"American Samoa" Top 5 Page for this destination American Samoa by ollyf

American Samoa Travel Guide: 75 reviews and 101 photos

The best beach in the world? - American Samoa

Don't listen to the critics!

American Samoa is the forgotten half of the Samoan islands. Almost all tourists to this part of the world go to independent Samoa, which is fair enough, as the more celebrated half is much bigger, more developed, with more to do and a better infrastructure. But having said that, it's a shame that more people don't at least take a short excursion to American Samoa, as I did.

I guess a lot of prospective visitors are put off when independent Samoans tell them not to bother and invariably say American Samoa is dirty and there's nothing to do there. I don't know if such comments are borne out of a geographical rivalry, or just because most independent Samoans only see the capital of their American cousins, Pago Pago. That's a fair enough assessment of Pago (as it's usually called - no need to say it twice!), as it is indeed quite squalid and, as a capital city, pales in comparison to independent Samoa's Apia.

But, as with many places, the best of the country is to be found outside of the capital. I too didn't really like Pago, where I was subjected to a night in the world's worst hotel, but to balance out that experience, I found by far the best beach I've ever visited once I left the capital.

Also, American Samoa's geography is stunning. Steep volcanic mountains covered in jungle rise suddenly from the sea. Air travel is jaw-dropping.

It's a shame to see all the major US fast food retailers installed there and to hear Samoans dressing and talking like Americans, but that's a minor gripe and I guess inevitable. American Samoa is well worth a look for the beaches and mountains alone.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Home to the best beach in the world, spectacular mountains, warm weather, clean sea, easy to get to
Cons:Home to the worst hotel in the world, too much American influence, expensive compared to independent Samoa
In a nutshell:Small and quiet - is it really American??

Last visit to American Samoa: Jul 2006
Intro Updated Feb 21, 2007
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Reviews (12)

My only company on Ofu Beach! - American Samoa

The Manu'a Islands Off The Beaten Path (1)

Almost all the people I had spoken to about American Samoa prior to going had only been to Pago Pago (Tutuila island).... more travel advice

Get around in living colour! Transportation (4)

The buses around Tutuila (the main island of American Samoa, where Pago Pago is situated) are full of character; bright,... more travel advice

Getting there Transportation (4)

I flew to Pago Pago from Apia in independent Samoa with Polynesian Airlines on board a tiny 19-seater plane. The journey... more travel advice

Dine at the world's best beach! Restaurants (2)

This is not so much a restaurant as a communal dining facility in the lounge area of the Va'oto Lodge accommodation.... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Not a lot going on!
Things to Do (2)
See All Ofu island

Hotels (2)
See All Charming spot by the best beach in the...
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Comments (7)

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Jim_Eliason Feb 8, 2013 at 9:01 PM

Great tips,
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volopolo Jul 12, 2008 at 5:59 AM

Fantastic picture!
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Ekahau May 29, 2007 at 10:30 AM

Ofu, Olusega and Ta'u sound very interesting - Nice photos good overview thanks
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brian_the_scrabbler May 20, 2007 at 8:01 AM

Stunning intro photo to American Samoa !
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frankenstein09 May 3, 2007 at 5:04 AM

flowerpot? ......it's Fatu Ma Futi :)
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xuessium Feb 4, 2007 at 6:50 AM

Thought I'll finish off my Pacific tour with this group of islands....
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SLLiew Sep 16, 2006 at 5:35 AM

Yikes!