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American Samoa is located in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, with the geographic coordinates of 14° 16° S, 170° 42° W; a five hour direct flight from Honolulu, Hawaii and only 35 minutes by air from Apia, Samoa.

American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator and is composed of seven land masses: five volcanic islands and two coral atolls. From west to east, American Samoa’s islands are Tutuila, Aunu`u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta`u.

Capital and Major Centres
The capital Pago Pago, pronounced ‘pango pango’, sits on a beautiful harbour that can be seen from mount Alava.

The people & Culture
Samoans have lived here for more than 3000 years and are of Polynesian extraction. Their culture is traditional with emphasis on the extended family. Most speak Samoan and English.

American Samoa’s islands make up the eastern part of the Samoan Archipelago, whose people are Polynesian. Archaeologists state early Polynesians travelled from South East Asia into the Pacific, populating the islands of the western Pacific from Papua New Guinea to Tonga and Samoa. It was from Tonga and Samoa, sometime later, that they migrated east and populated the Cook Islands, Niue, Tahiti and Rapanui (Easter Island) before heading north to Hawaii and south to Aotearoa (New Zealand) on the last legs of the great Polynesian migration.

Today Samoans are regarded as the largest full blooded Polynesian race left in the world. Fa’a Samoa or the Samoan way is the foundation of Samoan society, culture and heritage. Aiga or extended family is the core of the Fa’a Samoa, where at the head of the family are matai or chiefs and each family member has their role to play
in their tautua, or service to the extended family. Samoan customs and culture are over 3000 years old and have changed very little over this period. The most major western influence accepted into Samoan custom has been Christianity which forms the spiritual basis of its society.

History
Human history in American Samoa dates back about 3,000 years, making the Samoan culture the oldest in Polynesia. Archaeological evidence dating to that time has been found at eastern Tutuila Island and on Ofu Island. With the exception of Ta`u, the Samoan islands were under Tongan conquest from 1200 to 1400 CE.

The first European contact came in 1722 and 1768 when Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen and French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville traded with islanders in the Manu`a island group. Subsequent outside visitors included other European explorers, Christian missionaries, and whaling ships. From the 1850s on, a steadily increasing number of European and American traders operated on Tutuila, while Manu`a remained relatively isolated.

By the 1880s, Britain and Germany had laid claim to the islands. In March 1889, German, English, and American warships stood ready to go to war over possession of the islands, but the impending battle never took place because of a hurricane. In 1899 (though not effective until February 16, 1900), Germany, England, and the United States (note the absence of Samoan representation) signed a tripartite agreement that granted control of Upolu and Savai`i to Germany and control of Tutuila, Aunu`u, and Manu`a to the United States. That year, the U.S. Department of the Navy assumed administration of ‘Tutuila Station’. The matais, or chiefs, of Tutuila and Aunu`u ceded these islands to the US on April 17, 1900. The king and matai of Manu`a did not sign a deed of cession for Ta`u, Ofu, Olosega, and Rose Atoll to the US until 1904. Several years later, the Navy began to refer to the region as ‘American Samoa’.

Although American Samoa remained largely insulated from World War I, during World War II, the American Samoa Defense Group (headquartered at Naval Station Tutuila) was the largest defence group in the Pacific and experienced Japanese scout overflights and submarine fire. In 1951, per Executive Order 10264, administration of American Samoa transferred from the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Interior. The Secretary of the Interior enabled American Samoans to draft a constitution, under which the government of American Samoa now functions.

Nature
The Territory of American Samoa has a total land area of 76 square miles made up of five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u) and two atolls (Rose and Swains). Including the marine waters and 200-mile exclusive economic zone, the Territory’s total area is 117,500 square miles, about the size of the State of Oregon or New Zealand. With steep volcanic mountains, the tallest peak Mount Lata 3170 feet is on Ta’u Island and Mount Matafao at 2142 feet is the tallest on Tutuila Island.

American Samoa is a tropical paradise and the climate averages 82°-83° Fahrenheit all year round and the ocean waters that surround our islands average 82°-86° Fahrenheit. With 90% of its islands covered in untouched tropical rainforest, the flora and fauna is unique. The National Park of American Samoa is the only US Park in the Pacific, offering challenging and dramatic hiking trails to historical sites, secluded beaches and villages. Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of only 13 conservation areas throughout the United States. From hiking the tropical rainforests, to swimming, snorkelling, diving or fishing the surrounding ocean waters, American Samoa is an eco-tourism haven for visitors wanting an undiscovered holiday paradise.

Large fruit bats can be seen around the island while huge seabirds nest on the sheer cliffs and ridges. Some 34 species of birds have been identified, 16 of which are unique to Samoa. A thriving coral community, tropical fish and marine turtles live in the clear warm waters around the islands, where visibility is greater than 30 metres. Humpback Whales are known to winter here from August to November while porpoises and sperm whales visit regularly.

The Sights
Mt Alava and Afono Pass provide stunning views of the harbour which is the steep sided crater of an ancient volcano; the seaward side has collapsed, allowing the sea to enter and form the mouth of the harbour. Visit Tutuila’s National Park to enjoy world-class diving areas as well as tropical rainforests, and historic sites. National historic building, the Jean P. Haydon Museum of American Samoa (named after the wife of 1969 – 1971 Governor John Morse Haydon), formerly the United States Navy Commissary during WWII, was officially dedicated by famous anthropologist Margaret Mead, author of the controversial book, Coming of Age in Samoa.

Where to Stay
American Samoa is an eco-tourism paradise, with a great selection of retail stores and very warm, friendly people. As a holiday destination it offers affordable accommodation and services; from a beach front Samoan fale to boutique lodges, apartments or a hotel suite, all accommodation properties are 100 percent locally owned and operated.

Getting Around
Taxis and rental cars are available. A fleet of ‘aiga’ local family buses, run unscheduled services from one end of the island to the other. Bus stops are found throughout the main island of Tutuila, but you can stop and catch a bus from anywhere on the side of the road simply by waving it down. All buses have village names on them and travel (unscheduled services) from their respective villages to the bus depot at Fagatogo (next to the Marketplace) in town then return. The buses operate throughout the day with services ending around 5pm, Monday to Friday. On Saturday, services are heavily reduced and on Sundays only a handful of buses operate. For no more than $2.50 one way you can travel from the town to either the western or eastern end of Tutuila. Driving is on the right-hand side.

Food and Entertainment
Live bands and traditional dancing are offered in some hotels depending on the occasion. You can also attend a Samoan party and feast on delicious suckling pig, chicken and fish, or visit villages and share a ceremonial drink of kava, and enjoy a Fiafia (traditional barbecue). Tisa’s barefoot bare offers this experience for tourists.

Activities
Recreational options include sailing, snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving and nature walks. Try deep-sea fishing from a charter boat and watch a whole village harvest fish from the sea using long nets.

Shopping Guide
Visit the market in Fagatogo village for handicrafts and hand printed items. Other stores that carry Samoan souvenirs and clothing include J-LEN T’s in Nu’uuli village, Turtle & Shark Gift shop in Fagaima, Tiola’s at Fagatogo square and many other local shops.

Clothing
Bikinis and brief clothing are acceptable by the beach and pool but may offend in their villages. American Samoa is predominantly Christian and dresses conservatively.

Electricity
110 volts AC/ 50 cycles.

Time Zone
American Samoa time is 11 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT -11)

Visas and Health
Visas are not required for stays of less than 30 days if you have an onward ticket. No vaccination certificates required. An OK Board may be required depending on the passport you carry.

Immigration
American Samoa has its own Immigration Laws for all foreign visitors entering the Territory. US Passport holders can travel freely to and from the Territory.

American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Program
To qualify for the entry under the EPWP, a foreign traveller must provide: A Non-Expired Machine Readable Passport valid for at least 6 months after planned departure from American Samoa; Confirmed roundtrip ticket to point of origin or onward passage; Payment of USD$40 processing fee: and apply and pay online at www.legalaffairs. as.gov for an “OK to Board” before travelling.

Travellers entering American Samoa to board fishing vessels or other commercial vessels are NOT eligible for the EPWP. Travellers and crew arriving on cruise ships visiting for one day (less than 24 hours)
do not need an entry permit as a TRANSIT PERMIT is automatically issued. For any EPWP questions contact the Office of the Attorney General, Phone: +1 (684) 633-4163 or +1 (684) 633-4164 or
Email: [email protected]

How to get here
Three airlines fly to American Samoa from Hawaii, USA and Samoa. Hawaiian Airlines operates bi-weekly flights from Honolulu to Pago Pago, while both Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways operate daily services from Apia, Samoa.

Banks
American Samoa has one bank on island – Territorial Bank of American Samoa.

Currency
The United States Dollar is the currency of American Samoa. Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at local bank branches or Western Union Foreign Money Exchange.

Commercial hours
Government Offices and retail stores are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Stores open on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm and the majority of retailers are closed on Sundays.

Seasons
American Samoa has a tropical climate all year round with two distinct seasons, the wet and dry season. The wet season is usually between December and March and the dry season from April through to September with the average daily temperature around 82°- 83° Fahrenheit all year round.

Language
Samoa and English are spoken by over 95 percent of the population, with English being the main business language.

Communications
The country dialling code to call American Samoa is (+1 684). To make an overseas call from American Samoa dial (1), area code, then the phone number if calling the US and (011), area code and the phone number if calling any other country.

The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority and Bluesky Communications sell overseas calling cards offering cheap international calling rates.

 

Accomodation

Tutuila Islands

Evalani’s Motu O Fiafiaga Motel – Pago Pago
Phone: (+1 684) 633-7777
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Evelani Pearson

Le Falepule – Fogagogo
Phone: (+1 684) 699-8932
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Isabel Steffany Hudson

Maliu Mai Resort Fogagogo
Phone: (+1 684) 699-7232
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Mapu Jamias

Moana O Sina – Fogagogo
Phone: (+1 684) 699-8517
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Isabel Steffany Hudson

Pago Airport Inn – Petesa
Phone: (+1 684) 699-6333,
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Poe Mageo

Sadie’s by the Sea – Utulei
Phone: (+1 684) 633-5900
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Tom Drabble

Sadie Thompson Inn – Fagatogo
Phone: (+1 684) 633-5981
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Tom Drabble

Ta’alolo Lodge & Golf Resort – Ili’ili
Phone: (+1 684) 699-7201
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ta’alolo Lutu- Drabble

Tessarea’s Motel- Vaitogi
Phone: (+1 684) 699-7793
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Fia Mauga

Tisa’s Barefoot Bar – Alega
Phone: (+1 684) 622-7447
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Tisa Fa’amuli

Tradewinds Hotel – Ottoville
Phone: (+1 684) 699-1000
Email: [email protected]

Turtle & Shark Lodge – Vaitogi
Phone: (+1 684) 688-1212,
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Roy JD Hall III

Manu’a Islands

Asaga Inn – Ofu
Phone: (+1 684) 655-1306

Mauga’s Home Stay – Ta’u
Phone: (+1 684) 677-3414
Contact: Mauga Nofoaiga

Vaoto Lodge – Ofu
Phone: (+1 684) 655-1120
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Deborah Malae

The Cook Islands lie in the centre of the Polynesian triangle and are now easily reached from Australia with direct service from Sydney (6 hours) or via Auckland with Air New Zealand and Jetstar. From Rarotonga, Hawaiian Airlines offers direct flights to Hawaii while Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti offer flights to Tahiti.

The group is made up of 15 islands, scattered over two million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. They fall into two distinct groups. The Southern Group comprises nine islands including the capital, Avarua in Rarotonga, where the majority of the population resides. Domestic travel to the outer islands is provided by Air Rarotonga and six of the nine islands are accessible by regular air services. The more remote Northern Group has six islands, three of which, Manihiki, Penrhyn and Pukupuka, are accessible by air (chartered flights only).

Capital and major centres
Vibrant and lively, Rarotonga is a hive of activity, and its circular shape is dominated by high mountain peaks from which lush rainforests cascade to the palm-fringed shore. All visitors are welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport with the warm local greeting Kia Orana (Greetings, may you live on) and a fragrant flower garland or ei.

Avarua is the main town on Rarotonga and has a great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants located around the island. From Rarotonga you can visit the Sister Islands such as Aitutaki, famous for its spectacular white sand beaches and azure lagoons, only a 40-minute flight away on Air Rarotonga, with several flights daily.

Atiu, northeast of Rarotonga, offers untouched beaches and coral reefs riddled with caves. Mangaia is surrounded by a narrow fringing reef backed by the formidable cliffs of makatea (raised coral) that reach heights of up to 60 metres. Mauke has caves located in the cliffs of the coral reef and Mitiaro offers subterranean pools and
freshwater lakes that are full of itiki (freshwater eels), a local delicacy.

The People
Cook Islanders are of Polynesian descent and are called Cook Island Maori. They are culturally and linguistically similar to Tahitians and New Zealand Maori and are an open, friendly people, happy to share their lifestyle.

Nature
The Cook Islands host a diverse range of flora and fauna. Marine turtles can be found in some of the outer islands and humpback whales can be sighted from July through to October. A protective reef encircles the islands. The lagoons play host to a variety of vivid and interesting coral and marine life. The Cook Islands has an interesting range of geological structures, from the high volcanic peaks of Rarotonga (653 metres) to the raised coral structure of Mangaia and Atiu and the coral atoll structures of the Northern Group.

The sights
The six CICC Churches around Rarotonga are magnificent landmarks built of coral and lime and well worth a visit, particularly on Sunday. Most people attend church, and the air is vibrant with their beautiful singing called imene tuki. The ruins of the old Sunday School, built by the missionaries, have been renovated and are now the Beachcomber Pearl and Art Gallery. In the harbour, remnants of the wreck of the SS Maitai that was sunk in 1916 remain and its main engine still protrudes from the reef. You can trek through the Takuvaine/Avatiu valleys to see tropical vegetation or visit the Marae ‘Arai te Tonga’, a stone structure forming the royal court of the reigning ariki (high chief).

Where to stay
Rarotonga has a wide and varied selection of accommodation from first-class hotels and resorts, luxury villas and self-catering individual bungalows to backpacker facilities.

Aitutaki has a varied choice of accommodation, similar in quality to Rarotonga. Atiu has a varied but smaller selection of backpacker to mid-range accommodation available. Only basic needs are met on the islands of Mauke, Mitiaro (which has a homestay operation) and Mangaia.

Visiting more than Rarotonga
All major inhabited islands are accessible by air. There are more than three daily flights from Rarotonga to Aitutaki. Flights to Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro are scheduled many times a week. Atiu is recognised as the third island to visit in the Cook Islands behind Aitutaki and three times a week there is a convenient triangle air route around the three islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu. Air Rarotonga and Air New Zealand also have a code share agreement that allows you to book an international flight direct to and from Aitutaki that can be combined with the triangle route to reduce even more travel time.

In Mauke, you can explore the jungle-covered limestone rocks to find the famous Maire plant and organic tropical garden lush with fruit. Discover Mitiaro and its village home-stay and live with a local family in a traditional thatched roof hut. Mitiaro is ringed with beach coves and underground swimming caves with natural healing properties. Mangaia is dominated with raised limestone coral and has numerous caves that stretch into giant underground caverns. At 18-million plus years, it is believed to be one of the oldest in the Pacific.

Getting around
Rarotonga is only 32 kilometres in circumference and one main road encircles the entire island, making it fairly easy to get around. Cook’s Buses, the local bus service, offers great public transport operating around Rarotonga in both directions, on regular day and evening schedules. The clockwise or anti-clockwise bus will pick you up and set you down anywhere on request.

Vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road. By law, safety helmets must be worn by all visitors for both drivers and passengers. Drivers of all types of vehicles are required to have either a current international licence or a Cook Islands driver’s licence which can be obtained from the Police station in downtown Avarua.

Food and entertainment
Nightspots and bars will, on occasion, have live entertainment. A highlight of the Cook Islands is the Polynesian feast, umukai, prepared in the traditional style with foods such as ika mata (marinated fish with coconut sauce), eke (octopus), taro (tuba vegetable), rukau (cooked taro leaves similar to spinach), and kumara (sweet potato). An umukai is usually part of an island night show featured at major hotels. The delectable buffet and traditional dancing are all part of the culture of the Cook Islands, and you can also experience this at the Highland Paradise and Te Vara Nui cultural attractions.

Wining and dining in Rarotonga is a treat with many excellent restaurants offering local and international cuisine in some very romantic locations.

 

Activities and shopping guide
There are a variety of activities on offer to suit any traveller. Relaxing lagoon cruises are available on two of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, Muri Lagoon on Rarotonga and the world famous Aitutaki
Lagoon. Popular pastimes include sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and scuba diving. Boats are available for charter for deep-sea and game fishing. Shops are open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to noon on Saturdays. On Saturday mornings the popular local marketplace, Punanga Nui, in downtown Avarua offers a range of tropical delicacies and local craft items.

Climate and clothing
Warm and sunny all year round. Rainy season is December to March. Average summer temperature is 26 oC. Casual brief swimwear should be kept for beaches or poolside. Nude and topless sunbathing are unacceptable.

Currency
The NZ dollar, supplemented by local coinage (not negotiable outside the Cook Islands). The dollar coin bearing the symbol of the traditional god, Tangaroa, is popular with coin collectors, as is the $3 note. There are ATMs located on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. EFTPOS is available. Tipping is not customary but is appreciated.

Surrounded by a clear, turquoise blue lagoon, Rarotonga is 32 kilometres in circumference.

The lagoon often extends more than a hundred metres to the reef and then slopes steeply to deep water.

The reef fronts the shore to the north of the island, making the lagoon there unsuitable for swimming and watersports, but to the southeast, particularly around Muri, the lagoon is at its widest and deepest. This part of the island is the most popular with tourists for swimming, snorkelling and boating. Agricultural terraces, flats, and swamps surround the central mountain area.

Rarotonga is the main island of the Cook Islands and caters to almost 90 per cent of the country’s tourist accommodation and offers many activities. The population is approximately 13,000, mostly indigenous Cook Islands Maori and almost half living around Avarua on the north coast. The Maori ancestors landed on the Cook Islands in their magnificent, giant double-hulled canoes that are still proudly part of the traditional way of life. They were guided by their knowledge of the stars and the famous power of Polynesian navigation.

Rarotonga is a small volcanic island with a landmass of only 26 square miles. It is dotted with pretty villages, a friendly atmosphere, lovely mountain views and hiking trails. It has a reputation for excellent snorkelling off the beaches that line most of the coast. Rarotonga enjoys a climate that is warm and sunny all year round.

There is more rain and higher humidity between the summer months of December to March. The high season for tourism is during Christmas when New Zealanders and Australians visit during their summer school holidays.

Tradition and a cultural heritage are trademarks of the island. Music is an integral part of the culture and part of the islander’s daily routine. Stunning chants and hymns emanate from the churches and local string bands use a combination of electronic and traditional ukuleles made from coconut shells to entertain. Visitors will often be invited to join with the hip-swaying dancers when the music begins. Fishing, paddling, sailing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling and swimming are just some of the activities that abound in this tropical paradise. If you feel like more adventure, take a trip into the hinterland and experience the unique flora and fauna of the lush rainforests. Take time to listen to the legends of ancient wars and love affairs that stretch far back into an almost forgotten time.

Getting around Rarotonga is easy. With no traffic lights to be seen, relax and meander on a bus around the island. Buses uniquely travel both clockwise and anticlockwise on the road that circles the island and obliging drivers will pick-up and drop-off at will. Scooters are also a popular mode of transport.
While nurturing its culture and tradition with sensitivity and pride, Rarotonga is also very much part of the present and offers everything today’s visitors expect. Experience Rarotonga and you will not be disappointed.

Set amidst five acres of lush tropical gardens punctuated by streams and waterfalls, Crown Beach Resort & Spa promises luxury and romance for those seeking a private, heavenly escape.

Built in harmony with nature, the resort offers a selection of well-appointed, self-contained villas. There are beachfront villas, poolside and garden villas, and luxury courtyard pool suites each including
a private swimming pool. All villas feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea and coffee-making facilities, IDD telephones, entertainment facilities, and daily maid servicing. Each evening is finished off with a complimentary turndown service fit for royalty.

Celebrate your marriage at this exclusive tropical island resort. The onsite weddings and events team will ensure your day is truly unforgettable. Whether you opt for a formal or casual setting, the
resort’s unique location offers a variety of options for your special day. Each of the Wedding Packages are designed to provide an exciting range of services for you to choose from, including additional services to customise your special day. Dine with your toes in the sand at Oceans Restaurant and Bar. Oceans offers an island-style dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.

Luxury treatment
Guests can indulge in luxurious treatments at Spa Ariki which are specifically designed to relax, restore, and heal both the body and soul. Fully trained massage and beauty therapists are willing to cater treatments to your body’s individual needs.

Crown Beach Resort & Spa is the ideal holiday destination for adults 16 and over wanting to experience unparalleled luxury, privacy, and pure indulgence where you arrive as a guest and leave a friend