A Self-Guided Day Trip on Pago Pago & Tutuila: West Coast Itinerary

Distance: 2.8 mi (4.5 km), Drive time: 8 minutes.

Starting Point: National Park Visitor Center

Pago Pago is actually a small village but the name usually refers to the whole town area. The most interesting place closest to the village to start is the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center to check out exhibitions and grab your national park stamp.

Historical Sites and Local Markets

Head west on the main road for around 547 yards (500 m) to see the historical Sadie Thompson Inn, then continue another 219 yards (200 m) to reach the Fagatogo Market to mingle with the locals. Look out for the Pe'a tree just across the road. Around the back is the Fish Market, should you want to try some fresh seafood like poke nachos before continuing.

Government Buildings and Cultural Sites

Next, as you continue east is the High Court housed inside the historical courthouse. The large green area is the community meeting grounds of Malae O Le Talu where The Fono, the old and new building, is where the legislature takes place.

Museums and Historical Attractions

For more historical attractions, a short walk further east brings you to the Jean P. Haydon Museum housed inside old naval building with plenty of artefacts and old seafaring canoes to check out.

Look up and you'll see the Governor's Mansion. Although it is restricted to public, you can walk up the steps in the garden below to check out the views from the pavilion here.

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

Coastal Walk and Dining

Continue around the corner to Sadie's By The Sea, whose Goat Island Café is open to the public and a good place for breakfast or a drink by the beach. From here, it's a lovely stroll along Utulei Park with its fales.

Blunts Point Trail

From Utulei Park, continue for around 820 yards (750 m) to a sign pointing inland to the Blunts Point Trail. It's a 10-15 minutes walk uphill to two gun encampments.

Faga'alu Falls Adventure

After Blunts Point, continue south now to Faga'alu where adventurous travellers can try their luck at finding Faga'alu Falls. Turn up the road to the hospital and follow it all the way to the end. Head on foot across the quarry to the waterfall. We have more directions in the 10 Best Swimming Spots in American Samoa.

Distance: 8 mi (13 km), Drive time: 25 minutes.

Fatumafuti Beach and Flower Pot Rocks

After Faga'alu, head approximately 0.6 mi (1 km) south along the main road to Fatumafuti Beach, home to the impressive Flower Pot Rocks. These two towering islets just off the beach make for a perfect spot to enjoy a paddle along the shoreline.

Scenic Coastal Drive to Nu'uuli

From here, you'll embark on a scenic drive along the coast, where impressive sea walls protect against waves crashing offshore. In about 5 km from Fatumafuti, you'll reach Nu'uuli and the signposted turn-off for Nu'uuli Falls.

Nu'uuli Falls Adventure

Follow the road all the way to the end to reach the admittedly not-so-easy-to-see Nu'uuli Falls, featuring fun stream crossings on a 15-minute walk. For detailed directions, check out our 10 Best Swimming Spots in American Samoa guide.

Nu'uuli Shopping and Dining

Nu'uuli serves as a hub of shops and eateries with tempting options like ChEAT Day with its "Koko Samoa" brownies and See U with its egg waffle cones filled with ice cream.

Airport Route and Lions Park

After Laufou Shopping Center (the one with Carl's Jr), take the first left towards the airport. You'll pass Lions Park with its tennis courts, as well as Vila's Snack Bar - a great spot for Mexican food - or Pala Lagoon Swim Center for a refreshing dip.

Tafuna War Memorial and Historical Sites

You'll see the huge War Memorial across the green as you round the corner. Take the first right and park by the Office of Veterans Affairs. Around the back of the building, you'll discover a pill box and the WW2 Tafuna Area Control Tower.

Tia Seu Lupe Star Mound

Another fascinating site in Tafuna is Tia Seu Lupe, an ancient star mound and one of the best examples of American Samoa's ancient past. Take Route 014 south, then continue past the Veterans Memorial Stadium and Cost U Less (stop at A&E Café if you're feeling peckish). Turn up towards the Tradewinds Hotel and take the first right after the hotel. Turn left at the Latter Day Saints Temple, then continue all the way to the end of the road to reach the star mound.

Cathedral of the Holy Family

The Cathedral of the Holy Family here is also quite impressive, and you can explore inside whilst you're in the area.

Distance: 8.4 mi (13.5 km), Drive time: 30 minutes.

From Tia Seu Lupe to Turtle and Shark Site

From Tia Seu Lupe, head south back onto the Tafuna main road and head west towards the golf course. Take the first turn off towards Vaitogi. Take the intersection at Route 010 south towards the coast.

You'll reach a green with some graves, then take the fork right along the coast. Pass the Rotary plaque and look out along the coast for a pill box from WWII before shortly reaching a car park and a long boardwalk out over the rocks.

This is the Turtle and Shark Site associated with a local legend that interpretation panels will tell you about. Soak in the views and watch the waves at this fun photo opportunity.

Journey to Fagatele Bay

Back on the road, follow Route 010 all the way north onto Route 014 then onto Route 001 in Futiga.

Take note of the signpost for Fagatele Bay. If it's the trade wind season (October to May) and you want to snorkel, visit the bay in the morning, otherwise, it's worth a look and the short hike down on the way back. This famous marine reserve offers excellent underwater experiences when conditions are right.

Le'ala Shoreline Exploration

From Futiga, drive for around 1 km and turn left on Route 003 down towards Taputimu. There is a car park for the Le'ala Shoreline in a grassy area just before you reach the shore (if you see the chain fence and sign saying no swimming Sunday, you have gone too far).

Explore the shoreline that is a National Natural Landmark and walk 30 minutes along the shore to find some stunning tidal pools.

Scenic Coastal Route to Leone

Back on the road, continue following the coastline for the scenic route, passing the Korean Fishermen's Cemetery then the well-kept village and gardens of Vailoatai.

The road eventually connects with the end of Route 001 in Leone but stop by the Leone EFKAS Church (the yellow-trimmed one) first, the oldest church in American Samoa and see the John Williams Memorial here.

Distance: 5 mi (8 km), Drive time: 15 minutes.

Leone Healing Garden and Grinding Stone

From Leone EFKAS Church, head west on the main coastal road where a few metres down you'll see the Healing Garden memorial to those who lost their lives in the 2009 tsunami. As you come to the western end of the village, look out for the grinding stone seen just off the road bridge, then a pill box in someone's driveway.

Scenic Coastal Drive

The road gets incredibly scenic from here, winding along dramatic coastline with islands on one side and bush-clad cliffs on the other, and villages whose churches are more magnificent than the next.

Afao Village and Historical Site

In the village of Afao, a signpost leads up a short gravel road and over a ford to the historical Alataua-Lua Elementary School. Learn more about its significance in the 15 Best Historical Sites in American Samoa.

Brown Sand Beach and Villages

The beach in the next bay is unique with its brown sand. Here are also the villages of Nua and Utumea West.

There are some more rocky points to admire as you round the winding roads, like Leisi Point and Utusiva Rock. Keep an eye on the cliffs where you usually also see waterfalls.

'Amanave Village and Beach

Finally, you'll touch down into 'Amanave with one of the nicest beaches on the drive. There is a village shop here if you want supplies, and if it is low tide, take the hike along the coast to Palagi beach - see 10 Best Beaches in American Samoa. You're also facing Cape Taputapu, another National Natural Landmark.

Before turning around, head a little further up the mountain pass road to reach an awesome lookout across 'Amanave - the best photo spot on the drive.

Return Journey

Return the same way, hitting the spots you might have missed on the way here.