Directions & Transportation

Travel Information for Visitors

Getting to American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa is located in a remote part of the South Pacific, requiring more than casual planning for your visit. The nearest airport is Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila Island, the main island of American Samoa.

• Hawaiian Airlines: Currently, Hawaiian Airlines is the only major airline servicing American Samoa. They provide two round-trip flights per week from Honolulu, Hawai’i, to Pago Pago International Airport. Be sure to book early, as flight availability is limited.

• Flights from Western Samoa: If you are traveling from other Pacific destinations like Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji, you can fly into the International Airport at Upolu in nearby (Western) Samoa. From there, connecting flights to Tutuila operate via small aircraft almost daily.

Getting Around the Islands

Once you’ve arrived in American Samoa, traveling between the islands of Tutuila, Ta’ū, and Ofu requires some flexibility, as transportation options are limited and weather conditions can sometimes affect travel plans.

Inter-Island Flights

• Samoa Airways: The only airline currently offering flights between Tutuila and the Manu’a Islands (Ta’ū and Ofu) is Samoa Airways. These small planes serve park areas on Ta’ū, and from there, local boats can take you to Ofu Island.
  • Contact for Samoa Airways: [phone] or [phone]
  • Tip: Flexibility is important when venturing to these remote islands, as flights can be unpredictable and sometimes subject to delays or cancellations.

Public Transportation on Tutuila

• Car Rentals: Several car rental agencies are available near Pago Pago International Airport. Renting a car is recommended if you want to explore Tutuila Island at your own pace.

• Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport and throughout the island. It's best to confirm the fare before starting your journey.

• Aiga Buses: Local aiga (family) buses are a colorful and affordable way to travel around the island. Fares range from $0.50 to $2.00, and the buses run frequently, although there are no fixed schedules. Buses originate and terminate at the Fagatogo Market near Pago Pago. You can wave a bus down to stop and get off wherever it’s safe for the driver to pull over.

  • Buses to the National Park: To visit areas within the national park, look for a bus labeled with signage for Vatia, a village located inside the park. Buses to Vatia depart from the Pago Pago Village area, but be prepared to wait up to an hour, as buses run without a set schedule. All buses are labeled with the name of the village from where they start and end their routes.

  • Note: Aiga buses do not operate on Sundays.

Getting Around the Manu’a Islands

On the more remote Manu’a Islands (Ta’ū, Ofu, and Olosega), transportation options are limited:

• Boats: Local fishermen often provide transportation between Ta’ū and Ofu by boat. There are no formal public transportation services, so visitors must arrange transportation in advance through local contacts.

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Plan Ahead: Transportation to and within American Samoa requires advanced planning due to limited flights and transportation options. Be flexible with your travel itinerary, as weather conditions can affect flight and boat schedules.

• Travel Insurance: Given the remote location and potential for travel delays, it’s recommended to purchase travel insurance for your trip.

• Driving: If you plan to drive, remember that American Samoa follows U.S. traffic laws, with driving on the right-hand side of the road.

• Weather Considerations: The weather can change quickly, especially during the rainy season (October to May). Be prepared for rain showers even during the dry season (June to September).

Contact Information for Transportation

• Samoa Airways: [phone] or [phone]
• M/V Manu'a Ferry Office: [phone]

By planning your transportation and travel routes in advance, you can make the most of your visit to the National Park of American Samoa. For further assistance with travel and transportation, visit the park’s website or contact the Visitor Center at [phone].