American Samoa Itinerary: 5 Days (Pago Pago & Tutuila)

This 5-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 five 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, car rental will be your best option on Tutuila. 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.

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.

Leone and Beyond

Drive through Vailoatai to Leone, stopping at the historic Leone EFKAS Church (American Samoa's oldest) and the moving Healing Garden tsunami memorial. The scenic coastal drive continues through Afao village to the unique brown sand beach and finally 'Amanave with its pristine beach and spectacular mountain lookout.

A full itinerary is outlined in A Self-Guided Day Trip on Pago Pago & Tutuila: West Coast Itinerary.

Things to Do on the West Coast of Tutuila

• War Memorial - Historic WWII memorial site
• WW2 Tafuna Area Control Tower - Explore wartime history
• Tia Seu Lupe - Ancient star mound archaeological site
• Cathedral of the Holy Family - Beautiful church architecture
• Turtle and Shark Site - Legendary site with boardwalk and views
• Le'ala Shoreline - Tidal pool exploration and coastal walks
• Leone EFKAS Church - Oldest church in American Samoa
• Alataua-Lua Elementary School - Historical school site in Afao
• 'Amanave beach - Swimming and relaxation
• Palagi beach hike - Low tide coastal walk (see 10 Best Beaches in American Samoa)
• Cape Taputapu - National Natural Landmark
• 'Amanave village lookout - Best photo spot on the drive

Again, more information about these attractions is listed in the 30 Best Things to Do in Pago Pago & Tutuila

Start your eastern adventure at the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Centre to grab that coveted national park stamp and explore fascinating exhibitions. From here, follow the scenic curve of Pago Pago Harbour eastward.

Industrial Zone to Village Life

Drive past the StarKist Tuna Cannery (hold your breath!) and snap a photo with Charlie the Tuna sculpture.

In Aua village, rent pedal bikes from Adventures Unlimited for a unique harbour exploration—we're big fans of this quirky way to spot sea turtles.

Scenic Stops and Swimming

Pull over at Lafiga Point for stunning views of Aumi village and spot the aptly named Camel Rock. Continue to Alega Bay for Tisa's Barefoot Bar, where we highly recommend booking a day pass for snorkelling and lunch.

For budget-friendly swimming, try Lua Tala Beach in Avaio (US$5 entry). Alternatively, discover the hidden gem of Sa'ilele village—take the road over Faga'itua pass for a secluded beach experience.

Learn more about swimming spots in our 10 Best Beaches in American Samoa guide.

Lunch and Tula Observatory

Take note of the harbour at 'Auasi: this is where you'll come later in the itinerary to Aunu'u Island. Lunch at the charming Dr Vaasa's Hideaway in Utumea East—don't miss their divine panipopo buns.

End at Tula Observatory, where 179 wooden steps lead to the island's easternmost point with breathtaking Pacific views.

Things to Do on the East Coast of Tutuila

• Satala Cemetery - Historic colonial settlers' resting place
• Adventures Unlimited waterbike rental
• Lafiga Point for stunning views
• Snap a photo of Camel Rock
• Get a day pass for snorkelling at Alega Beach with Tisa
• Swim at Lua Tala Beach
• Hibiscus gardens and views at Tula Observatory

For more on these attractions, check out the 30 Best Things to Do in Pago Pago & Tutuila and see a full east coast itinerary in A Self-Guided Day Trip on Pago Pago & Tutuila: East Coast Itinerary.

Dining Recommendations

If you're craving something different, we highly recommend stopping at some fantastic Filipino and Korean eateries along the way. 'Ai Love Boba and Moon are both gems on the northern coast of Pago Pago Harbor – perfect pit stops whether you're heading further east or making your way back.

For maximum flexibility, Dr Vaasa's Hideaway in Utumea East is your best bet, as it's open all day and fits perfectly into any schedule.

On your return journey, don't miss dinner at Paradise Pizza in Satala. You'll love their pasta dishes, but what really makes this place special is the charm of dining in an old family home that's been lovingly transformed into a restaurant to honour the family's mother, who had a real passion for cooking.

See the 10 Best Restaurants in Pago Pago & Tutuila for more recommendations.

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.

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.

Shopping in Tafuna and Nu'uuli

If you want something to remember American Samoa by, have one last 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

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!