Sightseeing in American Samoa: Top 10 Sights in American Samoa

Pola Island is one of the territory's most impressive natural features: a volcanic sill where molten lava once squeezed into cracks within softer rock and solidified. Over time, the softer rock eroded away, leaving this incredible hard lava structure standing proud and creating the dramatic rugged landscape visible from Pola Island Lookout or along the National Park's Pola Island Trail.

Located on Tutuila, this brief coastal walk leads you through lush coastal vegetation to a rocky beach encompassing views of the rugged coastline and Pola Island, a protected sanctuary for nesting seabirds.

The trail begins after you pass the last house in Vatia Village and continues along a gravel road, suitable for high-clearance vehicles if you want to park as close to the end of the trail as possible.

You'll pass interpretation panels before arriving at the rocky cove.

Taking 30-45 minutes return for the full gravel road walk, or 2-5 minutes return from the end of the gravel road, this nature walk is perfect for those with limited time but still looking for a real slice of American Samoan beauty.

Note that the powerful currents here pose a real risk to swimmers. We'd strongly recommend staying out of the water at this beach.

One of the most intact and impressive remnants of the World War 2 era, Blunts Point Battery is well worth discovering and there's even a short walk to get there along the Blunts Point Trail.

This uphill forest hike takes you up a wide and well-defined gravel road that gradually ascends past a water tank.

The first viewpoint rewards hikers with stunning harbour views and the opportunity to explore one of the huge WW2 guns up close. A short continuation up some stairs, also built during WW2, leads to the second gun turret positioned in the forest, offering even more impressive historical features engulfed by nature.

For those wanting to extend their historical exploration, the trail connects to the broader WWII Heritage Trail, as outlined in the 15 Best Walks in American Samoa. Be prepared for mosquitoes.

One of our favourite historical sites, Tia Seu Lupe offers an insight into the early settlers of these islands; a huge star mound.

Tia Seu Lupe translates to "earthen mound to catch pigeons", so you can guess the purpose of this ancient stone mound.

A plaque on the significance of the tia-style of star mounds that once covered the Tafuna plain, but are now only visible on the mountainsides at places like Tia Seu Lupe.

What makes this historic site particularly special is its location adjacent to a pristine rainforest reserve, creating a perfect mix of historical insights and natural beauty in one easily accessible location. We saw several birds and toads when we were there last (and ironically, the cooing lupe now thriving in the area).

Note that there has been some rubbish dumping in the area, which taints the experience a little bit, but don't let this deter you from visiting one of American Samoa's most accessible ancient sites.

One of American Samoa's natural wonders, Nu'uuli Waterfall is a breathtaking sight to behold!

The surrounding rainforest creates a natural amphitheatre that muffles the sound of the 20 m (66 ft) cascades, making this hidden gem feel worlds away from the nearby commercial strip.

The 15-minute walk/scramble through lush tropical vegetation over mostly well-formed trails adds to the adventure, leading you across several stream crossings before revealing this spectacular cascade and natural pool.

It's polite to ask permission from locals if you see someone at the nearby house, though you're not usually charged an entry fee.

The relatively easy access, combined with the dramatic setting, makes this one of American Samoa's most rewarding waterfall experiences.

Admittedly, there are quite a few islets that have broken away from the main islands of American Samoa, but we love Fatu Ma Futi, known in English as "Flower Pot Rock", for its mysterious myths and beautiful beach.

According to local legend, these distinctive rock formations represent two lovers from the Manu'a Islands who were forbidden to marry because they belonged to the same 'aiga (family clan).

The story tells of Fatu, a woman who built a coconut raft and set sail for Tutuila when their love was denied. When Futi discovered she had gone, he followed after her in pursuit.

Both boats were destroyed in a tsunami and washed onto the reef of Fatumafuti, where they remain to this day as these towering rock sentinels.

The beach surrounding the rocks offers decent snorkelling and bathing opportunities in clear waters, along with an interesting view of Fatu and Futi where they lie today.

Convenient parking facilities sit right next to the shoreline, making access incredibly easy. Note that the beach is closed on Sundays.

Oge Beach is not just an amazing sight for the beach itself, but the journey there along the Oge Beach Trail offers many opportunities to spot wildlife and marvel at the mega Maga Rock.

The trail traverses the shoulder between Mata'ala Ridge and Maga Point, where boobies and frigate birds soar overhead, before descending to emerge at the remote coral rubble beach facing Ta'ū. Once you reach the trail's end, turn left and walk 200 m (219 yards) down the beach to discover a magnificent stretch of sand.

The adventure continues as a scenic beach walk to Leala Point, creating a complete coastal out-and-back adventure. According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, this ranks among our favourite walks in American Samoa and the Pacific, with abundant wildlife discoveries awaiting along the way.

Time your visit for low or mid tide, as high tide brings water right up to the trees, making beach access challenging. Allow 2-3 hours to complete the trip (or more if you want to hang out at the beach).

Plus, be mindful that you are indeed following the correct trail - you should always have the coast to your right, not heading way up into the mountains.

The trail can be relatively overgrown in places but the local boys keep the trail chopped for coconut crab hunting.

If there was ever a place that made you feel like you're on the edge of the Earth, this is it. Tula Observatory is not just an amazing sight for the observatory itself, but also for providing access via some steep steps to the easternmost point of Tutuila.

Perched atop the sealed Fagasa Road, this National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facility offers visitors a unique glimpse into weather monitoring and climate research (though access requires advance coordination by calling (684) 258-2848). Even if the observatory itself isn't accessible, which is fairly common, the journey is absolutely worthwhile for the stunning hibiscus gardens alone.

The real adventure begins with the wooden stairway descent of 178 steps (plus one charmingly broken step) leading down to Tutuila's rocky eastern shore. From this dramatic vantage point, you'll enjoy sweeping views stretching all the way to the Pola Islands along the northern coastline, making it one of the island's most spectacular and secluded viewpoints.

A legendary stretch of coast said to be the birthplace of Polynesia, yet containing tangible archaeological finds like stone wells and grinding stones, the Saua Village Site offers many incredible "sights" on Ta'ū Island. All of this is accessible along the National Park's Si'u Point/Saua Trail.

This 5.7 mi (9.2 km) out-and-back trail (or, more appropriately, road) begins just beyond the last homes in Fiti'uta Village and follows the southeastern coast of Ta'ū.

The road winds through coastal vegetation, leading past the ancient village site of Saua, which is also believed to be the birthplace of Polynesian culture - you can learn more about it in the 10 Best Historical Sites in American Samoa.

Remnants of the village can be seen at various stone wells and grinding stones situated on the roadside, so keep an eye out as they're easy to miss.

You'll also have the opportunity to stop by various picturesque beaches, such as Luo Ma'a, meaning "Two Rocks", and Pu'a Vai, named after the springwater found in the area. The latter beach is also our favourite for snorkelling.

At the trail's end, you'll reach the remote Aufotu Cove, where rocky headlands meet the vast Pacific. It's best to take a guide if you want to venture along the coast to the Luifuta Waterfall.

Though the route is relatively gentle, the distance and heat can make it moderately challenging, so come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection and good shoes.

As always, we recommend starting early to avoid the midday heat. Allow 3 hours minimum to complete the hike, although you can easily spend longer with stops for swimming and revelling in nature's paradise.

The moment when you emerge from the bush after roughly a two and a half hour uphill hike: nothing beats the feeling of conquering the Mt Tumu Summit!

This challenging 5.5 km (3.4 mi) ascent through increasingly overgrown terrain offers one of American Samoa's most rewarding hiking experiences. The trail winds past ancient village sites (locals advise quiet respect for the spirits) before reaching a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Ofu Beach, Sunu'itao Peak and Olosega Island.

The steady-paced hike alternates between flat sections and uphill climbs, taking approximately 2 hrs 30 mins to reach the scenic lookout. Pink ribbons and markers help navigate fallen trees and overgrown vegetation, though a local guide from Ofu Village is highly recommended for less experienced hikers - ask around or your accommodation host.

Long trousers are essential for the grass-covered initial section, and the trail becomes easier on the legs after the first stretch.

An alternative route leads to the TV relay tower at the 494 m (1,621 ft) summit, though the main viewpoint offers superior scenery.

Finally, we can't end this list of the top sights in American Samoa without mentioning the Pago Pago Harbor. It's one of the deepest and most sheltered natural harbours in the entire South Pacific. When you first lay eyes on this breathtaking fiord-like wonder, you'll understand why we can't get enough of it.

The harbour's story is just as impressive as its looks. It started life as a U.S. Navy coaling station before transforming into the world's largest tuna processing hub.

What makes this place so special? Those incredibly deep, sheltered waters create perfect conditions for everything from massive commercial vessels to your scenic viewing pleasure.

The viewing options here are plentiful. Whether you're taking in those panoramic vistas from the surrounding villages and elevated viewpoints, or watching the dramatic landscape unfold from the deck of a boat or cruise ship, the harbour delivers unforgettable scenes every single time.

Beyond all that natural beauty, Pago Pago Harbor serves as American Samoa's economic heartbeat. The bustling tuna canning operations, tourism and maritime commerce keep the local economy thriving. It's fascinating to witness this natural wonder combined with industrial importance.