American Samoa Itinerary: 3 Days (Pago Pago)

This 3-day Tutuila itinerary includes travelling to various destinations on the main island of American Samoa, Tutuila. Here's a quick rundown on how to get around American Samoa in three days.

Road Transport in American Samoa

The first road transport you'll encounter on each of the islands you visit is your airport transfer. On Tutuila, this must be booked in advance with your accommodation, take a taxi or get your rental vehicle delivered, as outlined in the 10 Best Airport Transfers.

For travelling around the islands, we recommend doing guided tours if you only have three days to take in everything. Check out the 5 Best Sightseeing Tours in American Samoa for more recommendations.

If you want to be more independent, car rental is your next best option. Get advice on car hire from What You Need to Hire a Car in American Samoa.

You also have the option of taking the aiga buses or taxis. Discover more about the bus in our comprehensive guide, The Bus in Tutuila: Bus Fares, Timetable & More.

For all of your transport options, however, check out American Samoa Transport Guide: 15 Best Ways to Get Around American Samoa.

Welcome to Pago Pago! Nothing quite prepares you for that spectacular landing—dramatic mountains rising all around you and a ridiculously well-paved runway that extends right into the lagoon.

The airport is refreshingly small, so you'll breeze through the arrivals process with customs and quarantine. Get yourself prepped with our Arriving in American Samoa: Airport Customs, Quarantine & Arrival Process guide.

We recommend arranging a vehicle delivery to the airport. It's incredibly convenient. Otherwise, your accommodation can arrange transfers, or you can grab a taxi to pick you up.

You don't have much time to get settled in your accommodation with just five days, so we recommend hitting the sights of the capital as soon as you can.

Exploring Historic Fagatogo (Pago Pago)

Start your journey wandering through Fagatogo's historic district. You'll love the charm of the Sadie Thompson Inn, then it's just 219 yards (200 m) to Fagatogo Market where you can mingle with locals. Don't miss the Pe'a tree across the road, and pop around to the Fish Market for some fresh poke nachos.

Continue east to the High Court in its historic courthouse, then explore Malae O Le Talu - the community meeting grounds where The Fono (legislature) convenes.

Museums and Scenic Spots

The Jean P. Haydon Museum houses fascinating artefacts and traditional seafaring canoes in an old naval building. Look up to spot the Governor's Mansion - whilst it's off-limits, you can climb the garden steps for lovely pavilion views.

End your walk at Sadie's By The Sea, where Goat Island Café serves excellent breakfast with beach views, then stroll through Utulei Park with its traditional fales.

Things to Do in Pago Pago

• Visit Sadie Thompson Inn
• Browse Fagatogo Market
• See the Pe'a tree
• Try fresh seafood at Fish Market
• Explore the High Court historic courthouse
• Walk through Malae O Le Talu community grounds
• Visit The Fono legislative buildings
• Tour Jean P. Haydon Museum
• View the Governor's Mansion from garden pavilion
• Stroll Utulei Park

Where to Stay: Budget Accommodation

• Pago Pago Airport Inn (Tafuna)
• Maliu Mai Beach Resort (Tafuna)

Where to Stay: Mid-Range Accommodation

• Moana O Sina (Tafuna)
• Le Falepule Lodge (Pago Pago/Utulei)
• Sadie's By The Sea (Pago Pago/Utulei)
• Tradewinds Hotel (Tafuna)

Where to Stay: Holiday Homes

• Sadie's BnB #1 (Tafuna)
• Sadie's BnB #2 (Tafuna)

All of these options are detailed in our comprehensive Where to Stay in Pago Pago & Tutuila: 10 Best Accommodations guide.

Dining Recommendations

If you're staying in Pago Pago/Utulei, make your first evening easy with a meal at Goat Island Café at Sadie's By The Sea. They feature a live band on Fridays, but any night you'll enjoy their high-quality daily specials. Don't miss their oka for an authentic Samoan experience.

For those based in Tafuna, we're big fans of Vila's Snack Bar for lunch—delightful Mexican food served in a classic diner setting. It's conveniently located right next to the Pala Lagoon Swim Centre, where you can order food by the pool if you can't wait to cool off.

For dinner, we recommend Good Vibes Bar & Grill for their sizzling plates and home-brewed iced teas—the perfect way to end your first day in paradise.

Begin your day at the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Centre if you haven't already visited. From there, we recommend heading around the harbour to Aua village to start your adventure.

The Scenic Afono Pass

Follow the National Park signs inland to tackle the winding Afono Pass. About 2 km (1.2 mi) up this spectacular road, you'll discover a lookout parking area beneath Mt Pioa (also known as Rainmaker Mountain).

The views of Pago Pago Harbour from here are absolutely stunning—we personally love lingering at this spot for photos and soaking in the scenery.

Northern Coast Exploration

Once you've crossed the pass into Afono, the road continues along the spectacular north coast. Don't miss the traditional fale at Pola Island Lookout, where you can admire the Pola Islands and choose your next adventure.

Vatia Village Adventures

The road winds down to Vatia Village, where most visitors head to the end of the road for the Pola Island Trail. This short walk takes you beneath an impressive volcanic sill that's breathtaking in its geological significance.

For comprehensive trail details, explore our 10 Best Walks & Hikes in American Samoa National Park guide.

Things to Do in the National Park of American Samoa

• National Park of American Samoa Visitor Centre - Learn about the park's history and wildlife
• Afono Pass Lookout - Panoramic views of Pago Pago Harbour
• Pola Island Lookout - Traditional fale and island views
• Lower Sauma Ridge Trail - 30-minute walk to tidal pools
• Upper Sauma Ridge Trail - Access point for Mt Alava Adventure Trail
• Mt Alava Adventure Trail - Full-day challenging hike
• Tuafanua Trail - 3.5 km (2.2 mi) trek to secluded beach
• Pola Island Trail - Short walk beneath volcanic sill

For even more details, also check out the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Pago Pago & Tutuila.

Dining Recommendations

Start your day right with a hearty breakfast at DDW Beach Cafe before exploring the national park. We're big fans of their panikeke – traditional Samoan pancakes that'll fuel you up for adventure ahead.

On your way back from the national park, treat yourself to a refreshing ice cream from Samu's Ice Cream at the Fagatogo Gas Station. It's the perfect way to cool down after a day of exploring.

If you're staying in Pago and fancy something upmarket, you'll love the Sadie Thompson Inn – a fine dining steakhouse known for its generous portions. From what we've experienced, the atmosphere and quality make it worth the splurge.

In Tafuna, we personally recommend heading to Oasis for their diverse menu featuring Korean, Hawaiian and American-style dishes. There's truly something to satisfy every palate here.

Start your day exploring Tafuna, where you'll discover the impressive War Memorial and the fascinating WW2 Tafuna Area Control Tower behind the Office of Veterans Affairs. Don't miss Tia Seu Lupe, an ancient star mound showcasing American Samoa's rich past, and the beautiful Cathedral of the Holy Family.

All of these can be seen in the 15 Best Historical Sites in American Samoa.

Coastal Wonders

Head to Vaitogi to visit the legendary Turtle and Shark Site with its scenic boardwalk and photo opportunities. Continue to the Le'ala Shoreline, a National Natural Landmark perfect for exploring stunning tidal pools during a 30-minute coastal walk.

Shopping in Tafuna and Nu'uuli

On your way back towards the airport, get something to remember American Samoa by and have a browse of the craft and gift shops of Nu'uuli and Tafuna and Pago Pago International Airport's duty-free stores with woven bags, locally printed dresses and lavalava, 'ava powder and more. Check out the 15 Best Souvenirs from Pago Pago & American Samoa for ideas.

Departure

It's time to say goodbye to the rugged peaks and silky sands of Pago Pago and American Samoa as you depart for your next destination.

Remember to arrive at Pago Pago International Airport 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time, so you have enough time to return your rental vehicle, check in (this goes really slowly), go through security (if it's open), and browse the duty-free shop. You can check out the full departure process in Leaving American Samoa: Departure Tips & Checklist.

And it's Tofa soifua from American Samoa!