American Samoa Guide
American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the South Pacific near Samoa and Fiji and west of the Cook Islands. A beautiful tropical paradise, American Samoa includes the islands of Tutuila, the Manu'a Islands, Rose Atoll and Swains Island – all forming part of the Samoa Islands chain.
American Samoa holidays will delight those travellers who enjoy visiting remote, pristine locations which are not overrun with visitors. Due to their relative isolation, the islands have retained their natural beauty and scenic wonders. Featuring palm tree-lined beaches and turquoise bays full of stunning coral reefs, mountain ridges, black volcanic rock formations and sleepy villages, they're a perfect place to escape civilisation. Admittedly, the idyllic location and private beaches attract many wedding parties and some luxury hotels like Sinalei Reef Resort even specialise in them. Travellers more keen on adventure and hiking are free to enjoy the stunning and almost vertical volcanic mountains, such as the 491-metre tall Mount Alava.
The most populated of the islands is Tutuila, where international flights to American Samoa arrive. The island is home to the American settlement of Pago Pago, the territory's capital, which features a beautiful harbour surrounded by rugged cliffs. American Samoa tours and guides can easily be organised from here. Friendly locals stop travellers on the street to sincerely welcome them to their country and you will never have to wait long to have a chat or hear a traditional tale. Samoans love to share their culture with visitors and you'll discover that authentic Polynesian traditions have been well preserved on the islands.
American Samoa Travel Guide highlights include the historical settlement of Leone, which served as a Polynesian capital in the past and was the site of the 1832 arrival of missionaries, who left behind two impressive churches. Ofu Beach, one of the most stunning, picture-perfect places in the world, boasts 300 species of colourful fish to admire in its crisp blue waters. There is also the National Park of American Samoa on Ta'u island, which features spectacular 900-metre tall cliffs, pristine rainforests which are home to native fruit bat colonies as well as many species of birds and the saucer-shaped Judds Crater.
