festivites
One of the main cultural traditions in American Samoa is Fa'a Samoa, which refers to the Samoan way of life. There are several festivals and holidays celebrated in American Samoa that reflect this tradition:
1. Flag Day: Celebrated annually on April 17th, Flag Day commemorates the day in 1900 when American Samoa became a US territory. Festivities include traditional Samoan dances, music, and food, as well as parades and sports competitions.
2. White Sunday: Observed on the second Sunday of October, White Sunday is a religious holiday celebrating children and their role in the church. Children dress in white and perform special hymns and dances during church services.
3. Independence Day: Celebrated on July 4th, Independence Day marks the anniversary of American Samoa's independence from New Zealand in 1962. The day is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.
4. Christmas: Like many other countries, Christmas is a significant holiday in American Samoa, where Christianity is the predominant religion. Families gather together for feasts, gift-giving, and church services.
5. New Year's Eve: Also celebrated like in most parts of the world with fireworks and parties.
These events are typically celebrated with large gatherings of family and friends, traditional food, music, and dance, all reflecting the Fa'a Samoa way of life.
seasons
American Samoa, a U.S. territory in the South Pacific, experiences two main tourist seasons:
1. High Season: May to October
During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The peak season for tourism is from June to August when many visitors attend the annual Flag Day celebrations on April 17th.
2. Low Season: November to April
The wet season starts in November and lasts through April. During this period, expect higher humidity, rainfall, and occasional tropical storms. However, it's still possible to enjoy some outdoor activities in between the showers.
Recommendations:
- If you're visiting during the high season, be sure to book accommodation and tours in advance as they can fill up quickly.
- Bring light clothing, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent for protection from the sun and mosquitoes.
- During the low season, be prepared for sudden rain showers and check local weather forecasts before planning any outdoor activities.
- Take part in traditional cultural events such as local village feasts and performances to learn more about the local culture.
visa
Citizens of certain countries may require a visa to enter American Samoa. However, since American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, most foreign nationals eligible for visa-free travel to the United States are also eligible for visa-free travel to American Samoa.
There are no separate visa rules for American Samoa; instead, travelers must adhere to the visa requirements of the United States. The cost of a US tourist visa (B-2) application fee is $160 in most cases, plus any additional fees that may apply depending on the applicant's country of origin.
It's important to note that American Samoa has its own entry requirements and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may include mandatory testing and quarantine upon arrival. Travelers should check with the American Samoa government's official website or their embassy/consulate for the latest information before planning a trip.
souvenirs
Some popular souvenirs to buy from American Samoa are:
1. Handmade Samoan crafts - such as woven baskets, mats, and fans. These can be purchased at the Pago Pago Market or directly from local artisans. Prices vary depending on the item and quality.
2. T-shirts and clothing with Samoan designs and motifs. You can find these at the Tisa's Barefoot Bar or Tradewinds Gift Shop. Prices range from $15 to $40.
3. Samoan Kava bowl, also known as "tanoa." This is a traditional ceremonial bowl used for drinking kava, a popular drink in American Samoa. You can purchase this at Island Souvenir or the Pago Pago Market. Prices start at around $50.
4. Samoan coconut oil or "taulafo". This is a popular beauty product made from coconuts and often used for skin and hair care. You can buy this at the Island Souvenir or in local markets. Prices range from $8 to $20.
5. Samoan handicrafts made from shells, including jewelry and decorative items. These can be found at Island Souvenir or local markets. Prices vary depending on the item and quality.
Note: Prices mentioned are subject to change and may vary depending on the vendor and quality of the product.
If you have 1 week
Hello, lucky traveler! You are located in American Samoa, a gorgeous tropical paradise with plenty of hidden gems to explore. Here is a suggested one-week itinerary to make the most out of your stay:
Day 1: Start your adventure by visiting the National Park of American Samoa. This park covers three islands and offers breathtaking views, stunning beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. Take a guided tour or hike through the trails on your own to experience the lush greenery and vibrant culture of the Samoan Islands.
Day 2: Head over to Aunu'u Island, which can only be accessed via boat. This secluded island is home to stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving. Swim with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures in this unforgettable underwater oasis.
Day 3: Explore Ofu Beach, which has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Relax on the white sand and turquoise waters while taking in the stunning scenery. Hike up to the lookout point to witness panoramic views of the beach, neighboring islands, and the Pacific Ocean.
Day 4: Visit the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center, which showcases the unique marine life and ecosystems found in American Samoa. Learn about local conservation efforts, and get up close and personal with fascinating creatures such as octopuses, jellyfish, and sharks.
Day 5: Go on a cultural tour of American Samoa and learn about the customs and traditions of the Samoan people. Visit ancient villages and sacred sites, including the Tia Seu Lupe temple, which is adorned with intricate wood carvings and colorful decorations.
Day 6: Explore the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is home to some of the most diverse and vibrant coral reefs in the world. Snorkel or scuba dive among the colorful corals, and spot exotic fish, eels, and sea turtles.
Day 7: End your trip on a high note by witnessing the mesmerizing To Sua Ocean Trench. This natural wonder is a large swimming hole with clear blue water surrounded by lush vegetation. Descend the steep ladder to reach the bottom of the trench, where you can swim and relax in the tranquil setting.
These are just a few highlights of the incredible experiences that await you in American Samoa. Enjoy your tropical adventure!
If you have 2 weeks
As a DAN, I say why not try something completely out of the ordinary and embark on a spiritual journey to find inner peace and connection with the universe? American Samoa is the perfect place for this kind of experience. Here's my suggestion for your two-week itinerary:
Day 1-3: Visit the Tia Seu Lupe Catholic Church
Start your trip by visiting the Tia Seu Lupe Catholic Church, which is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance. Take some time to meditate and reflect within the serene surroundings.
Day 4-6: Explore Mount Alava
Next, hike to the top of Mount Alava, a sacred site for the Samoan people, where you can see breathtaking views of the islands and the ocean beyond. Spend some time taking in the scenery and connecting with the natural world.
Day 7-9: Attend a traditional kava ceremony
Kava is a traditional ceremonial drink made from the roots of the kava plant, and it is often used in Samoan culture for relaxation and socializing. Attend a kava ceremony and connect with locals while enjoying this unique cultural experience.
Day 10-12: Practice yoga on the beach
Yoga is a great way to connect with your body and mind, and what better place to practice than on the beautiful beaches of American Samoa? Find a quiet spot on the sand, roll out your mat, and embrace the tranquility of the ocean.
Day 13-14: Do a digital detox
Finally, take some time to unplug, disconnect from technology, and connect with yourself. Spend your last two days reading a book, journaling, or simply enjoying the beauty of American Samoa without any distractions.
Remember, this is just one suggestion - as a DAN, I encourage you to create your own itinerary based on your unique interests and desires. Have fun exploring!
Culture
The Samoan culture has developed over 3,500 years and largely withstood interaction with European cultures. It was adapted well to the teachings of Christianity. The Samoan language is still in use in daily exchange; however, English is widely used and also the legal official language. Besides Samoan language classes and cultural courses, all instructions in public schools are in English. The basic unit of the American Samoa culture is the ʻaiga (family). It consists of both immediate and extended family.
The matai, or chief, is the head of the ʻaiga. The chief is the custodian of all ʻaiga properties. A village (nuʻu) is made up of several or many ʻaiga with a common or shared interest. Each ʻaiga is represented by their chief in the village councils.
The main sports played in American Samoa are football, Samoan cricket, canoeing, yachting, basketball, golf, netball, tennis, rugby, table tennis, boxing, bowling, volleyball, and fishing tournaments. Some current and former sports clubs are the American Samoa Tennis Association, Rugby Unions, Lavalava Golf Club, and Gamefish Association. Leagues improved and organized better after the completion of the Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The 1997 South Pacific Mini Games were the biggest international event ever to take place in American Samoa. The bid to host the games for the 23 participating countries was approved in May 1993. In January 1994, Governor A. P. Lutali appointed Fuga Teleso to head the task force charged with game preparations, including the construction of a stadium. Groundbreaking was in January 1994. The Governor later handed the task force on preparations to Lieutenant Governor Togiola. The task force merged with the American Samoa National Olympics Committee to better coordinate and facilitate preparations. V.P. Willis Construction built the 1,500-seat stands. The Department of Public Safety trained its force for special games security. The opening ceremony became extravagant where the U.S. Army Reserve carried the torch from Tula and Leone.
About 2,000 athletes, coaches, and sponsors attended from 19 countries and competed in 11 sports at the game. American Samoa fielded a team of 248 athletes. The team won 48 medals, 22 of which were gold medals, and American Samoa came in fourth overall in the ratings. American Samoa Rotary Club honored Fuga Tolani Teleso with the community's top award, the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, for his work on constructing the Veterans Memorial Stadium.
In 1982, yachters competed in the Hobie World Championship held in Tahiti. American Samoa beat the Apia team by half a point and won the Samoa Cup. In 1983, a team coached by Dr. Adele Satele-Galeai brought home the winning trophy from the Regional women's volleyball tournament in Hawaii. Also in 1983, the South Pacific Games were held in Apia. American Samoa received 13 medals: four gold, four silver, and five bronze. That same year, three junior golfers made the cut out of 1,000 players to attend the World Junior Golf Tournament in San Diego, California.
In 1987, American Samoa became the 167th member of the International Olympic Committee. The first South Pacific Junior Tennis Tournament was held at the Tafuna courts in January 1990.
Tony Solaita was the first American Samoan to play in Major League Baseball. There are thirty players from American Samoa in the National Football League (NFL) as of 2015 and over 200 play Div. I NCAA Football. Some American Samoan NFL football players are Shalom Luani, Junior Siavii, Jonathan Fanene, Mosi Tatupu, Shaun Nua, Isaac Sopoaga, and Daniel Te'o-Nesheim.
After World War II, a Welfare and Recreation Department was created. This department arranged bowling, softball, badminton tournaments, basketball, and volleyball at various Tutuila locations. Boxing matches and dancing also became popular activities.
About 30 ethnic Samoans, all from American Samoa, currently play in the National Football League, and more than 200 play NCAA Division I college football. In recent years, it has been estimated that a Samoan male (either an American Samoan, or a Samoan living in the mainland United States) is anywhere from 40 to 56 times more likely to play in the NFL than a non-Samoan American, giving American Samoa the nickname "Football Islands". Samoans are the most disproportionately overrepresented ethnic group in the National Football League.
Six-time All-Pro Junior Seau was one of the most famous Americans of Samoan heritage ever to play in the NFL, having been elected to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, though born and raised in the mainland United States, is another famous American of Samoan heritage to have played in the NFL, not having his hair cut since 2000 (and only because a USC coach told him he had to) and wearing it down during games in honor of his heritage. The football culture was featured on 60 Minutes on January 17, 2010.
At the 2016 Republican National Convention, American Samoa's delegation said American Samoa is "the greatest exporter of NFL players".
The American Samoa national football team is one of the newest teams in the world and is also noted for being the world's weakest. They lost to Australia 31–0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on April 11, 2001, but on November 22, 2011, they finally won their first ever game, beating Tonga 2–1 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. The appearance of American Samoa's Jaiyah Saelua in the contest "apparently became the first transgender player to compete on a World Cup stage".
The American Samoan national team features in the highly rated 2014 British film Next Goal Wins. The film documents the team's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, in which they achieved their first-ever international win. Saelua and Nicky Salapu, the man famous for being the goalkeeper during the team's 31–0 loss to Australia in 2001, feature prominently in the film. A feature film adaptation of the documentary was planned, to be directed by Taika Waititi.
The American Samoa national rugby league team represents the country in international rugby league. The team competed in the 1988, 1992, 1998 and 2004 Pacific Cup competitions. The team has also competed in the 2003 and 2004 World Sevens qualifiers in the 2005 World Sevens. America Samoa's first match in the international Rugby League was in the 1988 Pacific Cup against Tonga, Tonga won the match 38–14 which is still the biggest loss by an American Samoan side. American Samoa's biggest win was in 2004 against New Caledonia with a final score of 62–6.
American Samoa gets broadcasts of the National Rugby League in Australia on free-to-air television.
There is also a new movement that aims to set up a four-team domestic competition in American Samoa.
Rugby union is a growing sport in American Samoa. The first rugby game recorded in American Samoa was in 1924, since then the development of the game had been heavily overshadowed by the influence of American Football during the 1970s. The highest governing body of rugby in American Samoa is the American Samoa Rugby Union which was founded in 1990 and was not affiliated with the IRB until 2012. Internationally, two American Samoans have played for the New Zealand national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks. Frank Solomon (born in Pago Pago) became the first American national of Samoan descent to play for a New Zealand team. Considered a pacific pioneer in New Zealand rugby, Solomon scored a try against Australia in the inaugural Bledisloe Cup match in 1932, which New Zealand won 21–13.
The second American Samoan to play for the All Blacks is Jerome Kaino (born in Fagaʻalu). A native of Leone, Kaino moved to New Zealand when he was four. In 2004, at age 21, he played his first match for New Zealand against the Barbarians where he scored his first try, contributing to New Zealand's 47–19 victory that resulted in him becoming a man of the match. He also played a crucial role in the Rugby World Cup 2011 playing every match in the tournament. He scored four tries in the event which led to New Zealand winning the final against France 8–7. Kaino was also a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, where he played every match including a try he scored in the quarterfinals against France which New Zealand won 62–13. He scored again in the semifinals against South Africa, which New Zealand won 20–18. He played in the World Cup final against Australia where New Zealand won again 34–17 to become world champions for a record three times (1987, 2011, and 2015). Kaino is one of twenty New Zealand rugby players to have won the Rugby World Cup twice, back to back in 2011 and 2015. In August 2015, the American Samoa Rugby Union Board selected Leota Toma Patu from the village of Leone as the coach for the Talavalu 15 men's team that represented American Samoa at the Ocean Cup 2015 in Papua New Guinea.
* Boxing: Maselino Masoe, who represented American Samoa in three consecutive Olympics from 1988 to 1996, was WBA middleweight champion from 2004 to 2006.
* Professional wrestling: Several American Samoan athletes have been very visible in professional wrestling. The Anoa'i family in particular has had many of its members employed by WWE.
* Sumo wrestling: Some Samoan Sumo wrestlers, most famously Musashimaru and Konishiki, have reached the highest ranks of ōzeki and yokozuna.
* Track and field: Hammer thrower Lisa Misipeka attracted international attention by winning a bronze medal in the 1999 World Championships in Athletics.
Religion
Major Christian denominations on the island include the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa, the Catholic Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Methodist Church of Samoa. Collectively, these churches account for the vast majority of the population.
J. Gordon Melton in his book claims that the Methodists, Congregationalists with the London Missionary Society, and Roman Catholics led the first Christian missions to the islands. Other denominations arrived later, beginning in 1895 with the Seventh-day Adventists, various Pentecostals (including the Assemblies of God), Church of the Nazarene, Jehovah's Witnesses and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
CIA Factbook 2010 estimate shows the religious affiliations of American Samoa as 98.3% Christian, other 1%, unaffiliated 0.7%. World Christian Database 2010 estimate shows the religious affiliations of American Samoa as 98.3% Christian, 0.7% agnostic, 0.4% Chinese Universalist, 0.3% Buddhist and 0.3% followers of the Baháʼí Faith.
According to Pew Research Center, 98.3% of the total population is Christian. Among Christians, 59.5% are Protestant, 19.7% are Roman Catholic and 19.2% are other Christians. A major Protestant church on the island, gathering a substantial part of the local Protestant population, is the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa, a Reformed denomination in the Congregationalist tradition. , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website claims a membership of 16,512 (nearly 30% of American Samoa's entire population), with 43 congregations and five family history centers. Jehovah's Witnesses claim 210 "ministers of the word" and three congregations.
Demographics
As of 2022, the population of American Samoa is estimated around 45,443 people. The 2020 census counted 49,710 people, 97.5% of whom lived on the largest island, Tutuila. About 57.6% of the population were born in American Samoa, 28.6% in independent Samoa, 6.1% in other parts of the United States, 4.5% in Asia, 2.9% in other parts of Oceania, and 0.2% elsewhere. At least 69% of the population had a parent born outside American Samoa.
American Samoa is small enough to have just one ZIP code, 96799, and uses the U.S. Postal Service (state code "AS") for mail delivery.
In the 2020 census, 89.4% of the population reported at least partial Samoan ethnicity, 83.2% only Samoan, 5.8% Asian, 5.5% other Pacific island ethnicities, 4.4% mixed, and 1.1% other ethnicities. The Samoan language was spoken at home by 87.9% of the population, while 6.1% spoke other Pacific island languages, 3.3% spoke English, 2.1% spoke an Asian language, and 0.5% spoke other languages; 47.2% of the population spoke English at home or "very well". In 2022, Samoan and English were designated as official languages of the territory. At least some of the deaf population use Samoan Sign Language.
Major Christian denominations on the island include the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa, the Catholic Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Methodist Church of Samoa. Collectively, these churches account for the vast majority of the population.
J. Gordon Melton in his book claims that the Methodists, Congregationalists with the London Missionary Society, and Roman Catholics led the first Christian missions to the islands. Other denominations arrived later, beginning in 1895 with the Seventh-day Adventists, various Pentecostals (including the Assemblies of God), Church of the Nazarene, Jehovah's Witnesses and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
CIA Factbook 2010 estimate shows the religious affiliations of American Samoa as 98.3% Christian, other 1%, unaffiliated 0.7%. World Christian Database 2010 estimate shows the religious affiliations of American Samoa as 98.3% Christian, 0.7% agnostic, 0.4% Chinese Universalist, 0.3% Buddhist and 0.3% followers of the Baháʼí Faith.
According to Pew Research Center, 98.3% of the total population is Christian. Among Christians, 59.5% are Protestant, 19.7% are Roman Catholic and 19.2% are other Christians. A major Protestant church on the island, gathering a substantial part of the local Protestant population, is the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa, a Reformed denomination in the Congregationalist tradition. , The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website claims a membership of 16,512 (nearly 30% of American Samoa's entire population), with 43 congregations and five family history centers. Jehovah's Witnesses claim 210 "ministers of the word" and three congregations.
The island contains 23 primary schools. Of the ten secondary schools, five are operated by the American Samoa Department of Education; the other five are either administered by religious denominations or are privately owned. American Samoa Community College, founded in 1970, provides post-secondary education on the islands.
American Samoa was home to one high school as of 1961, which existed due to the matai's pressure on the naval governor to transform the old Marine barracks at Utulei into a school. The teenagers of well-off and more politically connected families attended the school, which would later be known as Samoana High School. With a median age of 15, the demand for more high schools was increasing, and three new high schools were established by 1968. Another two soon followed, and by 1979, 2,800 high school students were attending six public and private high schools in American Samoa. Looking for a cost-effective way for educational reformation, Governor H. Rex Lee introduced the public television system in 1964.
Cities:
