Tutuila Island is a tropical paradise that is part of the islands and atolls that make up American Samoa. Tutuila Island is also the largest and main island of America Samoa and home to its capital, Pago Pago.
American Samoa is located pretty much in the center of the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii in the north and New Zealand in the south. Its geographic coordinates are 14° 16S, 170° 42W.
The 5 volcanic islands of Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u along with the 2 atolls of Rose and Swains are spread over an area of 117,500 square miles (or about the size of Oregon or New Zealand). In total the combined land area of all the islands and atolls put together is just 76 square miles. The islands and atolls of American Samoa are also completely separate politically from the islands of (Western) Samoa.
America Samoa’s islands make up the eastern part of the Samoan Archipelago and whose native peoples are Polynesian. Today they are regarded as the largest full-blooded Polynesian race left in the Pacific.
Tutuila Island itself is a fairly small and narrow, measuring roughly 33 km (21 mi) across and little more than 3 mi (4.8 km) from north to south at its widest point.
Getting there
There are 3 international airlines that fly to American Samoa from Hawaii and (Western) Samoa. Hawaiian Airlines operates bi-weekly flights from Honolulu to the capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago, while both Inter-Island Airways and Polynesian Airlines operate daily services from Apia, Samoa.
The other way of getting there is by ship, which is how I travelled. Aside from preferring to travel by sea when I can, the arrival into Tutuila Island by ship just provides a much better vista of the amazing beauty that no aircraft arrival can possibly match. Take a look at some of the photos taken below as we glided into Pago Pago, one of the world’s largest natural harbors.
The environment of Tutuila Island and American Samoa
Featuring steep volcanic mountains, American Samoa more broadly averages 82°-83° Fahrenheit and the ocean waters surrounding the islands averages 82°-86° all year round!
90% of the area within the islands are covered by untouched tropical rainforest and a lot of their flora and fauna is quite unique.
The National Park of American Samoa is the only US Park in the Pacific. The park offers challenging and dramatic hiking trails to historic sites, secluded beaches and traditional villages. Indeed from hiking tropical rainforests to swimming, snorkelling, diving or fishing, this is an ecotourism haven for visitors.
Enjoying Tutuila Island’s natural beauty
Spending time driving around and getting across the island was a real delight. This was done via a tour taken in an open-air bus which included wonderful views as we travelled the coastline. The weather was perfect, the environment spectacularly lovely and the cool breeze coming in from the ocean simply divine.
Fatu Rock and Flower Pot Rock
Fatu-ma-Futi aka ‘flower pot rock’ and Fatu Rock are really beautiful. They are situated as part of a reef so close to shore with green plants growing on the top of them, just sticking out of the water.
This famous site synonymous with American Samoa is situated right by the roadside on the western side of the island. There is also a little sandy beach and crystal-clear water, and it was so easy to stop by and take a few photos and even dip your toes in the water.
History
Archaeologists have stated that the early Polynesians travelled from South East Asia into the Pacific, populating the islands of the western Pacific from Papua New Guinea to Samoa and Tonga. It was from Samoa and Tonga sometime later that the Polynesians migrated east and populated the Cook Islands, Niue and Tahiti before heading north to Hawaii and south to Aotearoa (New Zealand) on the last legs of the great Polynesian migration.
Spending a bit of time in the museum in Pago Pago is interesting as you can learn more about how people first settled on Tutuila and other islands within the Samoan Archipelago. This together with the interesting exhibits give you are real feel for how life might have been like within the natural wonders of the islands here.
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Culture
Similar to the people of Tonga in many ways, Samoans are a very religious people who also love to share their heritage with visitors. In some villages each day a ‘sa’ or curfew is imposed during the evening prayer time which is usually between 5.00pm and 6.30pm, depending on the village. This prayer time normally lasts around 30 minutes during which time visitors are asked to avoid walking around the village(s).
Sunday in American Samoa is a day of worship, spending time with family and rest, so no work is done and people are asked to respect this day. During our visit and tour around Tutuila Island, we took the opportunity to have a look at one of the churches which you can see in the photos below.
In addition to their Christian religious beliefs, Samoans love to express their heritage through performance and dance. They also are really happy when visitors join in and interact. It was certainly a pleasure to meet and talk with Samoans about their life and culture.
Aside from drinking a fresh coconut drink, I also tried their traditional ava root drink, the taste of which I found rather bland but the entire cultural experience was interesting and entertaining and enjoyable.
Other things you can do while on Tutuila Island:
Visit the National Park of American Samoa on Tutuila Island as well as Manu’a Island.
Take a drive from Pago Pago Harbor over to the village of Vatia and enjoy the breathtaking view of the harbor below.
Drive west and visit the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa at Larsen’s and Fagatele Bays.
Lunch at Utulei Beach and enjoy the spectacular view of Pago Pago Harbor and Rainmaker Mountain.
Visit a local church on a Sunday morning and enjoy the rousing sermons and melodic singing.
With map in hand, hop on a local bus and head east or west and take in the picturesque villages and explore.
Visit Ofu Beach in the Manu’a Islands, voted one of the most beautiful undiscovered beaches in the world.
Catch a local alia boat for the short trip to Aunu’u Island and hike to the quick sand lake.
Take a drive up to the mountain village of Aoloau and take in the grand views of the Tafuna Plain below and the northern Pacific Ocean.
Take a tour of Maugaoalii Government House, the official residence of the Governor and First Lady.
Sailing out
Again leaving by ship was a wonderful experience. We had the luck of fabulous weather, beautiful scenic views and that lovely tropical breeze as we slowly made our way out of the harbor and back out into the ocean.
Below are some parting photos I am happy to share as we left Tutuila Island and American Samoa. I think you will agree this is a special place.
Whatever you choose to see or do when you come here, I would just offer 1 piece of advice. And that advice would be to take your time and not feel rushed to get a load of attractions ticked off your list. The wonderful scenery and weather aside, part of the beauty of a place like this is to take it easy and really take in the relaxed culture and atmosphere that you typically associate with the South Pacific.
In our crazy day to day world, this should be escapism at its finest.
This article is part of the Natural Beauty Travel Series, authored by travel writer Nicole Anderson.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
So beautiful out there! I have always dreamed about visiting American Samoa. This is such a great guide for finding information and seeing what is there to see. Visiting the islands with a boat must of been an amazing experience and being able to see all that beauty. I hope the world opens to travel soon again and we get to visit.
Thanks so much, Paula. It really is a beautiful part of the world and it was lovely to see it from the sea as well as on land. Once it is safe to travel again, this would be such an idyllic location to relax on a holiday.
I would love to visit any of the Samoan islands, but now especially Tatuila! I find the history to be so fascinating and would love to learn more about that since I admittedly know very little about it right now. The cultural experiences appeal to me the most. I’d love to attend one of the dances and try the ava root drink, even though you found it to be a bit bland.
I guess we all have different tastes Diana and you might find the drink quite nice. Irrespective, I found it really interesting to learn as much about the local culture as possible. The culture is so important to the Samoans and makes them the lovely and friendly people that they are. I do hope you make it out to visit and let us know how you enjoyed this beautiful place.
Reading this post has been a lesson in geography for me! I’ve heard of the American Samoa Islands but not Tutuila and didn’t even know Pago Pago was a city, let alone the capital! It does look like a tropical paradise and I’d love to immerse in their culture through song and dance. What a lovely experience.
Thank you so much, Medha. I really enjoyed the cultural performances and all that I learned about their culture during the limited time I was there. I’m sure you would enjoy their songs and dances as well. The fact that they are such a friendly and open people makes all the difference in such a beautiful environment.
I am so glad I came across this post! People hardly talk about American Samoa which makes them a hidden gem frankly. I’m sure you had an amazing trip. The cultural performance looks like a must experience to actually get to know the culture and history of the Island! đŸ™‚
I agree that it makes it so much better that these islands are not over-run with tourists. You are able to enjoy such a beautiful place so much more, which is unspoilt and interact more with the local people who are so genuine and welcoming. Thank you so much for reading and leaving your comment.
I haven’t been to American Samoa; had no idea it was made up of five islands. It seems like something I should be including in my bucket list. I’d also like to go there by ship just to enjoy the view as I approach the island. A visit to the Ofu beach sounds like a great idea. I’d also love to visit the churches – I like touring churches and cathedrals to see the great architecture.
Thanks Lora, there is certainly a lot to see without even going to the other 4 islands (although that would be a fabulous adventure as well). The beaches are lovely there and if you like churches, I think you would like the ones they have constructed. Let me know if you end up visiting also.
I know American Samoa, but I have no idea about how many islands made it. Your article really helped me understanding American Samoa geographically. Of course, learning about the Tutuila Island and the tradition in the area, too. Looks like life in the island is peaceful. A great place to recharge.
This place is ‘Recharge Central’ Umiko! Thanks so much for reading and your comment.
Just when I think I have enough places on my hiking/camping/backpacking bucket list! WOW! I need to travel with you!
Thanks so much, Debra – I love finding ‘out of the way’ places that are beautiful to share. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this.
Wow this place looks gorgeous and sooo relaxing. I would love to visit.
I found it very relaxing Jennifer and I hope you do visit sometime.
This is such a beautiful island! Quite far away but that adds to its beauty.
I do know what you mean Blair. Due to the relatively few tourists that come here (compared to other places), more of the natural beauty is preserved here longer. This does make the trip all the more worthwhile.
I felt like a dunce reading your post as I didn’t even know that American Samoa existed, though I knew very little about Samoa at all, to be truthful. What a beautiful place to visit, Tutiula island does indeed look like paradise, worth the journey to get there! Loved the photos all around the island, and of the cultural sights from the church to the museum at Pago Pago.
A lot of people are unaware of American Samoa and indeed of quite a few places in the South Pacific, Kavita. There are so many islands and it is so far from most places that people live in the world that it really isn’t surprising. I am so pleased though that you enjoyed reading the post and thank you very much for commenting as well.
I can’t say this is a place that I’d ever heard of or even considered for my travel bucket list until reading your post. It sounds like you had an amazing trip. I loved learning about the culture. Especially the fact that they take prayer time and Sunday so seriously and ask tourists to respect that tradition. That is so rare! I’ve learned a lot reading this and seeing your wonderful pictures.
What a wonderful comment Erica. That is so much appreciated, thank you. Maybe you might add this to your bucket list after all. If so, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I like travelling by ship as well. It helps you to take in the beauty of nature. And I find the picture of the open-air tour bus amazing. With its wooden seats it renders the sense of travelling back in time.
I get what you mean about time travel Joanna. It really did add to the charm of the place and it was a lot of fun.
I love visiting islands and Tutuila is so enticing. Loved the pictures and going through the history. Thanks for sharing.
You’re most welcome and thank you for reading and your feedback.
Have never heard of Tutuila island. I would love to sail all over the South Pacific Islands. What a lovely experience it will be! Loved the pictures you shared. The open air tour bus looks so cute. Plus the island has so much to offer. You surely had a great time to relax there.
That’s for sure Shreya! The bus was great and the scenery and the people even better. The South Pacific is definitely a lovely part of the world.
I knew American Samoa was a U.S. territory, but I really didn’t know much about it. This was really informative, both with the logistics of visiting and with the culture. It seems like such an interesting place!
It is really interesting indeed Tracy and quite unique in many ways as well. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a lovely comment.
Indeed sometimes the beautiful scenery is all you really need. Just lovely!
Totally agree with you Elease. It really helps make any place a better one for sure. Thank you for reading.
I have never heard of this island before, thanks for information about it and American Samoa. Looks lovely there I’d definitely want to go there one day, seems like a paradise to explore.
Paradise would seem a really apt term to use Thuy. Hope you will also visit in the future and thank you for your comment.
These sights are beautiful and enticing! The history of the place is fascinating and inviting. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure Toyin – I love sharing and I also love wonderful comments like yours. Thanks so much for reading.
I had never heard of Tutuila, it looks truly stunning. It reminds me a little of Fiji. Gosh so many places to add to my ever-growing list.
LOL…I hear you Nikki! It’s always a challenge to get to see and experience everything on the old bucket list! It’s always fun to try though… and there certainly would be elements of this place that would be similar to Fiji.
This looks like a fantastic bucket list item. A Polynesian island is a must-see on anyone’s list and this one looks perfect. I agree that coming in by ship would be much better. And the time on the cruise would add to the experience. Love the photos.
I totally agree with everything you said Melody and thank you for the lovely comment.
Your pictures are stunning! I’m horrible about trying to fit in as many attractions as possible. Great advice to take your time and not rush. I really enjoyed reading and learning about the people.
Thanks very much, Carol. I just think you tend to enjoy everything all the more if you are not in a rush, more time to take everything in.
The landscape of Tutuila Island looks spectacular! This area of the world is a dream vacation but from New England it’s hard to get there! It looks like you had a wonderful time exploring and balancing a relaxing vacation.
There’s no doubt that this quite a distance from New England, Jennifer! It really is a great place to experience exploring and true relaxation though.
What a beautiful place. You have some amazing photos and it sounds like you had a lovely vacation.
It really is beautiful for sure Kelly. Thanks so much for reading and your comment.
Escapism at it’s finest! That’s very true. I’m sure you had a wonderful time. I love your photos and would love to visit this place someday. But that’s a far dream right now.
Thank you very much Grace. Keep the dream alive and I’m sure you will visit and enjoy it one day as much as I did.
Tutuila Island looks like one if the best places to visit with the family. Lots of fun activities to do there! Btw lovely photos! đŸ™‚
Thanks so much, Snehal. Definitely, a family-friendly place to relax, enjoy and explore.
Places like this seem so exotic, especially since they’re so far away from most places! I think meeting the native people and learning about their history and culture would be the most interesting.
That’s for sure Ashley. It also doesn’t hurt that you can do this in such beautiful surroundings!
Stunning photos, especially of the arrival to the island. Samoa is a beautiful place and I love how you’ve captured a flavour of the culture of the people in your post.
Thank you so much Trish. I’m so happy you enjoyed this post.
I learned quite a bit from this post beside the fact that I now need to go to Samoa. I had no idea they were such a Christian based culture. I would imagine that the greenery and topography there must be amazing. I’d be interested to see which cruise lines go there as that does seem to be the neat way to see it all. I’d rather be in a cruise ship for an extended period of time as opposed to an airline
Thanks Scott – I agree that cruising is such a nicer way to travel than flying. However you may also wish to stay a bit longer here, having come so far, to enjoy more of the island, and the region more broadly.
Wow Nicole, seems like you had such a relaxing holiday on that tiny island. What beautiful images and description in your post. Actually just driving around with the wind in your hair is so rejuvenating. Isn’t it?
That’s very true Anahita – the air there is quite refreshing and the temperature very pleasant indeed. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
The Island looks really amazing! It remind me a little bit of Hawaii, especially black sand beach looks like one of the beach on Big Island. How many days you recommend to visit the whole island? Do you think one week will be enough?
If your focus is to explore, you should be able to cover a lot in a week, Andrew. However, if you have made it to Tonga, it might also be a great idea to spend a bit of time just soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of this peaceful and beautiful place.
Wow! It’s so beautiful there! I would love to see some of the dancing, too.
Thank you so much Tiffany. The dancing was lovely as was their dress and lovely hospitality.
This place looks like a paradise! I love those buses set for bus tours. I love such naturesque places
I couldn’t agree with you more Surekha. The vast majority of the island is truly unspoiled and it is a joy to get amongst it all using those buses.
It looks like such an amazing journey out there. I know I have heard about American Samoa but I love all the great information here. I love the tour bus. Looks like a lot of fun.
Thanks so much David. Yes, the tour bus was a lot of fun and very well maintained. The open-air nature of the windows combined with the ocean breeze made it a lovely ride.
How beautiful! I am pretty jealous.
No need to be jealous Rachelle! Now you have seen how beautiful it is, you can plan to visit and experience it all for yourself and your loved one(s). Thanks very much for reading and your comment.
Absolutely gorgeous! It is one of those places that has yet to be overrun by tourism
That’s for sure Julie and long may that last! Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
I enjoy your posts – you not only include pictures that show the incredible natural beauty but also take us along on your trip, with all those other details
Thank you very much Vidya. I do try to make each post I write a bit interesting by including ‘the human element’ as I believe this makes the sharing more real and genuine, rather than just including the facts of a place. I appreciate you reading and leaving such a nice comment.
This looks wonderful!! Did you have to get any shots before departing??
Thanks so much, Liz. Yes, we did take quite a few shots – and James, in particular, loves to shoot wherever we travel. However, I am mindful not to cram too many into the posts to make them too long for readers, instead choosing those which I think most typifies each location. However, if you would like to see more photos, please don’t hesitate to send me a message via the contact page of the site and I would be happy to share these.
Very beautiful place for a holiday and it looks like is not very difficult to get there. I would really love to visit soon !
It’s true that American Samoa is quite easy to access these days Elena. I do hope you are able to enjoy it sooner rather than later. Thank you very much for reading and your comment.
This place really looks amazing! The photos are so great, showing this island is just perfect for those who want to relax or unwind for a while.
This is definitely a perfect destination for that! Thanks so much for reading and your comment.
My kind of adventure really. Thank you for this as I might visit this when opportunity presents itself.
I hope you do Michael and that you enjoy the experience as much as I did.
What a beautiful place to visit. It looks quite pristine like never touched by global pollution
That is one of the things that really strikes you when you visit the South Pacific region generally. Things are so clean and the water is clear. It really makes a huge difference. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment Elizabeth.
I would have chosen to go by ship too. Boat rides offer such scenic views! I would love to go and see flower pot rock. So pretty!
Thanks so much Francesca – I hope you do visit too! I’m sure you would agree the trip would be worthwhile.
What a beautiful place. I have never heard of it before.
It really is beautiful Mamie and I’m pleased you read something about this lovely destination. Thank you for commenting.
Looks amazing! The photos are beautiful and I LOVE that you included the history! Sounds fascinating!
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment Ariana. Aside from appreciating the beauty of different places, I also am interested in the local culture and obviously, history is a major part of that. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post.
One of the items on my bucket list is going to see as many islands as I can. I really want to visit American Samoa because I can see why: it is so beautiful. Thanks for the tips!
You’re so welcome and I hope you are able to include Tutuila Island in American Samoa as one of your island visits. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I miss the island life, but somehow I feel there is a lot of difference in the island life of south east Asia. Having said that the natural beauty of Tutuila island is something to be experienced first hand, which you seemed to have made the most out of.
Thanks very much Arnav. There is certainly an appreciable and obvious difference in the cultures of South East Asia when compared against those found in the South Pacific. Both have a beauty of course, but just in differing ways.
The Pacific Islands are one region I’d love to experience. Samoa looks like such a chill and easy island: no rush, no stress and definitely no crowds like some of the popular Caribbean islands. Distance is also a factor in this too.
That is so true Kemi. Of course, that same distance is another reason why this place is not as crowded as some of the locations in the Caribbean. You do sound as though you would love it here. Thank you for reading and commenting.
A cruise to the Pacific Islands sounds like the perfect way to get to experience the area and see it all. The Flower Pot rock is so unique! The volcanic land really supports the greenery. And you’re right, we shouldn’t be too rushed trying to see everything but enjoy the laid back atmosphere. I’ve met several American Samoans and they were friendly and their cuisine tasty!
Thank you so much Annick. I certainly loved the Flower Pot Rock and the calming atmosphere of the whole island. A world away from the stress and worry of the everyday world that most city-based people feel.
The island looks incredible. I’m a huge history lover and this looks like the sort of trip I would truly enjoy. Great photos. Thanks for sharing!
You’re most welcome Gil and thank you for reading and commenting. The history here is definitely interesting.
Samoa is indeed interesting. As an Art History enthusiast, French Polynesia is where Paul Gaugin spent a phase of his life and painted quite many of his famous paintings.
I’m intrigued by the history of Polynesian migration to Samoa and then to Hawaii and on and on. I should read more about it.
There is quite a bit of literature available on that subject Bhushavali. It’s amazing when you think of the distances they travelled in those days with the boats they used.
Images are breathtaking, I haven’t travel by ship. But will try for sure.
I hope you will Ritu. This is certainly one place that arriving by ship will beat flying in, just for the better views, fresh air and additional detail that you can’t see well from an aircraft window.
I would love to cruise to the South Pacific islands! It just looks like paradise and so much to explore. Did I spot a Princess Cruises flag? Princess is my favourite cruise line, I’m sure you had a fantastic trip. The cultural performance looks like a perfect thing to experience, I would definitely like to do this. It was also very handy to know about all of the other things to do whilst visiting American Samoa.
The South Pacific has certainly been referred to as paradise by many Laura and it’s not hard to see why. Yes, you are right that we did travel Princess during this cruise and they really do a great job to make your cruise an enjoyable experience. Learning a bit about the culture is also something so enjoyable while visiting different places and thank you so much for reading and your lovely comment.
I grew up with a bunch of friends who were from American Samoa and they always told me how much they loved their island (various ones). From your pictures, I can totally understand why. The lush greenery is amazing and I’d love to be able to someday swim in waters that average in the 80s year round! Island-hopping sounds like a fun activity!
That’s for sure Rachelle! The South Pacific just has so many beautiful islands and the ocean itself is a real treat to cross. It would be tough to choose which island would be the absolute favourite. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
What a gorgeous setting! I love how many cool places you feature. This is one of my favs
Thank you so much Neely for being such a wonderful, regular reader and commenter. I don’t blame you at all for highlighting this location as one of your favourites as many visitors there would no doubt completely agree with you.
I love exploring these little islands in the South Pacific. I have visiting a few nearby island neighbors, but haven’t made it over to Tutuila island, yet. Looks like a great spot for hiking! It is so cool to witness the traditional dancing.
This would definitely be a fabulous spot for hiking Jen. Such beauty all around and lovely sea breezes as well. The traditional dancing and the friendly people all make up a wonderful atmosphere and I hope you will get to visit also.
Wow! That looks like such a great place to visit! That park is on my list….eventually!
That would be a worthwhile trip indeed Krystal! Something I’m sure you would love and I do hope you get to explore there.
The place looks so beautiful. I agree with you about travelling by ship. The views of the harbour you got are absolutely stunning. The Samoan culture too sounds interesting. Its good that they devote time for praying and do not want any disturbance during that time.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I completely agree that the culture there is so peaceful and the locals appear to really be so happy and content with their great lifestyle.
This sure seems like heaven on earth. Loved the idyllic settings and the turquoise waters. Especially would love to see the view of Fatu rock by myself! Awesome:)
Thanks so much Sreekar. The waters are indeed so clear and free from pollution and Fatu rock is just so easy to get to.
It looks like the absolutely perfect place for a getaway! So beautiful and serene ?
Totally agree with you there Amanda. The stress here just melts away as you absorb the surrounding beauty and laid back atmosphere. Thank you very much for reading and commenting.
This looks like an absolute dream. You had me at Tropical paradise. Beautiful photos!
Thank you so much Deb – it is indeed a very photogenic place!