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All Other Regions Hotels & Resorts
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Guide to American Samoa
The territory of American Samoa lies some 2300 miles south, south-west of Honolulu and its nearest neighbour is Western Samoa. Six of its islands are inhabited, and the largest is Tutuila where most of the population lives. Capital and major centres The capital Pago Pago, pronounced 'pango pango', sits on a beautiful harbour that can be seen from Mount Alava.
The people
Samoans have lived here for more than 3000 years and are of Polynesian extraction. Their culture is traditional with emphasis on the extended family. Most speak Samoan and English.
History
The first inhabitants migrated from the West, possibly by way of Indonesia, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, to the eastern tip of Tutuila near the present village of Tula around 600 BC. Chief Tulmanu signed the Deed of Cession after WWI so that his people could enjoy the privileges of American citizenship, but it wasn't until WWII that Samoa acquired strategic importance and roads, airports, docks and medical facilities were built.
Nature
The Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary features steep volcanic slopes containing some of the rarest paleotropical rainforest. Large fruit bats patrol the jungles while huge seabirds nest on the sheer cliffs and ridges. Some 34 species of birds have been identified, 16 of which are unique to Samoa. A thriving coral community, tropical fish and marine turtles live in the clear warm waters around the islands, where visibility is greater than 30 metres. The Southern Humpback Whales winter here from August to November while porpoises and sperm whales visit regularly.
The sights
Mt Alava and Afono Pass provide stunning views of the harbour which is the steep sided crater of an ancient volcano, the seaward side has collapsed, allowing the sea to enter and form the mouth of the harbour. The Jean P. Haydon Museum of American Samoa, a national historic building, formerly the United States Navy Commissary during WWII, was officially dedicated by famous anthropologist Margaret Mead, author of the controversial book, Coming of Age in Samoa. Visit Tutuila's National Park to experience paradise amidst tropical rainforests, world-class diving areas and historic sites.
Where to stay
Facilities include comfortable hotels, motels and lodges. There is no camping, but arrangements can be made with village chiefs or landowners.
Getting around
Taxis and rental cars are available. A fleet of 'aiga', local family buses, run unscheduled services.
Food and entertainment
Live bands and traditional dancing are offered in some hotels. You can also attend a Samoan party and feast on delicious suckling pig, chicken and fish, or visit villages and share a ceremonial drink of kava, and enjoy a FiaFia (meaning "happy",) which is dancing and a show with traditional food.
Activities
Recreational options include sailing, snorkelling, water-skiing, wind-surfing, scuba diving and nature walks. Try deepsea fishing from a charter boat and watch a whole village harvest fish from the sea using long nets.
Shopping guide
Visit the handicraft centre at the Old Age Office at the south end of Pago Pago park for fascinating carved wood objects and hand-blocked tapa-print artefacts. Handicrafts are also made in many of the villages on the island.
Climate
Tropical with average temperatures of 26�C. Rainy from October to March.
Clothing
Bikinis and brief clothing are acceptable by the beach and pool but may offend in the villages.
Electricity
110 volts AC/50 cycles.
Time zone
GMT - 11 hrs. AEST - 21 hrs.
Currency
The currency in American Samoa is the US dollar. Tipping is not encouraged.
Visas and health
Visas are not required for stays of less than 30 days if you have an onward ticket. There is no departure tax and no vaccination certificates required.
Getting there
Hawaiian Air Direct, Polyensian Blue, Air Pacific, and Air New Zealand fly to Apia in Western Samoa. You must transfer here to reach American Samoa. South Pacific Express, Polynesian or Inter Island Airways all service American Samoa.
The people
Samoans have lived here for more than 3000 years and are of Polynesian extraction. Their culture is traditional with emphasis on the extended family. Most speak Samoan and English.
History
The first inhabitants migrated from the West, possibly by way of Indonesia, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, to the eastern tip of Tutuila near the present village of Tula around 600 BC. Chief Tulmanu signed the Deed of Cession after WWI so that his people could enjoy the privileges of American citizenship, but it wasn't until WWII that Samoa acquired strategic importance and roads, airports, docks and medical facilities were built.
Nature
The Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary features steep volcanic slopes containing some of the rarest paleotropical rainforest. Large fruit bats patrol the jungles while huge seabirds nest on the sheer cliffs and ridges. Some 34 species of birds have been identified, 16 of which are unique to Samoa. A thriving coral community, tropical fish and marine turtles live in the clear warm waters around the islands, where visibility is greater than 30 metres. The Southern Humpback Whales winter here from August to November while porpoises and sperm whales visit regularly.
The sights
Mt Alava and Afono Pass provide stunning views of the harbour which is the steep sided crater of an ancient volcano, the seaward side has collapsed, allowing the sea to enter and form the mouth of the harbour. The Jean P. Haydon Museum of American Samoa, a national historic building, formerly the United States Navy Commissary during WWII, was officially dedicated by famous anthropologist Margaret Mead, author of the controversial book, Coming of Age in Samoa. Visit Tutuila's National Park to experience paradise amidst tropical rainforests, world-class diving areas and historic sites.
Where to stay
Facilities include comfortable hotels, motels and lodges. There is no camping, but arrangements can be made with village chiefs or landowners.
Getting around
Taxis and rental cars are available. A fleet of 'aiga', local family buses, run unscheduled services.
Food and entertainment
Live bands and traditional dancing are offered in some hotels. You can also attend a Samoan party and feast on delicious suckling pig, chicken and fish, or visit villages and share a ceremonial drink of kava, and enjoy a FiaFia (meaning "happy",) which is dancing and a show with traditional food.
Activities
Recreational options include sailing, snorkelling, water-skiing, wind-surfing, scuba diving and nature walks. Try deepsea fishing from a charter boat and watch a whole village harvest fish from the sea using long nets.
Shopping guide
Visit the handicraft centre at the Old Age Office at the south end of Pago Pago park for fascinating carved wood objects and hand-blocked tapa-print artefacts. Handicrafts are also made in many of the villages on the island.
Climate
Tropical with average temperatures of 26�C. Rainy from October to March.
Clothing
Bikinis and brief clothing are acceptable by the beach and pool but may offend in the villages.
Electricity
110 volts AC/50 cycles.
Time zone
GMT - 11 hrs. AEST - 21 hrs.
Currency
The currency in American Samoa is the US dollar. Tipping is not encouraged.
Visas and health
Visas are not required for stays of less than 30 days if you have an onward ticket. There is no departure tax and no vaccination certificates required.
Getting there
Hawaiian Air Direct, Polyensian Blue, Air Pacific, and Air New Zealand fly to Apia in Western Samoa. You must transfer here to reach American Samoa. South Pacific Express, Polynesian or Inter Island Airways all service American Samoa.