What You Need to Know About Nightlife in American Samoa
If there's only one thing that is certain in this world, it's that American Samoans know how to throw a party! Whether it's sipping drinks bought by friendly locals at one of the local sports bars or dancing till 2 am at the club in this remote Pacific territory, there are authentic nighttime experiences to be had and genuine island hospitality to be enjoyed!
Don't expect the glitzy club scene of other destinations – American Samoa's nightlife is all about intimate venues, live bands, and that legendary Polynesian warmth where you might pay for your first drink, but the locals will keep them coming all night long. From seaside bars with Friday night live music to old-school venues where real bands play and the 40+ crowd mingles over wine and sashimi, this is nightlife with soul.
Get to grips with the most welcoming bars and authentic island vibes with this ultimate guide to nightlife in American Samoa – where the people are as friendly as the drinks are strong, and every night out feels like a celebration with family.
And for all your other trip-organising needs, dive into The Complete Travel Guide to American Samoa LINK#TT038.
Table of Contents
5 Tips for Partying in American Samoa
Before we get into our guide to nightlife in American Samoa, here are some quick tips first!
- The legal drinking age in American Samoa is 21 years old (same as mainland United States).
- The best nights for going out are Friday and Saturday, with the most bars open, though Wednesdays are also popular for umu nights and live band nights.
- Clubs typically close by 2 am - everything shuts down by this time, and there's a 10 pm curfew for drinking in public parks.
- American Samoa's nightlife is incredibly safe for foreigners - the locals are famously friendly and welcoming to tourists. In the rare instance that any dispute breaks out, it's usually personal matters between locals, so the best advice is simply to step away and let them sort it out amongst themselves.
- Embrace the legendary Samoan hospitality - as one local explains: "You might pay for your very first drink. After that, you're drinking. All these people will be sending you drinks." Don't be surprised if friendly locals keep buying you drinks throughout the night - it's just part of the genuine Pacific island welcome!
Finally, on a not-so-serious note, be careful which ear you tuck a flower behind when you're out clubbing; the left ear means you're single, while the right means you're in a relationship/not looking!
Nightlife in Pago Pago and Tutuila
It probably comes as no surprise that American Samoa's main island, Tutuila LINK#D006, centred around Pago Pago and Tafuna, has the most vibrant night scene in the territory. While the scale is more intimate than larger Pacific destinations, there's a genuine warmth to be found in its friendly venues, from seaside bars with live bands to clubs where locals are incredibly friendly. The nightlife here closes by 2 am, but the memories of Samoan hospitality will last much longer.
The Best Bars and Nightclubs in Tutuila
The Bowling Sports Club (near Oasis Restaurant on the main road in Tafuna) stands out as one of the most popular venues, especially on Wednesdays when they feature old school music with live bands. This spot draws a more mature crowd (40+ years) and offers a sophisticated atmosphere where you can enjoy wine and sashimi alongside great music. It's the kind of place where real bands still play and the music has soul.
For a younger vibe, head to The Flame Bar located in the back of the Sports Club. This venue caters to the younger crowd and comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm, offering a more energetic party atmosphere.
And don't let the weekend go by without experiencing Flying Fox Gastropub (main road of Pava'ia'i), known for signature cocktails like "Sneaky Piniki" and all the usual beers and wine. They also have an outstanding burger selection if you get peckish. We love the beer garden setting, but the neon lights and party vibe throughout the evening inside make it well worth sticking around.
The Seaside Bar Scene
One of the unique charms of Tutuila's nightlife is the seaside Goat Island Cafe at Sadie's By The Sea (Utulei) that offers live music on Fridays. With its open-air setting and harbour views, this spot provides that quintessential Pacific island bar experience where ocean breezes mix with live tunes for an unforgettable evening.
Umu Nights
No discussion of American Samoa's evening entertainment would be complete without mentioning Tisa's Umu Night at Tisa's Barefoot Bar (Alega Beach). Every Wednesday, this unique cultural experience combines traditional Samoan cooking methods with an authentic feast. For a set admission fee, Tisa's offers visitors the chance to experience traditional Samoan food preparation and dining in an awesome beachfront venue where piña coladas (and non-alcoholic punch) are served throughout the night.
For more nighttime antics, take a look at the 10 Things to Do in American Samoa at Night LINK#TTD065.
Nightlife on Manu'a Islands
Don't come to Manu'a LINK#D012 expecting bars, nightclubs or formal entertainment venues - the magic of nightlife on these remote islands lies in its spontaneous and authentic nature. This is where you'll experience the true heart of Samoan hospitality through impromptu cultural celebrations and community gatherings that money can't buy.
The Authentic Manu'a Experience
There are no bars on the Manu'a Islands, but that doesn't mean there's no nightlife. Instead, you'll find Bud Light, Vailima, and other beverages sold in local convenience stores - your gateway to joining spontaneous community gatherings. Check out the convenience stores listed in Information, Shops & Services in the Manu'a Islands LINK#D013.
The real magic happens when locals invite you to join impromptu umu nights in family compounds, where traditional earth ovens produce incredible feasts shared with genuine warmth. On our last visit, we found ourselves behind our guesthouse sharing food with neighbours who simply saw we were visitors and wanted to include us in their evening meal.
Spontaneous Fiafia Nights
While most destinations charge for cultural shows, Manu'a offers something far more precious - spontaneous fiafia nights where the community performs traditional dances not for tourists, but as part of their living culture. These usually happen when group tours visit, but if you're lucky enough to be around, you may be welcomed to join these authentic celebrations.
Organised Cultural Experiences
Va'oto Lodge can arrange umu nights with sufficient advance notice, offering a more planned way to experience traditional Samoan earth oven cooking. Their pantry also stocks beer and sodas for those quieter evening moments on the lodge grounds.
Learn more about the lodge in Where to Stay in Ofu, Olosega & Ta'ū (Manu'a Islands): 10 Best Accommodations.
More About Nightlife in American Samoa
Now that you know about the best bars, nightclubs and beach bars, check out other activities you could be getting up to after dark with the following articles:
- 10 Things to Do in American Samoa at Night LINK#TTD065
- 10 Best Foodie Experiences in American Samoa LINK#TTD042
- The Top Cheap Eats in American Samoa LINK#TTD048
Finally, make sure that clubbing isn't the only thing on your bucket list with the 101 Best Things to Do in American Samoa: The Ultimate List LINK#TTD066
