10 Best Souvenirs & Gifts From American Samoa

A traditional craft from the Samoan Islands, siapo, also known as tapa, is a canvas made from the flattened bark of a mulberry tree.

These canvases are then painted with an array of island-inspired patterns and designs, typically using a hand-carved stencil and naturally derived paints, which is why you’ll only ever see black, brown and red colours used.

Admittedly, most of the siapo paintings we've seen have come from families just across the pond in Independent Samoa. Nevertheless, they are pieces that are distinctively Samoan and still well worth admiring in American Samoa.

Where to buy: Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo), J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), South Pacific Duty Free (Pago Pago Airport) and more.

Intricately woven baskets, bags, fans, fine mats, earrings and more; it’s amazing the array of crafts Samoan women can weave using the fine fibres of the pandanus tree.

There is a wealth of unique designs popping up in all sorts of hues and patterns.

Where to buy: Tropical Traders (Nu'uuli), J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), Turtle & Shark Cafe (Tafuna), Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo), South Pacific Duty Free (Pago Pago Airport), Kafe Plus (Tradewinds Hotel) and more.

A traditional art form in American Samoa, wooden and bone carvings are highly prized souvenirs.

You’ll find a wide variety of traditional carvings of ‘ava bowls, hook pendants and weapons, but you can also find all sorts of practical items for modern-day uses, such as placemats and cutting boards.

Designs are usually inspired by the myths and legends of American Samoa’s ancestors, as well as drawing inspiration from the natural world of the South Pacific.

Locally carved goods can be found at Tropical Traders in Nu'uuli.

Where to buy: Tropical Traders (Nu'uuli), Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo), J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), Turtle & Shark Cafe (Tafuna), Kafe Plus (Tradewinds Hotel) and more.

Discover the artistry of Samoan jewellery, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design in stunning pieces that tell the story of island culture.

From intricately carved coconut shells, representing the tree of life so integral to Samoan heritage, to delicate shell work and laser-cut designs featuring authentic Samoan motifs, these accessories capture the essence of Pacific island living. While many pieces available throughout American Samoa are imported, discerning shoppers will find genuine locally crafted treasures at Tropical Traders, for instance, that showcase the skill of island artisans.

Where to buy: Tropical Traders (Nu'uuli), J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), Tiola Shop (Fagatogo), Athena's Boutique (Nu'uuli), Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo), Kafe Plus (Tradewinds Hotel) and more.

Inject a bit of “island time” into your life with the vibrant designs of American Samoa’s elei-designed apparel.

Elei is Samoan fabric that has been decorated using a traditional method of carving patterns onto wooden blocks or stencils, inking them with paint, and then printing the designs onto the fabric. This technique, called Elei printing, is rooted in the decoration of Samoan siapo (tapa) cloth but was adapted to European cloth fabrics.

In American Samoa, there’s an abundance of shirts and dresses, again, usually hand-block printed with tropical designs that can’t help but put a smile on your face. While a lot of the material is imported, there are many stores across Tutuila that have an in-house team of seamstresses that can tailor clothes to fit perfectly.

If you’re not flamboyant enough to wear these designs, don’t worry, you can take a piece of American Samoa home in more conservative forms, like kitchen towels, purses, bedspreads and more.

For a chance to craft your own elei-printed lavalava or bedspread, take part in block-printing workshops at Maliu Mai Beach Resort - find out more in the 10 Best Cultural Activities in American Samoa.

Where to buy: J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), Tiola Shop (Fagatogo), Athena's Boutique (Nu'uuli), Tropical Traders (Nu'uuli), Tafuna Mini Mart (Tafuna), Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo), Tanoa (Forsgren’s, Nu'uuli), South Pacific Duty Free (Pago Pago Airport) and more.

Speaking of apparel, a souvenir that you'll find incredibly practical while in American Samoa, lavalava (sarongs) are everyday casual attire worn by both men and women.

Coming in all sorts of colours and patterns, there’s something to suit everyone.

Lavalava sold in American Samoa is typically hand-block printed, whether it’s through traditional means with hand-carved wooden stencils or more modern techniques such as rubber stencils.

Where to buy: Turtle & Shark Cafe (Tafuna), J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), Tiola Shop (Fagatogo), Athena's Boutique (Nu'uuli), Tropical Traders (Nu'uuli), Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo) and more.

If you're looking for stylish clothing to take home, we're big fans of the modern hoodies, hats and T-shirts you'll find throughout American Samoa. The variety of prints and designs is impressive. During our last visit, we spotted some really cool Polynesian-inspired flatback caps, plus hoodies featuring beautiful elei-inspired prints running down the sleeves.

While hoodies might be too warm to wear in the tropical heat of American Samoa, T-shirts are perfect for the climate and make excellent souvenirs. You'll love the range of options available.

Where to buy: J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), Turtle & Shark Cafe (Tafuna), South Pacific Duty Free (Pago Pago Airport), Tiola Shop (Fagatogo), Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo) and more.

The National Park of American Samoa stamp is hands down one of the top souvenirs you can snag from American Samoa. You'll find it at the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center, where you can either grab a proper passport booklet if you're planning to tackle all 65 U.S. National Parks (ambitious!) or simply get it stamped on a piece of paper to sort out later.

There's other memorabilia too: think national park patches, keychains, water bottles and other keepsakes featuring their iconic fruit bat (pe'a) logo. It's a brilliant way to remember your time in this remote Pacific paradise.

Where to buy: National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center (Pago Pago).

Scattered across Tutuila, local sewing shops offer visitors the unique opportunity to have traditional Samoan garments custom-made to perfection. These skilled tailors specialise in creating authentic puletasi for women, a stunning two-piece outfit consisting of a matching tunic and long skirt, perfect for formal occasions and cultural events.

For men, they craft the traditional ie faitaga (also known as lavalava, sulu, or tupenu), a tailored wrap-around skirt typically paired with a crisp white shirt, tie and blazer for formal wear. Beyond traditional garments, these talented seamstresses can also create modern shirts and dresses with that perfect island fit.

The experience goes beyond simply purchasing clothing; it's about connecting with Samoan culture through craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. Whether you're preparing for a special event or simply want a beautifully fitted souvenir, these custom pieces make for unforgettable mementoes of your South Pacific adventure.

Where to buy: Elina's Sewing Shop (Mesepa), J-Len Ts (Nu'uuli), JETS Sewing Shop (Nu'uuli), Maliu Mai Sewing Shop (Fagogogo), Island Image Creations (Tafuna), Janice Sewing Shop (Puapua) and more.

Of course, you'll also find the usual tourist souvenirs scattered throughout American Samoa: magnets, keychains, bottle openers and the like.

We've all got that one family member who collects these bits and bobs, and you'll certainly be able to tick that box during your visit.

Where to buy: Turtle & Shark Cafe (Tafuna), South Pacific Duty Free (Pago Pago Airport), Kafe Plus (Tradewinds Hotel), J-len Ts (Nu'uuli), Tiola Shop (Fagatogo), Tropical Traders (Nu'uuli), Fagatogo Market (Fagatogo), South Pacific Duty Free (Pago Pago Airport) and more.