Which Car Hire to Choose in Pago Pago and American Samoa?

American Samoa's main island, Tutuila, often referred to as Pago, is not just an island to sit in your hotel all day. It's an island to get out and explore with amazing beaches, wonderful waterfalls, fascinating historical sites and more along the road.

Make sure you get to all the hotspots, as well as find the hidden gems, by hiring a car in American Samoa.

Don't know which car hire to choose? Luckily, we've made a complete comparison of our recommended car rental companies in American Samoa, which also offer delivery across Tutuila, including Pago Pago Airport, so you know all your best options! First, get a few tips for comparing Pago Pago car rentals…

This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!

5 Things to Look For When Comparing Car Rentals in Pago Pago and American Samoa

Before we dive into our comparison of the car hires in American Samoa, know what to look for with these car rental comparison tips.

1. Prices and Inclusions

Car rental companies in Pago Pago have various inclusions, as well as different daily rates; for example, insurance is not always included in the rate, and American Samoa's remote location means mainland credit card coverage might be complicated or unavailable. We make sure to list inclusions in the comparison below, where available.

For costs to consider when making a budget for your car rental, check out The Cost of Renting a Car in American Samoa: Full Car Rental Cost Breakdown.

2. Vehicles Offered

Pago Pago's car rental companies have very varied fleets, especially when it comes to age, so ask for the newest vehicles for the most reliable options, or the oldest vehicles if you're on a budget.

What's more, the size of your vehicle will matter depending on how many people you are travelling with. You might want to get a high-clearance vehicle to access attractions like Fagatele Bay, which has a poor access road.

Otherwise, most roads are high-quality main roads, so a compact vehicle will suit just fine.

Learn more about what it is like to drive on American Samoa's roads in our guide, How to Drive in American Samoa + 15 Road Rules You Need to Know.

3. Booking & Delivery

The good news is that most car rental companies will deliver your vehicle straight to the airport or your hotel at no extra charge. While many companies are still catching up with online booking systems, you'll find that a quick phone call usually does the trick.

We'd recommend booking ahead, especially if you're visiting on a cruise ship or peak holiday periods when demand can get quite busy.

4. Payment Options

Although credit cards are accepted by most car rental companies, there is usually an extra charge to use one, so you may want to pay cash if that's an option – see where the closest ATMs are located in Information, Shops & Services in Pago Pago & Tutuila.

Plus, learn more about paying for things in What is the Best Way to Pay in American Samoa?

5. Service

Once you have picked one or two car rental companies to compare, give them an email or a phone call and ask them a few questions. See how helpful they are in their answers. This little test will give you an idea of how helpful the company will be should anything go wrong during your trip.

Worldwide Car Rental Drive CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
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Worldwide Tours & Travel

Worldwide Tours & Travel stands out as American Samoa's premier locally family-owned vehicle rental service, offering the island's only XLE Premium vehicles alongside a meticulously maintained fleet of RAV4s, minivans and Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks.

Every vehicle is hand-washed, detailed and steam-cleaned after each rental, ensuring you always drive away in pristine condition.

With 24-hour assistance, convenient delivery to all major hotels, and complimentary airport curbside service, they make exploring Pago Pago effortless and enjoyable.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Worldwide Tours & Travel offers complimentary delivery and pick-up service to all hotels and Pago Pago International Airport.

Vehicles Available

Worldwide Tours and Travel offers a compact yet reliable fleet suited for island driving, all vehicles are fully automatic.

  • Toyota RAV4 XLE
  • Toyota RAV 4
  • Toyota Tacoma (Double-Cab Pick-Up Truck, 2WD & 4WD options)

Further Services and Inclusions

  • Airport booth service for easy collection
  • Hotel drop-off options available
  • Prepaid fuel option for hassle-free returns
  • On-the-spot rental processing (licence scan, agreement and payment)
  • Insurance available (fees apply).

Approximate Price

Prices are subject to change. Vehicle rental prices with Worldwide Tours & Travel start at US$110 per day for the RAV4, US$120 per day for the RAV4 SLE, and US$130 per day for the Tacoma.

Insurance

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available for approximately USD$10 per day, covering vehicle damage with a US$500 excess.

Tuanaitau's Car Rental (2) CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
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Tuanaitau Car Rentals

Tuanaitau Car Rentals might not be the biggest name in American Samoa's car rental scene, but this local gem has quietly built quite the following through word-of-mouth recommendations.

This trusted family-owned transport partner based in Nu'uli serves Pago Pago and all of Tutuila with over 100 well-maintained vehicles ranging from compact cars to full-size trucks. They're open from 5 am to midnight, perfect for early flights or late arrivals.

With in-house servicing ensuring reliable vehicles and no deposit required for local residents, Tuanaitau's makes exploring American Samoa's stunning landscapes effortless and affordable.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Tuanaitau Car Rentals offers free pickup and drop-off service anywhere on the island, including the airport. Just be sure to state the location when booking.

Vehicles Available

Vehicles offered by Tuanaitau Car Rentals include medium vehicles, large SUVs, large and small trucks.

  • Nissan Rogue
  • Toyota RAV 4
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Hyundai Palisade
  • Toyota Tundra
  • Ford F150
  • Chevrolet Silverado
  • Toyota Tacoma
  • Ford Ranger
  • Nissan Frontier

Further Services and Inclusions

  • Free pick-up and drop-off anywhere on the island
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Flexible colour preference (subject to availability)
  • 5% weekly rental discount
  • Additional 5% membership card discount.

Approximate Price

Prices are subject to change. With Tuanaitau Car Rentals, rates typically start at around USD$90 per day for medium vehicles, increasing to approximately US$110 per day for large SUVs, US$120 per day for small trucks, and US$130 per day for large trucks.

Vehicles must be returned clean; otherwise, a cleaning fee of US$20 applies if you prefer the car rental to handle it. Discounts are available, including 5% off weekly rentals and an additional 5% discount for eligible local membership card holders.

Insurance

No insurance is included in the standard rental. Renters are fully responsible for the vehicle during the rental period, including any damages, unless caused by a third party

Avis Car Rental CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
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Avis

Avis in American Samoa provides a reliable car rental option directly at Pago Pago International Airport, making it incredibly convenient for visitors arriving by air.

Operating 24 hours daily from the terminal building, this international brand offers peace of mind for travellers seeking dependable transportation on the island.

The fleet includes compact cars, intermediate SUVs, and 4WD pickup trucks. While the selection is limited compared to mainland operations, the vehicles are well-suited to island conditions and local driving requirements.

The service maintains Avis's reputation for reliability, though visitors should expect a straightforward, no-frills approach typical of smaller island operations.

Advanced booking is highly recommended due to the limited fleet size, especially during peak travel periods.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Avis operates from its main office at Pago Pago International Airport, where both pick-up and drop-off services are available.

Vehicles Available

Avis offers a well-rounded fleet suitable for both leisure and business travellers, with a mix of compact cars and 4WD options. Vehicles include both manual and automatic transmission.

  • Toyota Yaris (Manual)
  • Toyota Corolla Cross (Automatic)
  • Toyota RAV4 (Automatic)
  • Toyota Tacoma (Automatic)

Further Services and Inclusions

  • 24-hour operations at Pago Pago International Airport
  • After-hours return with key drop box
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Fuel plan options (prepaid or pay-on-return)
  • “Pay Now” discounted rates for online bookings
  • Access to the Avis App for booking and management.

Insurance

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is optional. Without CDW, renters are liable for the full value of the vehicle. Purchasing CDW reduces liability to approximately US$1,500 across all vehicle categories.

Tautai Car Rentals CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
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Tautai Car Rentals

Tautai Car Rentals has been a trusted family-owned business serving American Samoa since 2006, making them one of the most established car rental companies on the island.

Their commitment to providing quality vehicles at competitive prices has earned them a reputation for reliability among both tourists and locals alike.

Their motto "Fit Your Budget" isn't just a catchphrase, it's a promise backed by flexible rental options and transparent pricing.

The friendly team at Tautai understands the unique driving conditions of American Samoa and provides valuable local insights about road conditions, scenic routes, and must-visit destinations that you won't find in guidebooks.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Pick-up is available from multiple convenient locations, including Pago Pago International Airport (arrivals only), the main office in Nu'uuli, as well as partner hotels such as Tradewinds Hotel and Sadie's By The Sea.

All vehicles must be returned to the main office in Nu'uuli before or by 6 pm on the day of departure. A complimentary drop-off service to the airport is provided after vehicle return for added convenience.

Vehicles Available

Tautai Car Rentals offers a budget-friendly and reliable fleet, ideal for both island touring and everyday transport needs. Vehicles are a mix of SUVs, sedans and pickup trucks suited for American Samoa’s terrain.

  • Toyota Tacoma
  • Nissan Frontier
  • Toyota RAV4
  • Hyundai Tucson
  • Toyota Corolla
  • Nissan Rogue

Further Services and Inclusions

  • Pick-up available at Pago Pago International Airport (arrival only)
  • Free drop-off service from the main office to the airport
  • Discounted prices for weekly rentals

Approximate Price

Prices are subject to change. Pickup trucks such as the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are priced at approximately US$110 per day or US$100 per day for weekly rentals. SUVs and sedans, including the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Rogue, are typically around US$85 per day or US$80 per day for weekly rates.

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Steven & Sons Car Rental CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
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Steven & Sons Car Rental

Getting around American Samoa is made easy with Steven & Sons Car Rental, a family-owned business that has been serving the island since 1999. What started as a beloved restaurant has expanded to include a reliable car rental service that caters to both visitors and residents.

Steven & Sons Car Rental has built its reputation on offering competitive prices and reliable vehicles that meet all customer expectations.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Vehicles can be collected from and returned to Pago Pago International Airport or the main office located on Lyons Park Road.

Vehicles Available

Steven & Sons Car Rental offers a practical and reliable fleet of SUVs and pickup trucks, suitable for both everyday travel and island exploration.

  • Ford EcoSport
  • Ford Ranger
  • Ford Escape
  • Chevrolet Traverse
  • Chevrolet Equinox
  • Chevrolet Colorado

Approximate Price

Prices are subject to change. Compact SUVs such as the Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Equinox, and Ford Escape are priced at US$95 per day. Larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse are US$125 per day, while pickup trucks including the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger are US$100 per day.

More About Car Rentals in Pago Pago and American Samoa

That's it for our complete comparison of the car rental companies in American Samoa. Learn more about renting a car using the following guides:

Finally, compare car rentals with other ways to travel around the island in our Pago Pago Transport Guide: 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tutuila.