American Samoa is a U.S. territory with Polynesian soul—steep ridgelines cascading into jade coves, quiet villages framed by breadfruit and mango, and one of the most biodiverse reefs on the planet. Pago Pago’s harbor is among the deepest natural harbors in the world, while the National Park of American Samoa is the only U.S. national park south of the equator.

Expect a slower pace and heartfelt hospitality anchored by fa‘a Samoa (the Samoan way). Sundays are for church and family; many businesses close, and modest dress is appreciated in villages (cover shoulders and knees when away from beaches). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, cash for village beach access and markets, and a sense of adventure.

This 7-day itinerary balances Tutuila’s dramatic hikes and coves with two nights on Ofu—often ranked among the world’s best beaches—plus an optional day-trip to neighboring Samoa (Upolu) for waterfalls and a lively fiafia cultural show. You’ll eat fresh oka (coconut-cured fish), watch cliffs glow at sunset, and snorkel gin-clear water where parrotfish graze and rays ghost by.

Pago Pago (Tutuila Island)

Cradled by knife-green peaks, Pago Pago is the island’s gateway and cultural heart. The National Park visitor center orients you to endemic birds, sennit-weaving, and village etiquette before you lace up for trails like Mount ‘Alava and Pola Island. Eastward, tiny bays and coastal villages lead to Alega’s beloved Tisa’s Barefoot Bar.

• Top sights: National Park of American Samoa visitor center; Mount ‘Alava Trail; Pola Island and Vatia Bay; Fagatele Bay Marine Sanctuary; Aunu‘u Island (day trip); Turtle and Shark site in Vaitogi; Tia Seu Lupe (ancient star mound).
• Where to eat: Goat Island Café (oceanfront classics and fresh fish at Sadie’s by the Sea), Tisa’s Barefoot Bar (oka, grilled catch, beach vibes—call ahead), Equator Restaurant at Tradewinds (seafood/steak, chilled AC), Paradise Pizza in Tafuna (local favorite, big portions), Fagatogo Market stalls (umu plates, panikeke, smoothies).
• Fun facts: Pago Pago’s harbor is caldera-born; the island’s steep interior protects rare rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems.

Stay (Tutuila): Browse options near Fagatogo, Utulei, Tafuna, and along the east coast. See VRBO: Pago Pago or Hotels.com: Pago Pago.

Fly in: From Honolulu (HNL) to Pago Pago (PPG) in ~5.5 hours, typical roundtrip $650–1,000. Search on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Rent a car at PPG through local agencies (book ahead; ~$60–90/day).

Ofu (Manu‘a Islands)

Ofu is the South Pacific dream rendered real: powder-white beach, water like blown glass, and a reef so clear you’ll count the scales on butterflyfish. The Ofu unit of the National Park fronts the signature beach; stargazing here feels like falling into the Milky Way.

• Top sights: Ofu Beach (National Park), To‘aga lagoon and tidal pools, the bridge to Olosega, village walks (with respectful attire), sunrise swims.
• Good to know: Lodging is limited; Vaoto Lodge typically arranges meals and can assist with inter-island logistics. Bring snacks from Tutuila and plenty of cash; there are no big supermarkets or ATMs.

Stay (Ofu): Inventory is limited; check VRBO: Ofu and Hotels.com: Ofu, then contact local lodges directly for availability.

Getting there: From Tutuila, options fluctuate—government ferry MV Manu‘atele (~4–5 hours to Ta‘ū) plus a 10–20 minute small boat to Ofu/Olosega; or limited inter-island flights when operating (30–40 minutes). Expect ~$40–60 one-way for ferry, small boat $10–20; flights (when available) vary. Always build weather buffers.

Day 1 — Arrival in Pago Pago, harbor strolls, and an island welcome

Afternoon: Land at PPG, pick up your rental car, and settle into your hotel. Stretch your legs at Utulei Beach Park—watch outrigger canoes glide across the bay and the cloud forest wrap the ridgeline in mist.

Evening: Dinner at Goat Island Café (try coconut-crusted fish or an island burger). If you have energy after the flight, grab a sunset drink at your hotel lounge or an early night to sync with island time.

Day 2 — National Park orientation, Vatia Lookout, Pola Island, and Alega Beach

Morning: Stop at the National Park of American Samoa visitor center in Pago Pago for trail conditions and cultural briefings. Drive the sinuous coast road east; pull over at scenic turnouts en route to Vatia. Walk the short Pola Island trail for ocean-sculpted cliffs and boisterous seabirds.

Afternoon: Late lunch and a swim at Tisa’s Barefoot Bar (Alega). Order oka (lime- and coconut-cured tuna) and taro chips; ask about their weekly umu (earth-oven) night. Bring cash and reef-safe sunscreen; there’s usually a small beach-use fee.

Evening: Head back toward town. If you want AC and something hearty, book a table at Equator Restaurant (Tradewinds Hotel) for island-caught sashimi or steak. Turn in early—tomorrow is a hiking day.

Day 3 — Mount ‘Alava ridge hike, Fagatele Bay or Vaitogi sea cliffs

Morning: Hike the Mount ‘Alava Trail (allow 3–4 hours roundtrip depending on route). The ridge opens to sweeping views over Pago Pago Harbor and emerald spires. Carry water; trails can be muddy after rain.

Afternoon: Choose your adventure: (1) Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary via Futiga trail—remote cove snorkel with living coral gardens; or (2) Vaitogi’s Turtle and Shark site to watch waves cannon into lava shelves and listen for the legendary chant.

Evening: Casual dinner at Paradise Pizza (Tafuna)—locals swear by the Island Special. For an easy dessert, swing by Fagatogo Market for panikeke (banana fritters) if stalls are open.

Day 4 — Aunu‘u Island day trip or Optional Samoa add-on

Morning: Drive east to Auasi and hop the small passenger boat to Aunu‘u Island (ask locally about the day’s sea conditions; crossings are fast). Walk to the Red Lake and the quicksand flats (stay on established paths), then cool off with a shoreline snorkel.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch under palms; return to Tutuila for a swim at Lions Park or Faga‘alu. Coffee and smoothies from market stalls when open.

Evening: Sunset at Alega or Leone; dinner back at Goat Island Café or at your hotel.

Optional Same-Day Flight to Samoa (Upolu) for tours: If you’d like to see Samoa’s waterfalls and cultural show, take a morning hop to Apia and book one of these Viator experiences. Note: you’ll need your passport and to meet Samoa’s entry requirements. Typical flight time ~35 minutes; check Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Return to PPG in the evening.

• Full Day Tour Upolu Island Samoa — Swim iconic spots like To Sua Ocean Trench and waterfalls, with cultural stops along the way.

  

• Guided Tour to Primeval Crystal Waters of Samoa — A curated circuit of crystal pools, beaches, and coast-hopping viewpoints.

  

• Island Show Fiafia Night @ Le Manumea Hotel — Traditional dance, fire knife, and feast. Great cap to a day in Apia.

  

Day 5 — Travel to Ofu (Manu‘a Islands) and first swim

Morning: Aim for the first ferry to Ta‘ū (when operating) or an early inter-island flight. Ferries typically take ~4–5 hours; from Ta‘ū, coordinate a small boat to Ofu/Olosega (10–20 minutes). Always confirm schedules 24–48 hours in advance and allow weather buffers.

Afternoon: Check in at your lodge (e.g., Vaoto Lodge). Take a slow shoreline walk to Ofu Beach—blinding white sand, no crowds, just the hush of trade winds and reef hiss.

Evening: Family-style dinner at your lodge. Night sky here is pitch black—look up and learn southern constellations you can’t see at home.

Day 6 — Ofu Beach and To‘aga lagoon: snorkel day

Spend the day in and out of the water. The Ofu unit of the National Park has exceptional coral cover and visibility; even near shore you’ll see parrotfish, clams, and the occasional eagle ray. Time swims for mid-morning and mid-afternoon light; wear a rashguard to minimize sunscreen use.

Pack lunch from the lodge or bring provisions from Tutuila. Between swims, explore tide pools along To‘aga and stroll the bridge to Olosega for changing hues of turquoise. If seas are calm, ask about a short boat drop for a drift snorkel (experienced swimmers only).

Day 7 — Return to Tutuila and depart

Morning: Travel back to Tutuila by flight or ferry/boat combo. Keep a tote packed with dry clothes and snacks; inter-island timing can be fluid.

Afternoon: Last-minute crafts at Fagatogo Market if open, then head to PPG for your departing flight. If you have a long wait, a final ocean dip at Lions Park makes for a sweet goodbye.

Practical Notes

• Transport: Long-haul flights: Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. No trains here; driving is the way to explore Tutuila.
• Costs: Car rental ~$60–90/day; casual meals $10–20; beach access in some villages $5–10; Ofu logistics vary—budget extra for flexibility.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly in villages; ask before entering private beaches; do not touch coral; Sundays are quiet—plan beach days or scenic drives.

This week in American Samoa blends ridgelines and reef, village rhythm and seasalt air. From Pago Pago’s dramatic amphitheater of peaks to Ofu’s dreamlike lagoon, you’ll leave with salt-stiff hair, a camera full of blues, and a deeper feel for fa‘a Samoa.