9 Things to Do in American Samoa on a Sunday

Enjoy the delights a Sunday in American Samoa brings like a Samoan church service!

Anyone is welcome to attend church services in American Samoa, as long as you’re dressed appropriately by covering your knees and shoulders.

Even if you’re not religious, you’re sure to still appreciate the breathtaking melodies of a Samoan church choir.

If you haven’t attended a church service in the South Pacific, this is an experience not to be missed.

So, ask your accommodation about the closest church to attend and its Sunday service times or choose from the 10 Best Churches in American Samoa to Experience as a Visitor.

Location: All over American Samoa! Simply attend the closest church to your accommodation or choose a church listed in the link above.

Sunday is panipopo day at Dr Vaasa's Hideaway, which not only serves as a dining hub but also a place to enjoy the beach on a Sunday.

Opening at 6 am daily (much earlier than most restaurants), this easternmost eatery serves up local favourites alongside hearty comfort dishes, with their famous cinnamon buns and popular pani popo buns (sweet coconut milk buns) drawing visitors from across the island, especially for Sunday pastries.

The menu features everything from fish and chips to loco moco, katsu chicken and cheeseburgers, all priced very reasonably compared to Pago Pago's cafes. What sets this place apart is the complimentary swimming area behind the restaurant, which is a perfect way to cool off after your meal and is particularly popular on weekends.

The relaxed, island-style atmosphere includes deck seating and occasional live music from local musicians, making it an ideal rest stop for east side explorers.

To’onai is a traditional Sunday lunch in American Samoa, which brings in family and friends not only to eat together but to prepare the meal with each family member having a different role to play. If you’re lucky (and friendly enough), locals may invite you to their family home for an authentic to’onai experience.

Alternatively, Fitiuta Lodge on Ta'ū not only includes a traditional umu to'onai for guests staying in their highest tier rooms, but any of their guests can request this Sunday experience for a fee. Learn more about the accommodation in Where to Stay in Ofu, Olosega & Ta'ū (Manu'a Islands): 5 Best Accommodations.

Location: All over American Samoa!

To'onai can also refer to simply eating out on a Sunday, which you can certainly do at selected cafes and restaurants across Tutuila.

We've already mentioned Dr Vaasa's Hideaway, open 3 pm to 8 pm, but A&E Cafe is well worth indulging in for breakfast; best to go before 10 am at this incredibly popular spot.

For American comfort food like breakfast favourites, burgers, salads, wraps and pasta, check out Alora's Restaurant, open from 9:30 am to 2 pm.

TJD Pho Vietnamese Restaurant is open all day Sunday, serving up an extensive of authentic Vietnamese dishes in an attractive and modern setting.

And to top off what we hope is an incredible Sunday, stop by See U for waffle ice cream cones in a range of irresistible flavours!

Location: Dr Vaasa's Hideaway - Utumea East. A&E Cafe - Route 014, Tafuna, west side of Tutuila. Located across the car park from Cost U Less. Alora's Restaurant - Across the road from A&E Cafe. TJD Pho Vietnamese Restaurant - Route 001, Malaeimi, west side of Tafuna. See U - Route 001, Nu'uuli. Next to H&L Mart.

Although green fees might be a little higher than on weekdays, it's still well worth a swing at the 'Ili'ili Golf Course should you want some epic views and epic rounds on a Sunday.

The golf course offers something truly special: a peaceful park-style layout where you can tee off with towering peaks as your backdrop and the Pacific Ocean stretching out before you.

It is cleverly built on a gentle slope, which means you'll soak up those stunning views from practically every hole.

The golf course is well-maintained - possibly one of the best-maintained facilities in the country - and features a well-stocked pro shop where you can hire golf carts and clubs on-site or even purchase some merchandise.

There's also a driving range where you can warm up before your round. From what we've experienced, the locals here are incredibly friendly and laid-back; this definitely isn't a pretentious golf course, which we personally find refreshing.

When most businesses close their doors on Sunday in American Samoa, a select few beauty parlours and spas offer the perfect opportunity for a different kind of "heavenly" experience.

TipsyToes Beauty and Spa provides a fantastic range of spa services, including massages, facials and body treatments, making it one of the few wellness options available on Sundays. We'd personally recommend trying their one-hour massage – it's exactly what you need after a day of exploring the island's attractions.

Alternatively, Heaven's Touch operates by appointment only on Sundays, offering full body massages, facial massages, nail services, eyelash extensions, waxing and even tattoo services.

Location: TipsyToes Beauty and Spa - Route 005, Pago Pago village, Pago Pago. Heaven's Touch at Tradewinds Hotel - Suite 112, Tafuna.

Sunday drives take on a whole new meaning when you explore the peaceful west side of Tutuila, where the island's tranquil rhythm becomes beautifully apparent. This self-guided road trip offers the perfect escape from the bustle, allowing you to experience American Samoa at its most serene pace.

The journey takes you to stunning viewpoints like 'Amanava Viewpoint near Cape Taputapu, where panoramic vistas showcase the island's dramatic coastline. Historical enthusiasts will appreciate the roadside pill boxes and the historic Atauloma Girls School, remnants of the island's fascinating past.

Your leisurely drive concludes at the legendary Turtle and Shark Site, where ancient Samoan folklore comes alive. While swimming isn't on the agenda for this particular Sunday adventure, the emphasis is on soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and discovering hidden gems along the way.

Location: West side of Tutuila, starting from Pago Pago and following the coastal road towards Cape Taputapu. Follow our exact itinerary in A Self-Guided Day Trip West Side of Pago Pago & Tutuila: One Day Itinerary LINK#TI046.

That's right, east is also a very viable option for a Sunday road trip, again, not for swimming except if you want to stop by Dr Vaasa's Hideaway, but for stunning viewpoints.

Your journey begins with breathtaking roadside vistas before entering the charming village of Aumi, where you'll encounter the iconic Camel Rock formation. The adventure culminates at the Tula Observatory, where a descent of 178 steps leads you to the easternmost point of the island, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

While swimming opportunities are limited along this route on Sunday, Dr Vaasa's Hideaway provides a refreshing exception with its inviting waters and authentic Samoan hospitality, making it the perfect spot to cool off and sample traditional panipopo (coconut bread rolls).

Location: Eastern coast road, Tutuila Island. Follow the main coastal road east from Pago Pago to Tula Observatory. Follow our itinerary in A Self-Guided Day Trip East Side of Pago Pago & Tutuila: One Day Itinerary LINK#TI043.

The National Park of American Samoa offers some of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the South Pacific, with trails that showcase the territory's pristine rainforests, dramatic coastlines and rich cultural heritage.

Most trails remain accessible on Sundays (except in the Manu'a Islands), though the Vatia Trail and Tuafanua Trail are technically closed.

Conquer Mt 'Alava from multiple angles, with our personal favourite being the challenging Fatifati Mountain Trail that rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. Alternatively, venture down to the fascinating tidal pools and archaeological sites along the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail, where ancient Polynesian history comes alive beneath your feet.

For the complete hiking experience, check out our comprehensive guide to the 10 Best Walks & Hikes in American Samoa National Park for detailed trail descriptions and essential safety tips.

Location: Various trailheads across Tutuila Island. See the link above for specific locations.