Accessibility in American Samoa: Travellers with Disabilities, Wheelchair Access & More

Pago Pago International Airport offers some of the best accessibility facilities you'll find in American Samoa.

The airport staff are genuinely helpful and ready to assist from the moment you arrive. If you need wheelchair assistance or other support services, we recommend arranging this directly through your airline before you travel.

What we love about this airport is that it's designed with accessibility in mind. The entire terminal sits on ground level, with ramps providing smooth wheelchair access throughout the facility.

You'll find well-equipped restroom facilities too, including larger stalls with grab bars and spacious private restrooms that accommodate wheelchair users comfortably.

American Samoa is steadily improving its wheelchair accessibility, though there's still room for growth. You'll notice more ramps and disabled parking spaces popping up across the islands.

In the main developed areas of Tutuila, particularly around Pago Pago and Tafuna, the footpaths are getting better with proper kerb cuts and pedestrian crossings that work well for wheelchair users.

Shops, Cafés and Restaurants

When it comes to dining and shopping, accessibility is a bit of a mixed bag across American Samoa.

The good news? Sadie Thompson Inn, Goat Island Café at Sadie's By The Sea and Paradise Pizza are brilliant options with full disabled access – you'll find more details about these spots in our 10 Best Restaurants in American Samoa guide.

Most other restaurants have small doorframes that might need a bit of manoeuvring, but locals are generally happy to lend a hand. The same goes for shops, and you'll find that many shopping centres offer disabled parking spaces.

Our tip? It's always worth calling ahead or having a quick chat with staff to make sure they can accommodate your specific needs.

Transport for Disabled Travellers

Although there are transport services in place for disabled residents, these services are not available to overseas visitors.

For travellers, Sadie's by the Sea leads the way when it comes to accessible transport options. They've got a shuttle bus that seats about 20 people and includes a wheelchair lift.

Regular taxis and sightseeing tours aren't wheelchair-friendly, but from our experience, drivers are usually more than happy to help wheelchair users and find space for fold-up wheelchairs. Just let operators know about your needs when booking so they can work out the best solution.

You won't find specific wheelchair-friendly car rentals with lifts, but most rental vehicles are large SUVs or pick-up trucks with plenty of room for extra equipment.

One thing to note: there aren't any all-terrain wheelchair rentals available in American Samoa, so you'll need to bring your own if that's something you require.

There are a few accommodations around Tutuila that have wheelchair-accessible facilities. Note, however, that they by no means meet the same standards as, perhaps, the U.S. New Zealand or Australian Accessibility Standards for buildings. They are put together at the accommodation’s own discretion. Accessible bathrooms are the biggest issue in accommodations in American Samoa.

If you require specific facilities, such as portable ramps, for instance, it’s best to get in touch with accommodation providers directly. For facilities such as braille, none exist as far as we know.

Sadies By The Sea

Centrally located within walking distance of Pago Pago dock, restaurants and government offices, Sadie's By The Sea offers easy access to everything the town has to offer.

Although they offer a shuttle service from Pago Pago Airport with a wheelchair-lift, this is perhaps the best accessibility feature they offer. Ask about their reduced-mobility rooms. Otherwise, the rest of the property is made with gentle slopes that make it easy for wheelchair users to navigate (apart from the door to reception is quite narrow).

Learn more about the hotel in the 5 Best Hotels & Resorts in American Samoa.

Tradewinds Hotel

American Samoa's largest and most comprehensive hotel is one of the best options for disabled travellers. Tradewinds Hotel has ground-floor rooms, as well as lift access and accessible parking on-site.

However, the four room and suite types don't offer particular facilities for disabled guests and most bathrooms, at least what we saw on our last trip, have a bathtub shower.

There are many more accommodations to choose from. While most have showers rather than bathtub showers, they have the larger issue of steps from across their properties to even within rooms. Gather all your options from Where to Stay in American Samoa: 15 Best Accommodations.

Needless to say, the majority of American Samoa’s highlights are water activities and natural attractions that are very challenging for people with disabilities to access. Even for the attractions listed below, it is essential that you have someone who knows you well to assist you on your vacation.

1. National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center

A mini-museum which is wheelchair accessible and with accessible bathrooms (park around the back of the buildings), the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center is well worth discovering.

Inside, you'll discover topographic model maps of American Samoa, intricate sculptures showcasing the territory's unique flora and fauna, and an impressive whale skull that never fails to impress. The centre goes beyond just park information, offering insights into American Samoa's history and culture.

A presentation room hosts rotating temporary exhibitions; during our last visit, we were delighted by artwork created from repurposed plastic waste.

You can collect your national park stamp, browse memorabilia, and gather essential information to help plan your park adventures.

Learn more about the center and its location in The Best Museums in American Samoa.

2. Pola Island Lookout

Speaking of the national park, the Pola Island Lookout has a bunch of interesting interpretation panels about the seabirds that reside on Pola Island, as well as the geography of American Samoa in general. There is also a fale here to enjoy some shade.

Vegetation sometimes blocks the full view of the Pola Islands, but you can usually find a worthwhile photo between the trees.

See more attractions like this in the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Pago Pago & Tutuila.

3. Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center

Another wheelchair-accessible attraction, the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center offers all abilities to learn about the surrounding ocean.

What we're particularly drawn to is how this learning and discovery centre brings coral reefs and ocean ecosystems to life through interactive displays. You'll discover the deep connections between Samoan culture and the sea, whilst also learning the not-so-fun facts about the natural and human threats these underwater treasures face.

The absolute star of the show is the remarkable "Science On a Sphere". This room-sized display system projects planetary data onto a 1.8 m (6 ft) diameter sphere using advanced computers and video projectors. From what we've experienced, this cutting-edge educational tool (found in only select science museums worldwide) creates an immersive experience that brings ocean science to life in truly spectacular fashion.

Check out more indoor attractions in the 10 Things to Do in American Samoa on a Rainy Day.

4. Jean P. Haydon Museum

Like taking a journey through American Samoa's captivating past, the Jean P. Haydon Museum is housed within a gorgeous 1917 Naval-style building that has stood the test of time beautifully.

Originally built as a commissary before becoming the post office, this concrete gem with ornate pillars showcases architecture unlike anywhere else in the South Pacific Islands. It earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places back in 1972, and once you see it, you'll understand why.

Needless to say, the main event is the impressive collection of over 650 cultural and historical artefacts that really bring American Samoa's unique Pacific island story to life. From traditional Samoan crafts to fascinating exhibits documenting how the territory developed over time, there's something here that'll capture your imagination.

The main exhibitions are accessible with wheelchair ramps, although not all rooms are accessible.

Again, more information can be found in The Best Museums in American Samoa.

5. Turtle & Shark Site

Watch the power of the ocean and learn local legends at the Turtle & Shark Site. Although the car park isn't a well-formed surface, if you can get help getting to the boardwalk, this site is pretty accessible.

According to locals, there are many versions of this captivating story, but one tells of a young husband from Upolu (Samoa) who was selected as a "guest of honour" for a cannibalistic feast by King Malietoa Faiga. The husband declined the invitation, so he and his wife set out in a canoe to escape, but a storm blew them to Tutuila, where the pulenu'u of 'Ili'ili, Letuli, took them in. When cannibalism became outlawed, Letuli offered them a free trip home, but they refused and repaid his kindness by jumping into the sea (?!) —the husband transforming into a shark and the wife into a turtle.

There is another version of the story shown on an interpretation panel at the site, but we'll leave you to discover this version on your own...

Today, it's said that if the villagers sing, a turtle and a shark will magically appear in the waters below. The words to the song are written on the interpretation panel at the site if you want to give it a go.

From firsthand experience, we have literally seen a turtle from the site, but no shark. Will you be lucky?

More Things to Do in a Wheelchair in American Samoa

Of course, all disabilities are different in their limitations, so be sure to have a browse of the 101 Best Things to Do in American Samoa: The Ultimate List LINK#TTD066 to see what you think you will reasonably be able to do.