About American Samoa

American Samoa is a group of five volcanic islands and two coral reefs; it is located about 2,600 miles south of Hawaii in the South Pacific. American Samoa is an unincorporated, unorganized territory of the U.S. It consists of the eastern Samoan islands of Tutuila, Aunu’u, and Rose; three islands (Ta’u, Olosega, and Ofu) of the Manu’a group; and Swains Island. American Samoa has been a territory of the United States since April 17, 1900, when the High Chiefs of Tutuila signed the first of two Deeds of Cession for the islands to the U.S., it was ratified by the Congress in 1929. Swains Island, which was privately owned, came under U.S. administration in 1925.

In 1960 American Samoa ratified its territorial constitution and has since developed a modern, self-governing political system. American Samoans elect a governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature. The people of American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens, but many have become naturalized American citizens. American Samoa does 80%–90% of its foreign trade with the U.S., Canned tuna is the chief export, the transfers from the U.S. government add significantly to American Samoa’s economic well-being.

American Samoa is an immensely undervalued tropical destination but it has elements that will delight you. It has magnificent mountain ridges, wonderfully peaceful bays, soporific villages, and some of the worlds most remote, uncluttered and utterly beautiful reefs and beaches. After landing in Tutuila, you have to visit the main settlement Pago Pago, and view the shadows cast by the spectacular peaks crowding around the deepwater harbor, the forest-lined roads over isolated mountain passes and the palm-shaded beaches. The atmosphere is relaxing with the locals welcoming you and encouraging you to become a part of them and making you feel at home by welcoming you repeatedly on the streets.
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The beaches of Manu’a Islands are virtually untouched. There is no scene that will compare to the scene that awaits you when you emerge from the superb, coral-filled waters off Ofu Beach and look up to see nothing but turquoise waters, sea birds crisscrossing the faces of enormous cliffs, and the hulking silhouette of Ta’u way off in the oceanic distance. There is no traffic here and no disturbance here, only peaceful movements of wind and water. If you want to hike or want to view the highest sea cliffs in the world on Ta’u, or just want to rest and relax on a beach this is the place where you should be.

American Samoa has culture and people that over the years have developed into a diverse configuration of the traditional and the modern values. The economy and religion are areas that affect the people of Samoa and are important ingredients in individual, community and national identity. You will see that cooperation, humor and hospitality are highly valued and people of American Samoans are united by their traditions and culture.

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