10 Best Cultural Activities in American Samoa

One of Samoa's most treasured cultural traditions, the umu isn't just dinner; it's a sacred community ritual where cooking becomes an art form passed down through generations.

Food is slowly cooking in underground ovens lined with hot volcanic stones, creating the most incredibly tender meats and vegetables you've ever tasted. The whole process brings people together in celebration, something that's relatively east to witness during your visit.

At Tisa's Barefoot Bar on Tutuila LINK#D006, don't miss the weekly Wednesday evening umu ceremony. Tisa and CandyMann demonstrate the traditional cooking techniques her family has used for generations.

You'll see layers of banana leaves, hot stones and fresh local fruit and vegetables, along with ribs and turkey (this is America, after all), transform into a feast unlike anything you'd find in a restaurant.

For an even more intimate glimpse into island life, head to the remote Manu'a Islands LINK#D012. Accommodations like Fitiuta Lodge offer umu experiences on request. You might enjoy freshly caught fish and prized coconut crab prepared the traditional way. Often featuring ingredients gathered that same day from the ocean and local plantations, as we discovered during our last visit.

For more food-oriented activities, check out the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in American Samoa.

Location: Tisa's - Route 001, Alega, east side of Tutuila. Fitiuta Lodge - Fitiuta, Ta'ū Island, Manu'a Islands.

Price Range: $$

Dive deep into authentic Samoan family life by choosing a homestay over traditional hotels; an experience that transforms accommodation into a genuine cultural exchange. These family-run establishments offer far more than just a place to sleep; they provide intimate windows into daily Samoan life, customs and the renowned Pacific hospitality known as fa'a Samoa.

At Eseta Homestay in the Manu'a Islands, guests become temporary family members in a welcoming household where meals are shared and island tours are arranged through villagers. The homestay offers modern comforts while maintaining that essential family atmosphere where you can hear stories from the locals firsthand and where Sunday rhythms revolve around church and rest—a perfect introduction to the spiritual foundation of Samoan life.

Another example, Faga Homestay provides a more laid-back beachfront experience where the host genuinely wants to "hang out with guests and drink beers," embodying the relaxed island lifestyle. With direct beach access and strong family connections throughout the Manu'a Islands, particularly Ofu, guests gain insider access to inter-island transportation and local knowledge that no travel guide website like this (yep, we're calling it) could provide.

Learn more about these authentic stays in Where to Stay in Ofu, Olosega & Ta'ū (Manu'a Islands): 10 Best Accommodations.

Location: Ta'ū Island, Manu'a Islands.

Price Range: $$

One of the most culturally immersive tours we've experienced in American Samoa, Samriel Aunu'u Island Getaway will ensure your experience of "Amerika Samoa" is 100% genuine.

The experience is led by Pika (Peter), a professional and engaging local guide with deep family roots on Aunu'u Island. While famous for his signature Aunu'u Island tours, Pika also crafts bespoke experiences across Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands, with flexible day and multi-day options tailored to your interests.

Traditional cooking demonstrations and cultural experiences are woven throughout the tours, alongside visits to the national park, historic town areas and other highlights. Fishing charters are also available, offering both trolling and bottom fishing adventures accessible by boat or flight.

With reasonable prices and strong local connections throughout American Samoa, this personalised service ensures you'll experience the islands like a local and take home lasting memories of Samoan culture.

Simply getting out there into the local communities through your everyday sightseeing is a surprising way to immerse in the culture of American Samoa. Beaches are private property in American Samoa and some of the most remote beaches are where the smallest villages are, and where you'll get a true village experience.

It is customary to ask permission when wanting to go for a swim at a village beach - some even charge a small fee to help the community maintain the infrastructure in the area. This respectful approach opens doors to genuine interactions with local families who often share stories about their traditions, daily life and connection to the ocean.

The experience varies from village to village, but you might find yourself invited to witness traditional fishing methods, learn about local marine conservation efforts or simply enjoy the warmth of Samoan hospitality. See American Samoan Etiquette: American Samoa Customs & Traditions for details about beach fees and other village customs.

Location: Various village beaches throughout American Samoa, particularly in smaller coastal communities on Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands.

Price Range: $

American Samoa's shopping scene offers an authentic glimpse into Pacific island life, where traditional crafts meet modern convenience in refreshingly uncommercialized settings. The territory's unique position creates a distinctive shopping experience that tells the story of island culture through locally-made treasures and imported goods.

The Fagatogo Market serves as the main hub for crafts and souvenirs, featuring a modest but genuine selection of items from Western Samoa, China and Hawaii alongside fresh local fruits and vegetables. Arrive early to witness vendors setting up their displays by 6 am, creating an authentic morning market atmosphere that captures the rhythm of island life.

Village shops like Tropical Traders offer wooden carvings and locally-made earrings amongst everyday goods, while J Len T's specialises in clothing, including garments they sew themselves. These intimate shopping experiences provide personal connections with local vendors, ensuring every purchase directly supports island families rather than large commercial enterprises.

Location: All over Tutuila - see the 10 Best Shops to Buy Souvenirs in American Samoa for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $$

There's no better curation of American Samoan culture and history all under one roof than the Jean P. Haydon Museum.

Like taking a journey through American Samoa's captivating past, the museum is housed within a gorgeous 1917 Naval-style building that has stood the test of time beautifully.

Originally built as a commissary before becoming the post office, this concrete gem with ornate pillars showcases architecture unlike anywhere else in the South Pacific Islands. It earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places back in 1972, and once you see it, you'll understand why.

Needless to say, the main event is the impressive collection of over 650 cultural and historical artefacts that really bring American Samoa's unique Pacific island story to life. From traditional Samoan crafts to fascinating exhibits documenting how the territory developed over time, there's something here that'll capture your imagination.

Our favourite features are the maritime exhibits, showing traditional ocean-faring va'a (canoes) and tools like fishing baskets, but there's a lot to unpack, so allow at least 30-45 minutes to explore it all.

The Jean P. Haydon Museum is open from 7:30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Immerse yourself in the heart of American Samoan culture by attending a Sunday church service, a deeply meaningful experience that welcomes visitors into the local community. From the traditional services held in the magnificent churches of the EFKAS (Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa) to the upbeat Pentecostal congregations, each denomination offers a unique glimpse into island spirituality.

The harmonious singing alone is reason enough to experience this cultural tradition, even if you're not religious. Churches across the territory open their doors to visitors, creating an authentic opportunity to witness the strong faith that binds American Samoan communities together.

After the service, many families invite visitors to join their Sunday to'onai (feast), extending the warm hospitality that defines island culture. On the Manu'a Islands, attending church may well be one of the primary Sunday activities available.

Location: Churches throughout American Samoa, including Tutuila and the Manu'a Islands. Check out the 10 Best Churches in American Samoa to Experience as a Visitor for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $ (for tithe)

Discover authentic Samoan culture through immersive workshops at two exceptional accommodations that transform visitors from observers into active participants in traditional island life.

Once again, Fitiuta Lodge in the remote Manu'a Islands offers the most genuine cultural immersion, where their "how we live" philosophy invites guests to master basket weaving and other essential island crafts. Local cultural guides share not just techniques but the stories and customs behind each tradition, creating meaningful exchanges that extend far beyond the workshop itself.

On Tutuila, Maliu Mai Beach Resort specialises in traditional fabric arts, where hands-on sessions teach local textile traditions using stencils and natural dyes to create wearable pieces like lavalava (sarongs), traditional dresses and poncho-style garments. Workshops accommodate all skill levels, from simple 20-minute beginner projects to intricate designs for experienced crafters, with completed pieces ready to wear immediately as lasting cultural mementoes.

Maliu Mai welcomes day visitors, making these authentic experiences accessible regardless of where you're staying.

Location: Fitiuta Lodge - Fitiuta, Ta'ū, Manu'a Islands; Maliu Mai Beach Resort - Fogagogo, Pago Pago, Tutuila.

Price Range: $

Journey back through millennia of Pacific history at American Samoa's most significant archaeological sites, where ancient stones tell stories of Polynesian voyagers, royal ceremonies and traditional island life that shaped the foundation of Samoan culture.

The Saua Site on Ta'ū Island holds profound cultural significance as the potential birthplace of Samoan civilisation. This sacred location may be where the first Polynesian explorers settled approximately 3,000 years ago. Archaeologists have identified 135 remarkable features across the site, including ancient house platforms, rock enclosures, grinding stones worn smooth by adze-making, possible graves and an ancient water well.

On Tutuila, the Tia Seu Lupe star mound represents a fascinating glimpse into traditional chiefly recreation, with its distinctive star shape featuring radiating arms used for the aristocratic sport of pigeon catching as recently as 100-250 years ago.

Location: All over American Samoa - see the 15 Best Historical Sites in American Samoa for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: FREE

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Samoan community life through the territory's calendar of festivals that celebrate Pacific culture with infectious energy, traditional performances and generous communal dining.

The annual Moso'oi Festival stands as American Samoa's premier cultural celebration, featuring open mic nights where local talent showcases everything from traditional Samoan songs to contemporary Pacific fusion music. This flagship event embodies the territory's commitment to preserving and evolving its cultural identity through artistic expression.

Tourism Week in September transforms the islands into a week-long cultural showcase with rotating events that might include traditional craft bazaars, dance competitions and food festivals where families compete with their best recipes. The Miss American Samoa Pageant adds glamour and pride to the festival calendar, combining cultural preservation with contemporary celebration.

Throughout the year, monthly community gatherings ensure there's always something happening "for the people," creating opportunities for visitors to experience authentic fa'a Samoa hospitality. In our experience, community events, especially in the Manu'a Islands, go unscripted, where we found ourselves attending a fiafia night - night of cultural dancing, as well as being invited to an umu at a local family's place around the back of our village accommodation.

Location: Various venues across all islands of American Samoa. Check out the 10 Biggest Events & Festivals in American Samoa for recommendations.

Price Range: $