Dollar

English is widely spoken, and most people can at least understand it.

Sim cards are available for purchase from Blue Sky Mobile. For $2 you got 1 gig of data or for $4 you get 3 Gigs of data. The internet speed fluctuats between 3G and Lte. Turn right at the port exit and walk about 10 minute towards the market. Take ID. They have their own building with signs.

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