9 Things to Do in American Samoa at Night

Every Wednesday evening at 7 pm, Tisa's Barefoot Bar hosts an authentic umu night that has been a beloved tradition for 24 years. This traditional Samoan earth oven experience takes place at one of American Samoa's most spectacular locations, a bar elevated over the pristine waters of Alega Beach.

The evening begins with the ceremonial unearthing of the umu, where Tisa herself guides guests through the traditional cooking process as banana leaves are carefully removed over 15 minutes. The feast features a delightful fusion of American and Samoan cuisine, including seasonal taro, breadfruit, palusami and even turkey, all cooked to perfection in the earth oven.

Throughout the night, guests can sip on tropical piña coladas or refreshing non-alcoholic fruit punch while soaking in the stunning waterfront setting. The experience requires a minimum of 15 people to proceed, ensuring an intimate yet lively atmosphere that's particularly popular with cruise ship passengers—see our 5 Best Shore Excursions in Pago Pago & American Samoa for more day-time options.

Location: Route 001, Alega, east side of Tutuila.

As the sun begins to set over American Samoa's stunning coastline, there's no better way to unwind than with a cold drink at one of Pago Pago's waterfront bars. Maliu Mai Beach Resort offers the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment with its full restaurant and bar, complete with a pool table, outdoor coastal seating and comfortable indoor areas where you can soak up the island atmosphere.

For those seeking the ultimate harbour views, Goat Island Cafe & Bar at Sadie's by the Sea delivers spectacular panoramas of Pago Pago Harbor from their prime location beside their private beach. Friday nights come alive with local bands to round off the experience.

Whether you're looking for a quiet drink with ocean views or a lively night out with live music, Pago Pago's bar scene offers something for every mood and occasion.

Location: Various locations around Tutuila. Specific addresses and additional options available in The Ultimate Guide to American Samoa Nightlife + 5 Best Bars.

Experience American Samoa's most vibrant nightlife scene on Tutuila, where the territory's main island offers an intimate yet genuinely warm evening entertainment experience. Centred around Pago Pago and Tafuna, the nightlife here may be smaller in scale than larger Pacific destinations, but the friendly venues and incredible local hospitality more than make up for it.

The crown jewel is Bowling Sports Club, particularly popular on Wednesdays for old school music with live bands, attracting a sophisticated 40+ crowd who enjoy wine and sashimi alongside soulful music. For younger party-goers, The Flame Bar in the back comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm with an energetic atmosphere. Don't miss Flying Fox Gastropub either, famous for signature cocktails like "Sneaky Piniki" and outstanding burgers, featuring both a relaxed beer garden and neon-lit indoor party vibes.

Location: Bowling Sports Club & Flame Bar - Main Road, Tafuna. Flying Fox Gastropub - Main Road, Pava'ia'i. See The Ultimate Guide to American Samoa Nightlife + 5 Best Bars for more recommendations and locations.

Experience some of the most pristine stargazing conditions in the Pacific on Ofu Island, where unpolluted night skies reveal celestial wonders rarely visible from urban areas.

The Southern Hemisphere's star patterns offer a dramatically different perspective from mainland US skies, showcasing constellations and celestial phenomena that will leave you mesmerised. The clarity is so exceptional that locals claim to have spotted unidentified flying objects dancing across the heavens—though they also believe in aitu (ghosts), so make of that what you will!

According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, downloading a stargazing app before your visit will enhance the experience, helping you identify constellations, planets and satellites as they drift overhead. The absence of light pollution creates an almost otherworldly canvas where the Milky Way stretches brilliantly from horizon to horizon.

Location: Various viewpoints across Ofu Island, with the best spots away from village lighting along the coastline and elevated areas.

Experience one of American Samoa's most captivating wildlife encounters by watching the territory's iconic fruit bats (pe'a or flying foxes) take to the skies at dusk.

These magnificent fruit bats, which serve as the symbol of the National Park of American Samoa, begin their nightly foraging flights approximately one hour before sunset. As darkness falls, you'll witness hundreds of these large bats emerging from their roosts, creating an unforgettable spectacle against the tropical sky.

While flying foxes can be spotted throughout the day roosting in trees, the magic truly happens at twilight when they become most active.

What makes this experience particularly special is that flying foxes can be observed throughout the territory, from coastal areas to inland forests, making them accessible to visitors staying anywhere on the islands.

Learn more about these fascinating creatures in the 15 Animals & Birds Found in American Samoa.

Location: Throughout American Samoa, particularly visible near coastal areas and within the National Park of American Samoa boundaries.

That's right, American Samoa even has its own cinema with incredibly affordable tickets, at the Regal Nu'uuli Place Twin Cinema.

This modern cinema features two intimate auditoriums, each seating up to 140 people, equipped with state-of-the-art laser projectors that deliver crystal-clear images without any fading.

The recently upgraded surround sound 5.1 system and impressively large screens create an immersive viewing experience that rivals cinemas back home. With movies screening approximately every two and a half hours from noon to midnight daily (typically from May or June onwards), you'll have plenty of showtimes to choose from.

Complete your cinema experience with classic movie snacks, including popcorn, drinks and other theatre favourites available at the concession stand.

While most destinations charge for cultural shows, American Samoa 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.

It's amazing to see that everyone knows their places, and although not a weekly rehearsed thing, events like these are something that you see as life plays out in American Samoa. For instance, we personally witnessed this in Ofu-Olosega.

Those on guided group tours may well also see this sort of activity arranged for them. The spontaneous nature of these performances makes them incredibly special - there's no stage, no tickets, just pure cultural expression happening organically within the community.

Location: Various villages across American Samoa, particularly common in Ofu-Olosega and other outer islands when community gatherings occur.

Poloa village on Tutuila stands out as one of the finest sunset viewing locations, offering unobstructed western views where you can park right at the shore and watch the sun drop behind the horizon. This intimate spot provides that classic "day's end" feeling that creates truly memorable experiences, far from the crowds of Pago Pago.

While the village itself may not impress with just a road and scattered homes, visitors come specifically for the spectacular sunset views. The location is easily accessible by rental car, making it a perfect first-day destination for those seeking authentic local experiences.

That said, there are many amazing places to catch the sunset across American Samoa. We personally loved the views from Olosega Beach in the Manu'a Islands LINK#D012, which offer stunning west-facing sunset views for those exploring multiple vantage points.

Location: Poloa - Route 102, Poloa, west side of Tutuila. Olosega Beach - Olosega Village, Olosega Island, Manu'a Islands.

While it might seem unusual to include this in a guide to evening activities, understanding sa (evening prayer curfew) is essential for respectful travel in American Samoa. This deeply rooted cultural tradition sees many villages observe a period of quiet reflection and prayer, typically between 5 pm and 6:30 pm, when visitors should avoid walking through residential areas.

Rather than viewing this as a restriction, embrace it as an opportunity to witness the profound spiritual connection that defines Samoan culture. The silence that falls over villages during sa offers a unique glimpse into the rhythm of traditional island life.

This cultural practice reflects the strong Christian influence woven into Samoan traditions, creating moments of collective reverence that have been observed for generations.

Learn more about this tradition in our American Samoan Etiquette: American Samoa Customs & Traditions guide.

Location: Many villages across American Samoa. Timing varies by village but typically occurs between 5 pm and 6:30 pm.