American Samoan Etiquette: American Samoa Customs & Traditions

As a deeply religious country, wearing modest clothing is important to Samoans, especially in more traditional settings like villages (which are pretty much everywhere outside of Pago Pago and your resort).

A lavalava (sarong) is the most practical and acceptable way to cover up while exploring the islands for both women and men, which are widely available to purchase from markets and gift shops LINK#TTD091 if you haven't already got one.

Otherwise, trousers, long skirts, blouses and shirts are all very acceptable. Shorts and T-shirts are also Ok if they are not too short or revealing.

For more tips on what to wear, take a look at What to Pack for American Samoa: American Samoa Packing List.

Swimwear in American Samoa

An important rule for wearing swimwear in American Samoa is that swimwear should stay at the beach or your hotel's swimming pool.

While beaches are perfect for showing off your favourite bikini or board shorts, village visits call for a different approach. When you're exploring local communities or chatting with residents, we recommend slipping on a t-shirt or wrapping yourself in a lavalava – it's a simple gesture that goes a long way.

Taking a moment to cover up or change after your beach time demonstrates genuine respect for the community you're visiting, and locals really appreciate travellers who make this effort.

Needless to say, being nude at the beach (or anywhere in public) is also not acceptable in American Samoa.

What to Wear for Church in American Samoa

When going to a church service, wear respectable and, if possible, formal clothing.

Ideally, men should wear long trousers and a shirt, while women should cover their knees and shoulders. Think your "Sunday best"! Also, note that you should not wear flowers to church.

Find out more about church etiquette in the 5 Best Churches in American Samoa for Visitors LINK#TTD006.

American Samoa observes Sunday as a day of worship and rest as per Christian traditions. For this reason, many shops, tours, natural attractions and businesses may decide to close (though, not all) and there are a few protocols to be aware of regarding Sunday in American Samoa.

If you are travelling around American Samoa on a Sunday, you are expected to behave quietly and move slowly through villages.

While major shops, services and some tour operators close on a Sunday, many small shops, especially in villages, remain open, or open early for families to prepare their Sunday meal known as a "to'onai". Some shops even close early on a Saturday.

Visitors are welcome at church services in American Samoa. As mentioned, make sure you dress respectfully by covering your knees and shoulders. For more recommendations on churches to attend, check out the 5 Best Churches in American Samoa to Experience as a Visitor LINK#TTD006.

Retail outlets and liquor stores (off‑license vendors) cannot sell any alcoholic beverages on Sundays, but hotels and restaurants catering to tourists can.

What Can You Do on a Sunday in American Samoa?

There are still plenty of ways to enjoy yourself on a Sunday in American Samoa. Check out the 10 Things to Do in American Samoa on a Sunday LINK#TTD028 for ideas.

Possibly one of the most important cultural etiquettes for visitors to understand in American Samoa is that many of the amazing beaches you'll be visiting are not on public land. They are owned by families and communities who are in charge of maintaining these sites. With that, it's required to ask permission before entering, and you may get asked for a small entry fee, which is completely normal and only accepted in cash (USD) LINK#TT009.

American Samoa Beach Fees

Entry fees for American Samoa's attractions range from US$2 to $10 per person; children under five sometimes go free.

Where You Don't Need to Pay Entry Fees

In the case when attractions are on government-managed land, entry fees are not permitted. For instance, the beaches of the National Park of American Samoa are free, as are various government reserves throughout the territory.

See free attractions stated in the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in American Samoa LINK#TTD071.

Villages make up most of the settlements across American Samoa. It's highly likely that you'll visit or pass through a village during your trip, so bear some cultural rules of etiquette in mind when visiting a Samoan village:

• Wear modest clothing
• Always ask permission when taking photos
• Ask permission (and pay the entry fee) to visit the beaches
• Stop what you're doing during "Sa" (see below)
• Move slowly and quietly through villages on Sunday
• Don't eat while walking
• Avoid losing your temper or raising your voice; it is uncommon for people to overtly express emotion in front of strangers.

There are also additional rules for visiting a Samoan home, which we go through in the "Rules in the Home in American Samoa" section below.

Sa: Evening Village Curfew

In some but not all villages, an evening curfew is observed for prayer, known as Sa (sacred).

A bell or a conch shell will sound at the beginning of the curfew, which usually begins between 5 and 6:30 pm. During this time, you're expected to stop what you are doing (no walking or driving). Sa lasts for approximately 10-20 minutes.

You'll know when Sa has ended and when you can go about your business after the third bell or conch shell has sounded.

If you're lucky enough to visit a Samoan home, there are a few more rules of etiquette to observe:

• Remove your shoes before entering a fale (home).
• Don't stand if elders are seated.
• When sitting, avoid pointing your toes at others by crossing your legs, folding them beneath you, or covering them with a mat or lavalava.
• You should always talk to someone at eye level or lower; if an elder is seated, sit down with them.
• Excuse yourself by saying "tulou" (excuse me) and perform a small bow if your movement obstructs someone's view.
• Allow your host to seat you.
• When handed a cup of 'ava (kava), take a sip and say "manuia".
• Bringing food to an event can cause offence because it implies that the host is not prepared enough.
• But bringing store-bought food goods is acceptable as a token of appreciation for staying at a Samoan's home (as is money and goods that can't normally be obtained without money - something of the value of US$10-$30 is adequate).
• Join in on prayers said before meals by bowing your head.
• Don't begin eating until prompted to do so.