Information, Shops & Services in the Manu'a Islands

The Manu'a Islands have a small number of family-run convenience stores selling a range of tinned goods, basic staples and limited fresh produce when available from local gardens. Due to infrequent shipping to these remote islands and the challenges of freight costs, there's often limited variety and higher prices than you might expect on the main island of Tutuila, so it's best to approach grocery shopping with flexibility and patience.

Supermarkets/Grocery Stores in the Manu'a Islands

Some of the convenience stores in the Manu'a Islands include:

Ta'u Island:

• DBA Ahsoon's Mini Mart (Faleasao. Approx 160 m right of the church behind the fale.) Open Monday-Thursday 7 am-10 pm, Friday 7 am-6 pm, Saturday 6 pm-10 pm, Sunday 4 pm-10 pm) - Well-stocked with pasta, milk, bottled water, candy bars and various other essentials.
• Sky Mart (Ta'ū village. From the village back road that comes from the high school, turn left and past the elaborate tomb. Look out for signs saying "open" or "closed" on the righthand side) Open Sunday-Thursday 7 am-9 pm, Friday 7 am-6:30 pm, Saturday 6:30 pm-9 pm) - Carries cheese, fresh milk, eggs and alcoholic beverages.
• Fitiuta Lodge Shop (Fitiuta, hours vary seasonally 6:30 am-7:30 pm, closed Sundays until 4:30 pm) - Offers breakfast items when the cook is available, plus essentials like milk, canned goods, frozen vegetables, and has an ATM on site.
• Eseta's Shop (Fitiuta, 8 am-8 pm daily except Sunday) - Snacks, bottled water, tinned goods, noodles and other essentials.
• Vineta Saless Shop (Ta'u village. Inland road behind the Deed of Cession Site.) Open daily 8 am-9 pm - Basic supplies including pot noodles, chips, canned fish and homemade shaved ice.
• Vaiula Store (open daily 6 am-9 pm) - Pasta, milk, bowl noodles, coffee, and various snacks.
• Large Store in Ta'ū (Ta'u village. Northern end of village on the inland road) Open daily 7:30 am-8 pm and in the afternoon on Sunday - Pasta, milk, bowl noodles, coffee, beer and various snacks.

Olosega Island:

• Mati Island Beach Store (Northern entrance to the village. Open Monday-Saturday 6:30 am-9 pm, Sunday evenings if needed) - Comprehensive selection including frozen foods, beverages, personal care items, ice cream, and fishing tackle for those wanting to try their luck at local fishing
• Princess Vai's Store (Approx 130 m south of the church.) - A range of essentials.

Ofu Island:

• Vaiula Store (Up a dirt road inland, directly opposite Nu'utele Island) Open daily 6 am-9 pm - Offers pasta, milk, bowl noodles, coffee, jam, toothpaste, canned sweet corn, biscuits, eggs, bottled water, chocolate bars, juice and iced tea.
• Vagatai GBS BEL-NFZ Store (Across the road from Le Loto Islet). Open Monday-Sunday 6 am-9 pm. Closed Friday 6 pm - Saturday 6 pm. - Family-run store named after the owner's grandchildren's initials, carrying soda, cooking oil, tuna, noodle bowls, sweet corn, coffee, cereal, milk and chips. Accepts cash, checks and PayPal transfers.

Guest Accommodation Provisions

Note that guests of Va'oto Lodge have a pantry and fridge stocked with a variety of food and drink, most of which are at a similar price to what you’ll find at the convenience stores. They work using an honesty system.

For more detailed information, learn more in The Food Guide to the Manu'a Islands: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

While we always recommend having all the medication you need with you for your stay in American Samoa (see What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for American Samoa for advice), we especially recommend bringing even light medications (such as painkillers), hayfever medication, baby products, hygiene products and sun protection to the Manu'a Islands.

Although some light medication and toiletries are for sale at the islands' convenience stores, the stock is limited, and they are sometimes sold out. The only alternative option for getting medication in the Manu'a Islands is the local clinics.

Medical Clinics in the Manu'a Islands

There is no pharmacy available in the Manu'a Islands, so visitors are advised to bring any necessary medications with them.

For more pressing illnesses and injuries, there are two clinics available:

• Ofu Clinic, Ofu (inside the executive building near the airport)
• Ta'ū Clinic, Luma, Ta'ū Village

The clinics are open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm, and are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Note that the Ofu Clinic moved to the above location after tidal waves damaged the old clinic.

For map locations and up-to-date opening hours, check out the Department of Health website. Medical services are available by calling 911 in the event of an emergency.

The Manu'a Islands offer extremely limited banking and communication services due to their remote location. Visitors are strongly recommended to bring all the cash they need (US Dollars) LINK#TT009 and not rely on access to WiFi or cellular coverage. The isolation of these islands means that services can be unpredictable and limited.

Fuel Stations in the Manu'a Islands

Fuel availability is very limited across the Manu'a Islands:

• Ofu Gas Station (Near wharf, Ofu, open Wednesdays only) - The only fuel station operates on a very restricted schedule, so visitors should plan fuel needs carefully and consider filling up on Tutuila before travelling.

Given the limited operating hours and remote location, accommodation hosts don't typically expect to refill the vehicle. However, offering to directly pay the vehicle owner for gas is usually the best course of action.

Internet and WiFi in the Manu'a Islands

WiFi access is extremely limited and unreliable across the Manu'a Islands:

• Va'oto Lodge (Ofu) offers WiFi only in their main building, but connectivity is unreliable and frequently goes out.
• Eseta's Homestay (Ta'ū) provides free WiFi for guests.
• Asaga Inn (Ta'ū) has WiFi available, though at times only outside the rooms.
• Ma'atoa Rental Units (Ta'ū) offers WiFi at the right-hand end of the property only, or guests can use WiFi at the shop down the road.
• M&M Rental (Olosega) provides free WiFi at the property.

Most other accommodations have no internet access. We recommend getting a local SIM card with a data plan for internet access. ASTCA offers the best coverage in the Manu'a Islands. Bluesky doesn't work at all in Fitiuta and Olosega. Learn more about the local networks in The Best SIM Card in American Samoa for Travellers LINK#TT015.

Banks and ATMs in the Manu'a Islands

Banking services are virtually non-existent in the Manu'a Islands, with very limited ATM access:

ATMs available:

• Ofu Airport - 2 ATMs available 24/7
• Fitiuta Lodge Shop (Ta'ū) - 1 ATM on site

There are no banks or foreign exchange services on any of the islands. Visitors must bring sufficient US cash for their entire stay, as most businesses operate on a cash-only basis.

Some accommodations like Eseta's Homestay & Store and Vagatai GBS BEL-NFZ Store accept PayPal transfers, but credit card acceptance is extremely rare due to the lack of processing machines.

Get more advice from our guide, What is the Best Way to Pay in American Samoa? LINK#TT007