Maimoana: American Samoa - Off the Beaten Path (2024)

Overview

Settled by seafaring explorers three thousand years ago, the Samoan archipelago is the cultural hub of the Polynesian wheel. American Samoa – the only U.S. Territory south of the equator – is a true off the beaten path paradise, with rugged volcanic mountains, dramatic shorelines, empty beaches, colorful coral reefs, warm azure waters, and dense tropical forests. On this explorer’s journey, you’ll visit three islands, Tutuila, Ta`ū, and Ofu, each containing sections of the National Park of American Samoa.

Arrive into Pago Pago, American Samoa’s territorial capital. From a waterfront hotel, we head out for a variety of adventures over the course of three days, traveling by boat to visit with locals on the 375-acre Aunu`u Island and hiking along the Blunts Point Trail to a scenic high point.

Our next stops are the islands of Ta`ū and Ofu. First, we’ll fly to Ta`ū, half of which is the protected National Park of American Samoa, exploring the island’s archaeological sites and beaches. Later, we travel by boat to Ofu Island, for three nights and days spent hiking, snorkeling, and getting to know their share of the national park, beautiful mountains, lagoons, beaches, and coral reefs.

We return to Tutuila by plane, with time to take in more of the island’s features –fa*gasā Bay to Afona Bay, Mount Alava, Maunaloa Ridge, and coastline. We take a walking tour of the village of fa*gatogo and visit the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and the National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center.

After a farewell dinner, we take the late-night flight to Honolulu.

Make this trip all yours!

Most all of our Small Group Adventures can be made private to just your traveling troupe. Just give us a call at (800) 445-2995 and tell us that you would like to “make it private”!

Generally, there are two ways to make a small group adventure private. First, you could capture one of our published departure dates for just your group. In order to achieve this, we have to have sufficient space available to create a separate private trip. Second, we could take the details of this itinerary and fashion it for just your group on dates of your choosing. For this, too, we just need to review your interest, group size, and preferred timing in order to create the trip.

In all cases, the process begins with a phone call so give us a ring at (800) 445-2995 and after just a few minutes gathering information, we can set to the task of making your trip a reality!

Itinerary

Day 1: Tutuila

Arrive into Tutuila Island’s Pago Pago on the night flight and transfer to our hotel. Tutuila is the largest of the American Samoa Islands, which sit in the heart of the Polynesian triangle formed by Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand.

Day 2: Tutuila

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll start our day with a visit to the National Park of the American Samoa Visitor Center—then we’re off to explore. Stretching over the middle of the island from fa*gasā Bay to Afona Bay, this area’s main features are Mount Alava and Maunaloa Ridge.

Day 3: Aunu'u National Landmark and Village

This morning begins with introductions and breakfast at the hotel, followed by a brief orientation from our guide on the journey ahead. Our first outing takes us by boat to Aunu`u Island off the southeastern shores of Tutuila. Lunch will be hosted at the home of a local family, after which we’ll watch traditional Samoan cultural, ceremonial, and dance performances.

Day 4: Tutuila

After breakfast, those interested can attend a local church service, noted for the Samoan singing, skits, dances, and performances. After lunch, you will have the option to experience the panoramic view of Rainmaker Mountain and the World War II historic landmarks of Breakers and Blunts Point under your own manpower with experienced paddlers in an outrigger canoe. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5: Tutuila to Ta`ū, National Park of American Samoa Ta`ū then Ta`ū to Ofu

We fly to Ta`ū this morning, American Samoa’s second-largest island. After a picnic lunch, we’ll visit the sacred site of Saua on Ta`ū to explore the “littoral zone.” We’ll then get ready to board a boat to Ofu Island. Upon arrival, we will check in and have dinner at the lodge, where we will spend the next three nights.

Day 6: Ofu, National Park of American Samoa

Our days are spent exploring Ofu’s claim to National Park of American Samoa, one highlight of which is a strip of land running along the southeastern side of the island, with stunning mountains, lagoons, beaches and coral reefs. There will be time to hike, snorkel and explore the park’s beach environment and marine life. After lunch at the lodge, we’ll head out to get to know more of Ofu’s wonders.

Day 7: Ofu, National Park of American Samoa

Interested hikers hop into the back of a pickup truck and travel to an island trailhead, spending the morning on a guided hike. Others enjoy free time, relaxing at the lodge or exploring nearby. We’ll gather for lunch at the lodge, then return to the national park to swim, snorkel, and kick around at the beach. Our last night on Ofu features a traditional Samoan dinner.

Day 8: Village of fa*gatogo, Flights Home

We enjoy one last breakfast on Ofu Island, then board a flight to Tutuila. There, we’ll visit the National Park of the American Samoa Visitor Center, after which we’ll set out to explore the park. After lunch, we set out to explore on our own for the rest of the afternoon. Our farewell dinner is at the hotel this evening. After dinner we depart American Samoa on late-night flights to Honolulu.

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