Where to Shop in American Samoa
American Samoa LINK#TT038 might be a remote US territory in the South Pacific, but this Polynesian paradise offers a unique shopping experience that blends traditional Samoan craftsmanship with American convenience.
If you love discovering local artisans and picking up authentic souvenirs from the places you visit, then you'll be delighted by American Samoa's diverse shopping scene centred around Pago Pago, otherwise known as the main island of Tutuila LINK#D006.
Tutuila hosts the majority of shopping opportunities around Pago Pago and nearby areas like Nu'uuli, Tafuna and Fagatogo. As for the outer islands like Ta'ū and Ofu, shopping is limited to small village stores, but these offer their own authentic island charm.
Whatever you're looking to purchase, whether it's hand-carved Samoan artwork, traditional elei clothing, locally-made jewellery, or everyday essentials, you'll find everything from department stores to family-run mini marts. This ultimate guide to shopping in American Samoa will point you toward the best locally-owned businesses, hidden craft shops, and must-visit souvenir destinations across the territory.
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5 Quick Tips for Shopping in American Samoa
- Cash is still king in American Samoa, so make sure you have US dollars LINK#TT009 available for shopping, especially for smaller stores and local markets. Some establishments operate as "cash only" businesses, though some also accept PayPal.
- Haggling the price is not customary in American Samoa. Prices are generally fixed, and bargaining is not expected at any of the local shops or markets.
- While most stores follow standard business hours Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, be aware that shops typically close early on Saturday (usually around 2 pm) and are closed on Sunday.
- Be mindful that not everything is locally made. Many gift shops have goods that are "Made in China", while goods from Hawai'i and Independent Samoa are also very common. When in doubt about authenticity, just ask the shopkeeper.
- Most souvenirs will pass through US customs when traveling within American territories or to the mainland US. For those travelling back to Samoa, New Zealand and Australia, remember to declare any food products, shells, or wooden items. Get more tips for departure from our guide, Leaving American Samoa: Departure Tips & Checklist LINK#TT043.
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The Best Places to Go Shopping in American Samoa
A diverse shopping scene awaits in American Samoa with a mix of department stores, local craft shops, and specialty boutiques, where authentic Polynesian items compete with imported goods, centered around the Pago Pago Harbor.
The cosmopolitan vibe doesn't extend to American Samoa's remote outer islands, however, where shopping is limited to small village convenience stores.
Shopping in Pago Pago Area
A must-do for souvenir hunters, the greater Pago Pago area on Tutuila Island is easily the best place in American Samoa to browse handicrafts, traditional clothing and local specialties while enjoying a coffee between shopping stops.
Home to the territory's main commercial district, you'll find everything from Forsgren's department store (featuring the Samoan-owned Tanoa clothing brand upstairs) to J-Len T's, a one-stop shop for locally-made paintings, wood carvings, and personalised keychains. Tropical Traders offers a unique mix of fishing gear and clothing, including locally-made earrings and carved goods.
The Fagatogo Market, serves as a hub for local produces and imported crafts from Samoa and Hawai'i, as well as daily essentials. You'll also find boutiques like Athena's Boutique for custom-made elei dresses and Samoan jewellery, and Lalelei for authentic Polynesian souvenirs and wearable art.
Shopping at Pago Pago International Airport
There are even shopping opportunities awaiting visitors in the Arrivals and Departures areas of Pago Pago International Airport.
Poly Picks in the arrival area offers locally-sourced items, while South Pacific Duty Free in the departure lounge provides last-minute souvenir options - although we doubt that you're really getting a good deal with these high-priced "duty free" items. Nevertheless, these stores sell an array of local crafts and apparel from American Samoa's established brands. You can even grab yourself a last-minute can of Starkist tuna from the territory's beloved cannery.
In short, it's a convenient way to pick up forgotten gifts while waiting for your flight. Note: Neither store operates during Sunday flights, so plan accordingly if you're departing on the weekend.
Shopping on the Manu'a Islands
Shopping on the Manu'a Islands LINK#D012 (Ta'ū, Ofu and Olosega) is nothing like Tutuila and the Pago Pago area, as these remote islands focus on preserving traditional village life rather than commercial activity.
There are no dedicated gift stores on the Manu'a Islands – only small convenience stores that serve the local communities. Places like Sky Mart in Ta'ū offer basic supplies and groceries for travellers, but don't expect to find tourist souvenirs.
The Best Shops in American Samoa
What are the shops you can't miss in American Samoa? Check out these lists of the most popular clothing, gift, and specialty stores across the territory.
The 10 Best Clothing Stores in American Samoa
- J-Len Ts, Nu'uuli - from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday.
- Tanoa, Forsgren's, Nu'uuli – from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday.
- Tropical Traders, Nu'uuli – from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 2 pm Saturday.
- Jennifer Grey, Nu'uuli – from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm Saturday.
- Laleleī, Nu'uuli - from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday.
- Tiola, Fagatogo - from 6 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday.
- Turtle & Shark Gift Shop, Tafuna – from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday.
- Fagatogo Market, Fagatogo - from 5:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and 4 am to 4 pm Saturday.
- Tafuna Mini Mart, Tafuna - from 7 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 7 am to 4 pm Thursday.
- Sewing Shops (all over Tutuila) - Open by appointment.
The 10 Best Gift Stores in American Samoa
- J-Len Ts, Nu'uuli - from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday.
- Turtle & Shark Gift Shop, Tafuna – from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday.
- Fagatogo Market, Fagatogo - from 5:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and 4 am to 4 pm Saturday.
- Dr Vaasa's Hideaway, Utumea East - from 6 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, 6 am to 9 pm Saturday, and 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday.
- Tiola, Fagatogo - from 6 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday.
- Tropical Traders, Nu'uuli – from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 2 pm Saturday.
- South Pacific Duty Free, Pago Pago Airport - departing flights except Sunday.
- Kafe Plus, Tradewinds Hotel, Tafuna - 7 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.
- Athena's Boutique, Nu'uuli - from 5 am to 3 pm, Monday to Saturday.
- Poly Picks, Nu'uuli & Pago Pago Airport - from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Market in American Samoa
- Fagatogo Market, Fagatogo – from 5:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, and 4 am to 4 pm Saturday.
Groceries and Essentials
Of course, grocery shopping and essential supplies are always useful to have on your radar, especially on remote islands where you can’t always rely on a Walmart just down the road. Luckily, we have grocery shopping guides for across the greater islands of Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands. Check them out in the links below:
- Information, Shops & Services in Pago Pago & Tutuila LINK#D007
- Information, Shops & Services in the Manu'a Islands LINK#D013
And anything we’ve missed will be in the Information, Shops & Services in American Samoa LINK#TTD096.
For more details on what grocery supplies are available, check out A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in American Samoa LINK#TT011.
More About Shopping in American Samoa
Now that you know all about shopping in American Samoa, as well as the best shops in American Samoa, take a look at more of our guides that will help plan the perfect shop-a-holic’s outing:
- 10 Best Shops to Buy Souvenirs in American Samoa
- 10 Best Souvenirs & Gifts From American Samoa
- Information, Shops & Services in American Samoa LINK#TTD096
Finally, add more activities beyond shopping to the bucket list using the 101 Best Things to Do in American Samoa: The Ultimate List LINK#TTD066. Plus, work out all the logistics of planning an Am Sam getaway in The Complete Travel Guide to American Samoa LINK#TT038.
