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American Samoa Travel Guide
American Samoa Travel Guide
Explore Our Islands
The Territory of American Samoa has a total land area of 76 square miles made up of five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’ū) and two atolls (Rose and Swains). Including our marine waters and 200 mile exclusive economic zone, the Territory’s total area is 117,500 square miles, about the size of the State of Oregon or New Zealand. With steep volcanic mountains, the tallest peak Mount Lata 3170 feet is on Ta’ū Island and Mount Matafao at 2142 feet is the tallest on Tutuila Island. American Samoa is a tropical paradise and the climate averages 82˚-83˚ Fahrenheit all year round and the ocean waters that surround our islands averaging 82˚-86˚ Fahrenheit. With 90% of our islands covered in untouched tropical rainforest our flora and fauna is very unique. The National Park of American Samoa is the only US Park in the Pacific, offering challenging and dramatic hiking trails to historical sites, secluded beaches and villages. Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of only 13 conservation areas throughout the United States. From hiking tropical rainforests, to swimming, snorkeling, diving or fishing our surrounding ocean waters, American Samoa is an eco tourism haven for visitors wanting an undiscovered holiday paradise.
Our Polynesian Heritage
American Samoa’s islands make up the eastern part of the Samoan Archipelago, whose people are Polynesian. Archaeologists stated that the early Polynesians traveled from South East Asia into the Pacific populating the islands of the western Pacific from Papua New Guinea to Samoa and Tonga. It was from Samoa and Tonga some time later that the Polynesians migrated east and populated the Cook Islands, Niue and Tahiti before heading north to Hawaii and south to Aotearoa (New Zealand) on the last legs of the great Polynesian migration. Today Samoan’s are the regarded as the largest full blooded Polynesian race left in the Pacific.
Sightseeing
There’s nothing like jumping in a car or 4WD and venturing out on the open road to explore a new destination and see where the road takes you. For other’s a structured tour with a guide is their thing, while a number of visitors prefer to hop on a local bus and enjoy the ride to a beach or scenic site for a day trip, and here in American Samoa you can do all that.
Historical Sites
American Samoa’s traditional and modern history offers a fascinating insight into the Territory’s path to where it is today. The American Samoa Historic Preservation Office (ASHPO) was established to record and preserve historical sites and artifacts throughout the Territory. To date there are over 600 historical sites recorded by the office. A number of these sites are also listed with the US National Register of Historic Places The US Navy, the first administrators of the Territory of American Samoa, presence on the island lasted for over 50 years and ASHPO has a 'U.S. Naval History & World War II' guide available for free. The office also has a 'Walking Tour of Historic Fagatogo’ booklet available for free.
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American Samoa’s islands make up the eastern part of the Samoan Archipelago, whose people are Polynesian. Archaeologists state early Polynesians traveled from South East Asia into the Pacific populating the islands of the western Pacific from Papua New Guinea to Tonga and Samoa. It was from to Tonga and Samoa sometime later that they migrated east and populated the Cook Islands, Niue, Tahiti and Rapanui (Easter Island) before heading north to Hawaii and south to Aotearoa (New Zealand) on the last legs of the great Polynesian migration. Today Samoan’s are regarded as the largest full blooded Polynesian race left in the world. Fa’a Samoa or the Samoan way is the foundation of Samoan society culture and heritage. Aiga or extended family is the core of the Fa’a Samoa, where at the head of the family are matai or chiefs and each family member has their role to play in their tautua, or service to the extended family. Our customs and culture are over 3000 years old and has changed very little over this period. The most major western influence accepted into Samoan custom has been Christianity which forms the spiritual basis of our society.
Fa'a Samoa
Fa’a Samoa or the Samoan Way is the foundation of Samoan society culture and heritage. Aiga or extended family is the core of the Fa’a Samoa, where at the head of the family are matai’s or chiefs and each family member has their role to play in their tautua, or service to the well being of the extended family throughout life. Christianity is also a major foundation block in Fa’a Samoa.
Customs & Culture
Fa’a Samoa customs and culture are over 3000 years old and have changed very little over this period. The most major western influence accepted into Samoan customs has been Christianity which forms the spiritual basis of our society. Our culture and customs are based around the mutual respect given to our elders, the church, visitors, and the extended family. Matai or chiefs make up the heads of the extended family units and each person has their duties to play in the well being of the family and its members and come together when ever needed.
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Protocols and customs
Fa’a Samoa is strongly focused on respect and service and Samoans welcome the opportunity to share their heritage with visitors. So bearing this in mind we have listed some local protocols when you visit villages, beaches and scenic sites.
• Samoan’s are very religious and in some villages each day a “sa” or curfew is imposed during the evening prayer curfew (usually between 5.00pm and 6.30pm) depending on the village. Avoiding walking around the village during these curfews which normally last about 30 minutes. Not all villages have prayer curfews, so ask someone before visiting during these times.
• Sunday in American Samoa is a day of worship, spending time with family and rest, so no work is done and people are asked to respect this day. All major shops are closed, but visitors can buy goods from the local villages stores found through the islands. Visitors are welcome to attend church and if you wish to do so please dress appropriately, a blouse and long skirt for the ladies and the men, shirt and trousers.
Behavior and dress
• Wearing skimpy clothing around the village is not allowed, so please dress appropriately so not to offend your hosts and other residents.
• Nude and topless swimming or sun bathing is totally forbidden throughout American Samoa.
• Beach swimwear – bikini’s etc are appropriate to wear while at the beach, but if you intend to go into the village please cover up by putting on a tee shirt or lavalava (sarong).
• When entering a fale (home) always remove your shoes or slippers at the door.
• Never stand inside a fale when elders are seated
• When sitting in a fale on a mat on the floor, sit crossed legged. If you cannot cross your legs, tuck them to the side and never point you feet at someone. If you cannot cross your legs at all, take a lavalava or mat and cover them while seated on the floor.
• Always ask permission from your hosts or someone before taking photos in a village.
• Tipping is not expected or customary in American Samoa. If you wish to leave a gift for good service, you are most welcome to do so.
• If you are not sure about protocols or what to do, simply ask your host or someone.
Beach access and donations
• If you intended to stop off at a beach, also ask permission to use the beach at a nearby home as these are normally located on customary land. In some cases a small donation or fee of a couple of dollars is charged.
--- Introduction The National Park of American Samoa is one of the most remote national parks in the United States. Also one of the newest, it was authorized by the US Congress in 1988 and officially established in 1993 when a 50 year lease was signed with villages and the American Samoa Government. The 10,500 acre park is spread over three sectors on three islands – Tutuila, Ta’ū and Ofu. Almost all the land area of these volcanic islands – from the mountain tops to the coast – is rainforest. About 2,500 acres of the park is underwater, offshore from all three islands.
Visitor Center
The National Park Visitor Center is located in Pago Pago across from the yellow Pago Way gas station, phone (1 684) 633-7082 or visit their website www.nps.gov
Home Stay Program
Rangers at the Visitors Center will take you on guide walks and hikes through the National Park and have a Home Stay Program with a number of families in the villages the surround the Park which they can also arrange for you.