A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Ofu & Olosega: One Day Itinerary

Distance: 2 mi (3.3 km), Drive time: 8 minutes, Cycle time: 13 minutes, Walking time: 45 minutes.

Starting Point: Ofu Wharf

Your adventure begins at the easternmost point of our itinerary - Ofu Wharf. This is where you'll arrive if you've taken the manu'atele ferry from Pago Pago or the alia boat from Ta'ū, making it the perfect launching pad for your island exploration.

If you're feeling energetic and start early, you can dedicate around five hours of your day to the Mt Tumu Trail - the trailhead begins just up the road from the wharf. Otherwise, we recommend saving this epic hike for another day and focusing on the coastal delights ahead.

Walking Through Ofu Village

Head south from the wharf and you'll find yourself strolling through Ofu's peaceful village. Don't worry about the occasional curious dog - a gentle shoo usually does the trick! As you walk, you'll be treated to stunning views of Nu'utele and Nu'usilaelae islands shimmering across the lagoon.

Le Loto Beach - Your First Beach Stop

Approximately 1 km south of the wharf, you'll discover Le Loto Beach - and trust us, it's worth the walk. Just across the road, you'll find one of Ofu's convenience stores, perfect for picking up snacks (though you'll find more options in the village, as detailed in our Information, Shops & Services in the Manu'a Islands guide).

What makes Le Loto special are its two stunning islets and a convenient fale near the road where you can drop your belongings before heading onto the beach. At low tide, the water becomes delightfully shallow, making it perfect for wading out towards the islets. It's an ideal spot for swimming and splashing around - just keep an eye out for coral beneath the surface.

Ofu Airstrip and Ofu Taufusi Wetland

Continue another 1.5 km south and you'll reach Ofu's airstrip. On the inland side of the runway lies Ofu Taufusi, a fascinating wetland that was once cultivated for taro crops. While it's not actively farmed anymore, it remains an interesting glimpse into the island's agricultural past.

National Park Office

Further along the runway, you'll find the National Park Office. While it's likely to be closed during your visit, don't let that deter you - there are informative panels here that are well worth reading to learn more about the area's natural heritage.

Va'oto Beach - The Snorkelling Finale

Just a couple of hundred metres down the road from the National Park Office, you'll reach the crown jewel of your itinerary: Va'oto Beach. This marine reserve is absolutely worth a snorkel - the underwater world here is simply spectacular.

Do note that the watersports equipment here is reserved for Va'oto Lodge guests, so you'll want to bring your own snorkelling gear to make the most of this incredible marine sanctuary.

Distance: 2.9 mi (4.7 km), Drive time: 8 minutes, Cycle time: 19 minutes, Walking time: 55 minutes.

From Va'oto Beach to Ofu Beach

From Va'oto Beach, it's just a short 547 yards (500 m) stroll until you reach Ofu Beach – the crown jewel of American Samoa and what many consider the most beautiful beach in the South Pacific. You'll be tempted to spend your entire time walking along this stunning stretch of sand, and we don't blame you!

Exploring the Historic To'aga Archaeological Site

About 0.9 mi (1.5 km) down the beach, we recommend heading back onto the road to discover the fascinating remains of the Ofu Dispensary. You'll find it clearly signposted, with concrete ruins slowly being reclaimed by the lush forest – it's quite a sight to behold.

This entire area is known as To'aga and serves as an important archaeological site. While you won't see extensive historical remains beyond the dispensary, the cultural significance of this place is profound.

For more information about the historical attractions, check out 15 Best Historical Sites in American Samoa.

Prime Snorkelling at Ofu Beach

About 437 yards (400 m) past the dispensary, you'll discover a small car park and entrance to what we consider the absolute best section of the beach for snorkelling. From our experience, morning visits or mid to low tide offer the calmest conditions – perfect for underwater exploration.

Journey to Muliulu Point

Continue another 765 yards (700 m) and you'll reach the end of Ofu Beach at a point called Muliulu. This spot holds historical significance as a former execution area, though today it's simply a beautiful place to take in the coastal views.

If you're exploring on foot, you can follow the coastline along the Sunu'itao Peak Base Trail – though we'd recommend timing this for low tide. Alternatively, if you're driving or cycling, take the road over the mountain pass. It's only about 328 yards (300 m) uphill (we promise it's not as daunting as it sounds!).

Discovering Mafafa Beach on the North Coast

Once you've crossed the pass, you'll find yourself on the northern side of the island – the only northern area accessible by road. If you're feeling adventurous, climb down the seawall and head back along the northeast coast to find Mafafa Beach.

According to locals, this lovely beach is where turtles are often spotted swimming, and it tends to be much calmer when the south coast is experiencing rough conditions.

Final Stop: Asaga Beach and Bridge

Back on the main road, it's just 875 yards (800 m) until you reach Asaga and its beautiful beach. You'll also encounter the Asaga Strait Bridge, which is popular for bridge jumping.

However, we strongly recommend only attempting this with local guides who can show you the safe jumping spots – safety first when it comes to adventure activities.

Distance: 2.5 mi (4 km), Drive time: 10 minutes, Cycle time: 19 minutes, Walking time: 55 minutes.

The Fork in the Road: Choosing Your Adventure

After crossing the Asaga Strait Bridge, you'll come to a fascinating fork in the road that presents two very different experiences. The old gravel road veers off towards Sili, a hauntingly beautiful abandoned village where concrete remains tell stories of the past.

We'd recommend saving Sili for another day when you have more time to properly explore. The reef here is absolutely stunning, and if you're feeling energetic, you can venture all the way to the end of the beach for some spectacular snorkelling.

Arriving in Olosega Village

Continue straight along the sealed road, and you'll soon find yourself in the heart of Olosega Village. The first house on your left is actually a convenience store—perfect for grabbing some snacks and ice cream to fuel your exploration.

What we love about Olosega is its incredibly peaceful atmosphere. You can wander at a completely relaxed pace without worrying about aggressive dogs, which makes it particularly family-friendly.

Village Highlights and Local Stops

Make sure to stop by the charming church halfway through the village—it's a lovely spot that really captures the community spirit of the island. The beach here is equally delightful and perfect for a quick dip or some quiet reflection.

You'll find another convenience store on the beach side, just a few hundred metres past the church. Shortly after that, keep an eye out for the sign pointing to the Olosega Taufusi.

It's absolutely worth taking a detour down the dirt road to see this thriving plantation. From what we've experienced, it's quite a contrast to its counterpart on Ofu and offers a fascinating glimpse into local agriculture.

Hiking Opportunities and Scenic Views

For those seeking a bit of adventure, the next road to your left (just after the Taufusi Road) leads up to a water tower and the Tsunami Evacuation Road. The views from here are absolutely spectacular—you'll get sweeping vistas of the village below and stunning panoramas out to Ofu Island.

For more hiking inspiration, check out our comprehensive guide: 15 Best Walks & Hikes in American Samoa.

The Journey to Oge Beach

The final stretch of your Olosega adventure lies another 500 metres ahead at the very end of the village. Continue past the landfill, where the sealed road transforms into a dirt track that narrows into the Oge Beach Trail.

This one-hour trek to Oge Beach is nothing short of spectacular. You'll be treated to a wildlife-filled journey with dramatic rock formations like Maga Rock providing stunning photo opportunities along the way.

Oge Beach makes the perfect ending point for this itinerary—you'll find yourself at the westernmost spot on Olosega Island, surrounded by pristine natural beauty. When you're ready, simply retrace your steps back to where you started.