10 Best Things to Do in Pago Pago & Tutuila with Kids

Three different waterslides, splash buckets, water playgrounds and, of course, a swimming pool, what's not to love at the Pala Lagoon Swimming Center?

The swim centre near the airport offers excellent value, making it perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking relief from the tropical heat.

This local swimming facility features water slides that operate during normal opening hours, adding an element of fun to your swim session. The centre provides convenient shower facilities, allowing you to freshen up before or after your flight.

For added convenience, you can grab a bite to eat poolside from Vila's, making it easy to spend several hours relaxing by the water without having to venture far for refreshments.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 6 am to 8 am and 2 pm to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.

One of the easiest trails in the National Park of American Samoa, the Pola Island Trail is a must for nature-loving families, taking you right under the volcanic sill of Pola Island.

Located on Tutuila, this brief coastal walk leads you through lush coastal vegetation to a rocky beach encompassing views of the rugged coastline and Pola Island, a protected sanctuary for nesting seabirds.

The trail begins after you pass the last house in Vatia Village and continues along a gravel road, suitable for high-clearance vehicles if you want to park as close to the end of the trail as possible.

You'll pass interpretation panels before arriving at the rocky cove.

Taking 30-45 minutes return for the full gravel road walk, or 2-5 minutes return from the end of the gravel road, this nature walk is perfect for those with limited time but still looking for a real slice of American Samoan beauty.

Note that the powerful currents here pose a real risk to swimmers. We'd strongly recommend staying out of the water at this beach.

Another excellent option for families within the National Park, the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail is an easy march to the coast, where you can explore tidal pools and archaeological sites.

Taking around 15-20 minutes to complete at 660 yards (600 m), the one-way trail is moderately challenging with a gentle incline, perfect for a quick adventure with a big payoff.

At the start of the trail, you'll find interpretive panels highlighting the area's cultural significance, flora and fauna.

March downhill through the forest and over a stony path to an ancient star mound, an archaeological site used in traditional ceremonies and navigation.

The trail ends with stunning views over the Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark, with Pola Island visible in the distance; an iconic, narrow rock formation and nesting site for seabirds.

Kids love spotting American Samoa's large fruit bats, locally known as pe'a. While you can see them in many places around Tutuila, one of the easiest roosting trees to spot is right in the heart of Pago Pago.

Look up into the towering tree canopy and you'll discover dozens of roosting fruit bats (locally known as pe'a) hanging upside down in their daytime slumber.

You'll likely hear their distinctive squeaks and chattering before you spot their dark silhouettes amongst the branches, making this urban wildlife experience a treat for the eyes and ears!

Learn more about pe'a in our 20 Animals & Birds Found in American Samoa.

The most family-friendly beach on Tutuila, Lua Tala Beach, offers shallow waters, towering islets and a stunning stretch of sand that is perfect for kids to explore.

Famously known as Two Dollar Beach (though entry is ironically US$5), this picturesque stretch of sand boasts a charming islet connected to the mainland by a natural sandbar, creating an incredibly scenic backdrop that's perfect for photography. As the only beach on the east side of the island, it offers pristine, clean waters ideal for swimming, particularly during high tide when water levels are at their best.

The beach operates from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday, remaining closed on Sundays. Beer is available for purchase, and visitors are advised to stay within designated swimming areas for safety.

Speaking of beaches perfect for kids, Fatu Ma Futi not only offers safe paddling but awe-inspiring views of its two islets with an associated legend that will get the imaginations of the little ones running.

According to local legend, these distinctive rock formations represent two lovers from the Manu'a Islands who were forbidden to marry because they belonged to the same 'aiga (family clan).

The story tells of Fatu, a woman who built a coconut raft and set sail for Tutuila when their love was denied. When Futi discovered she had gone, he followed after her in pursuit.

Both boats were destroyed in a tsunami and washed onto the reef of Fatumafuti, where they remain to this day as these towering rock sentinels.

The beach surrounding the rocks offers decent snorkelling and bathing opportunities in clear waters, along with an interesting view of Fatu and Futi where they lie today.

Convenient parking facilities sit right next to the shoreline, making access incredibly easy. Note that the beach is closed on Sundays.

If you're looking for an indoor attraction to escape the heat (or the rain, as the case may be), the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center is well worth a look.

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.

The Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center is open from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, and remains closed on weekends.

Kids can't get enough of these quirky twin-hulled pedal bikes! Available with Adventures Unlimited, waterbikes can be hired as a unique way to explore the Pago Pago Harbor.

These unusual contraptions, essentially a bicycle mounted on two canoes that creates a surprisingly stable and fun watercraft, may be slow and require wide turns, but they provide an entertaining and memorable way to discover the harbour's hidden gems.

Paddle out to the right side of the harbour where sea turtles are frequently spotted, or explore the coral areas accessible through breaks in the reef. BYO your snorkelling gear, which you can put in the craft's compartments, if that interests you.

The shaded tree areas along the shoreline offer perfect rest stops during your aquatic adventure. You can venture anywhere within the protective reef breaks, making this a safe yet exciting exploration experience.

For those seeking a more traditional approach, groups can also enquire about hiring long boats for a classic paddling experience around the same scenic waters.

For active families who love an adventure, Nu'uuli Falls offers a short walk crossing shallow streams that make for an unforgettable journey.

The surrounding rainforest creates a natural amphitheatre that muffles the sound of the 20 m (66 ft) cascades, making this hidden gem feel worlds away from the nearby commercial strip.

The 15-minute walk/scramble through lush tropical vegetation over mostly well-formed trails adds to the adventure, leading you across several stream crossings before revealing this spectacular cascade and natural pool.

It's polite to ask permission from locals if you see someone at the nearby house, though you're not usually charged an entry fee.

The relatively easy access, combined with the dramatic setting, makes this one of American Samoa's most rewarding waterfall experiences.

At the end of any American Samoa adventure, whether it's waterfall walks or a day at the beach, there's nothing kids love more than rounding it all off with cake or ice cream.

In Tutuila, there are plenty of options to satisfy those sweet cravings. Samu's Ice Cream is our go-to classic ice cream parlour with an impressive range of flavours. The kids absolutely love the "Oreo & Cream" and "Snickers" options (and honestly, so do we).

For something a bit more special, we're big fans of She Bakes Too, a cosy bakery and café that's become famous for their signature "Siam Popo" and "Koko Samoa" cupcakes. They also serve up delicious smoothie bowls and nutritious lunch options if you're looking for something a bit healthier.

Don't miss See U, where they specialise in those Instagram-worthy egg waffle ice cream treats. From what we've experienced, vanilla and chocolate are the most popular choices with families, though you really can't go wrong with any flavour.

With kid-friendly flavours and treats at every stop, these sweet spots are perfect for creating those memorable family moments after a day of island exploration.

Location: Samu's Ice Cream - Fagatogo Gas Station, Route 001, Fagatogo. She Bakes Too - Route 001, Pava'ia'i. See U - H&L Mart, Route 001, Nu'uuli.

Price Range: $