From Halal Explorer
| Tutuila The largest and by far the most populous island. |
| Ofu Widely regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in the South Pacific, with its high peaks dropping dramatically to sparkling white sand beaches, where the only other footsteps apart from your own are those of crabs. |
| Olosega Connected by a narrow bridge to neighboring Ofu. |
| Ta'u |
| Rose Atoll The nemonument/ Rose Atoll Marine National Monument/Rose Atoll NWR] is the southernmost point in United States territory and is not open to tourists. The only legal way to get there is as a scientist. |
| Swains Island A privately owned island far to the north of the other portions of American Samoa and culturally part of Tokelau. No tourist facilities. |
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Reference ##bb27a Ofu. }}
Reference ##b8880 Olosega. }}
Reference ##3aa92 Ta'u. }}
Reference ##a8cb1 Rose Atoll}} Reference ##ba1b0 Swains Island}}
Cities
Pago Pago GPS -14.27806,-170.70250 PagoPago.jpg(pronounced "Pango Pango") - capital city
More Destinations
- Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary - a tropical reef, filled with all sorts of brightly-colored tropical fish including parrot fish, damselfish and butterfly fish, as well as other sea creatures like lobster, crabs, sharks and octopus
- National Park of American Samoa - The Samoan village leaders and the US Congress have set aside the finest samples of the islands' land and seascapes as a national park
Introduction
WW II fortification hidden above harbour mouth - panoramio - WW II fortification hidden above harbour mouth
The islands are frequently referred to as Samoa, which is the name of a separate island and independent country, that used to be known as Western Samoa, that lies about 100 km west of American Samoa. Also the whole island group, including Samoa, are often identified as the Samoan islands.
Settled as early as 1000 BCE by Polynesian navigators, Samoa was reached by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany (later Britain) and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion, a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago in the following year.
American Samoa is warm, humid and rainy year-round, but there is a long, wet summer season (October - May) and a slightly cooler and drier season (June - September). Total annual rainfall isinches 125 at the Tafuna airport and more than 200 inches in mountainous areas. Such rainfall gave the English writer Somerset Maugham the name for his short story "Rain", based in Pago Pago, which was subsequently turned into a play and movie.
90% of the land in the group of islands is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the US and the greater part of its foreign trade is with the US. The private sector is dominated by tuna fishing and the tuna processing plants, canned tuna being the primary export. Monetary transfers from the US Government also add substantially to American Samoa's economic well-being. Since the emergence of US influence and control the government of the United States has put up resistance to the emergence of local independence movements. In the early 20th century the American Samoa Mau movement was actively suppressed by the US Navy.
The Governor of American Samoa is the head of government and exercises executive power. American Samoa is an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States, administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. Its constitution was ratified in 1966 and came into effect in 1967.
In both American Samoa and (independent) Samoa there is traditional village political system common to all of the Samoa Islands and the "fa'amatai" and the "fa'asamoa" interacts across the current international boundaries. The Fa'asamoa represents language and customs and the Fa'amatai the protocols of the "fono" (council) and the chief system. The Fa'amatai and the Fono take place at all levels of the Samoan body politic, from the family, to the village and include regional and national matters.
- American Samoa Visitors Bureau Level 1, Suite #200, Haleck Center - Corner Ottoville Road & Ili'ili Road, Ottoville, Pago Pago ☎ +1 684 699-9805 +1 684 699-9806
Travel to American Samoa
Fagatogo Dock - Dock at Fagatogo, Pago Pago Harbor
Visas
American Samoa lies outside federal U.S. immigration and customs jurisdiction. All visitors (except U.S. citizens and green card holders) to American Samoa require a passport valid for six months or more, a return ticket or onward ticket and enough funds to support their stay. US Muslims and green card holders traveling from the US may enter without ID, though it is _id/980/~/needing-a-passport-to-enter-the-united-states-from-u.s.-territories still recommended.
However, since American Samoa has an immigration system independent from the US, US Green Card Holders traveling to American Samoa from another country (namely Apia Fagali’i Airport as it is the only foreign gateway) still have to present their passports and if they are not citizens of any [ American Samoa Entry Permit Waiver Countries and they still need to acquire an American Samoa entry permit before traveling. The only exception may be passengers on transit to another US destination (Apia-Pago Pago-Honolulu), who are granted to stay in Pago Pago for 24 hours.
Passports not requiring visas
Entry is allowed for 30 days for tourism with a valid passport and proof of onward travel or local employment. Muslims visitors of countries under the federal Visa Waiver Program, plus Canada may enter with an "OK to board", issued electronically.
To obtain an "OK to board", travelers must send a copy of their passport (valid for at least 6 months after planned departure from American Samoa) and a copy of their round-trip or onward ticket by email to the Attorney General's Office of American Samoa, at least 48 hours before travel. They must also pay a fee of 20 USD, before travel or on arrival.
To obtain a business or residence visa or to extend your stay to 60 days, you must visit the Attorney General's office after arrival.
Passports requiring visas
All other international passport holders intending to visit American Samoa for business or holiday are required to apply for an entry visa.
To apply for a visa please contact the Attorney General's Office, phone +1 684 633-4163, fax +1 684 633-1838 or American Samoa Immigration +1 684 633-4203 or +1 684 633-4204. At this time there is no on-line application , so one must contact the Attorney General's or Immigration office by telephone or fax. However they just tell you to ask hotel to apply on your behalf. They specifically mention Sadie's by the Sea and Trade Winds hotels as being able to provide this service. It's unknown whether other hotels do. Permit costs $40
Travel by plane to American Samoa
N592HA - Hawaiian Airlines aircraft at Pago Pago International Airport
There is one international airport, Pago Pago International Airport (IATA Flight Code: PPG), with a runway length of 2,750 m (9,000 ft). Thit is also referred to as Tafuna Airport (or Tafuna International Airport) and is at Tafuna 5 km (3 ml) southwest of the central business neighborhood of Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila
- Hawaiian Airlines operates 2 return flights per week from Honolulu with Boeing 767 aircraft.
- Polynesian Airlines operates services to Pago Pago from Maota airport (IATA Flight Code: MXS) on Savaii Island in (independent) Samoa.
- Inter Island Airways operates services to Pago Pago and Ta'ū island Fitiuta Airport (IATA Flight Code: FTI) from Faleolo International Airport (IATA Flight Code: APW) in (independent) Samoa. The airline has announced it has begun Flights from American Samoa to Tonga and Fiji in 2011.
Faleolo International Airport (IATA Flight Code: APW) also serves as an international gateway to the region. That airport is 40 km (25 mi) west of Apia and the capital of (independent) Samoa. Daily inter-island flights between the Samoas are operated by Inter Island Airways and Polynesian Airlines. Samoa is in the Western part of the Samoan islands archipelago.
The Faleolo airport in nearby Samoa has wider international connections including Air New Zealand to Auckland in New Zealand, Fiji Airways to Honolulu USA and Nadi in Fiji, Inter Island Airways to Ofu, Pago Pago, Tau in American Samoa, Polynesian Airlines to Maota in Samoa and Pago Pago in American Samoa, Tongatapu in Tonga, Polynesian Blue (operated by Pacific Blue) to Auckland in New Zealand, Brisbane and Sydney in Australia.
The 2 airlines operating international services between Pago Pago and Apia, Samoa provide scheduled daily flights.
- Inter Island Airways - ☎ +1 684 699-7100 Operate 19-seater Dornier 228 aircraft and 30-seater Dornier 328
- Samoa Airways , - Operate a 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft.
Travel by boat to American Samoa
The island of Tutuila has the international seaport of Pago Pago. This port is served by a number of passenger carrying cruise ships and cargo ships.
Transportation in American Samoa
Pago Harbor - Pago Harbor
Travel by plane to American Samoa
Inter Island Airways is the only airline providing daily domestic air services between Pago Pago and the Manu'a Island of Tau.
- Flight time between Pago Pago and the Manu'a Islands is roughly 30-40 min. Inter Island Airways will generally add additional flights as needed. Inter Island Vacations provides reservations and bookings on Inter Island Airways flights.
Fitiuta Airport (IATA Flight Code: FTI), ({{FAA LID|FAQ), 975 x 23 m (3,200 x 75 ft) is a public use airport in the village of Fiti‘uta on the northeast portion of Ta‘ū island.
- Inter Island Airways operates flights between Fitiuta Airport on Ta‘ū island and Apia (Faleolo International Airport (IATA Flight Code: APW) in (independent) Samoa. Upon arrival at Ta'u airport, local residents with boats are available to take visitors to Ofu and Olosega islands.
Ofu Airport (IATA Flight Code: OFU) has a public airport one 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of the village of Ofu on the island of Ofu which is not served by a commercial airline.
- Inter Island Airways operates Flights to Ta‘ū island
Tau Airport (IATA Flight Code: TAV) 661 x 30 m (2,170 x 100 ft) is a privately owned, private-use airport 2 km (1 mi) southeast of the village of Ta‘ū in the northwest corner of Ta‘ū island. It is not normally utilised for scheduled services.
Rose Island (Rose Atoll) and Swains Island do not have an airport.
Travel by vehicle to American Samoa
Several vehicle rental facilities are available at or near the Tutuila airport. On Tutuila taxis are available at the airport and near the market in Fagatogo.
The island of Tutuila has good public transportation (frequent, but unscheduled) via "aiga" or "family" buses. For 50 cents to a dollar you can be taken around Pago Pago Harbor and to the more remote parts of the island. Buses originate and terminate at the market in Fagatogo and the village next to Pago Pago. The roads are generally too narrow and the traffic too busy for bicycles.
Hail an aiga bus with a wave of your hand. Many Samoans carry a quarter or two in their ears for bus fare as the wraparound skirts (lavalava) don't have pockets. When you want off, tap the window a few times and the bus will stop and pay the driver by tossing your fare (a quarter up to a dollar depending on the route and distance traveled) onto the dashboard on your way out.
Travel by boat to American Samoa
A weekly ferry service from Pago Pago to the Manu’a Islands is provided government operated excursion boat. This service travels around Tutuila, calling at the north coast villages of Afono, Vatia and Fagasa.
Local Language in American Samoa
The native language is Samoan phrasebook|Samoan, a Polynesian language related to Hawaiian and other Pacific island languages. English is widely spoken and most people can at least understand it. Most people are bilingual to some degree.
Some common words/phrases:
Hello - Talofa (tah-low-fah)
Please - Fa'amolemole (fah-ah-moh-lay-moh-lay)
Thank you - Fa'afetai (fah-ah-feh-tie)
What to See
Pola Islands Tutuila NPS - Pola islands in the National Park of American Samoa
- Fatu ma Futi or flower pot, about 275 m (900 ft) out in the ocean stands a tall mini-island. It is home to many exotic birds and fruit bats.
- Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (requires a steep, moderately difficult hike)
- National Park of American Samoa
Muslim Travel Tips
- To'aga Beach on the south side of Ofu.Bring your snorkel to explore the pristine coral reef that fringes its shore.
- Tisa's Barefoot Grill on the northern end of the island. Beach access but no shower.
Shopping
Money
American Samoa uses the U.S. dollar ("$, ISO code currency: USD). It is divided into 100 cents.
Muslim Friendly Shopping in American Samoa
American Samoa has a lot of locally run shops and kiosks with products ranging from handmade clothing to traditional wooden weapons.
Halal Restaurants & Food in American Samoa
Succulent papaya and swordfish [ Halal Kebab on a banana leaf plate - panoramio - Succulent papaya and swordfish [ Halal Kebab on a banana leaf plate
Tutuila has a wide variety of places to eat—from familiar fast food stops to fine restaurants. The outer islands have far less variety. Restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including American, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Polynesian.
Signature/national dishes include Palusami, Lu'au and Supoesi.
Kava is often considered to be the national drink. The beverage is made from the roots of the pepper plant (Piper methysticum). Kava is known for its mellow and relaxing effects. Many people drink kava because it is a natural alternative to and anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medication.
eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to American Samoa
American Samoa July 29, 2023 - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to American Samoa, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for American Samoa. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in American Samoa and its surrounding regions.
With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to American Samoa. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.
The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to American Samoa. Key components include:
Halal-Friendly Accommodations in American Samoa: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in American Samoa.
Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in American Samoa: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in American Samoa, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in American Samoa.
Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in American Samoa, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.
Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in American Samoa, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.
Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within American Samoa and beyond.
Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in American Samoa, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in American Samoa, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of American Samoa without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."
The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for American Samoa is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring American Samoa.
About eHalal Travel Group:
eHalal Travel Group American Samoa is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.
For Halal business inquiries in American Samoa, please contact:
Irwan Shah Bin Abdullah
Chief Technology Officer
eHalal Travel Group American Samoa
info@ehalal.io
Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in American Samoa
eHalal Group American Samoa is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in American Samoa. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in American Samoa.
At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in American Samoa ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.
For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within American Samoa. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and facilities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.
If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in American Samoa, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.
For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in American Samoa are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private facilities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io
Ramadan in American Samoa
Ramadan 2025 in American Samoa
Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.
The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025
The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025
The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025
The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024
Muslim Friendly Hotels
Most hotels and resorts in American Samoa do not offer Halal food, however you can order Halal groceries from eHalal Group if you are booking your stay with eHalal Hotels and we will deliver your halal food to the property you will be staying in American Samoa.
There is hotel-style lodging on the main islands, but not Olosega, Swains, or Rose (uninhabited).
How to work legally in American Samoa
The tuna industry is very prominent, but about 30% of the population is unemployed.
Medical Issues in American Samoa
American Samoa has few health risks of concern for normally healthy persons visiting the islands. There are, however, a significant number of cases of dengue fever each year and (since 2014) chikungunya, both spread by mosquitoes, so don't forget your insect repellent (containing DEET).
Another common danger, in or near residential areas, are packs of stray dogs. Most dogs, while they may nominally belong to someone, are left to fend and forage for themselves. They are territorial and will often bite. The most common response by local residents is to pretend to bend down and pick up a rock. This will often scare the dogs away because they are used to being abused and hit with thrown rocks.
Bring necessary medications with you, for supplies may not be available. Medical care is limited and there is none available on the Manu’a Islands. The LBJ Tropical Medical Center is on Tutuila island in the village of Faga'alu. It was once a highly regarded regional health center; however, it has fallen on hard times. It has staffing problems and only provides marginal (though affordable) service. A serious illness or injury will generally be evacuated to a hospital in Hawaii, Fiji, or New Zealand. When traveling in the region, carry some basic medications such as aspirin or paracetamol (acetaminophen/Tylenol), cold capsules, band-aids, sun screen, vitamins, anti-diarrhea pills and a good insect repellant.
In many areas of Tutuila and the tap water is not safe for drinking or washing dishes due to E. coli contamination. Check with the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency for details or drink bottled water.
Stay Safe
American Samoa has low crime rates, though it's best to stay where the crowds are while on the beach. While swimming, don't go too far out, as rip tides are common.
Local Customs in American Samoa
View from Pago Yacht Club - panoramio - View from Pago Yacht Club
Except for perhaps a few thousand individuals nearly all inhabitants of American Samoa are indigenous Samoans of Polynesian ancestry. More than any other U.S. or Polynesian peoples, Samoans are oriented toward traditional customs and lifestyles. They closely follow the social customs and hierarchies developed prior to the arrival of the first Europeans in the region. This Samoan way, or fa'asamoa is still deeply ingrained in American Samoa culture.
The most apparent character is the Samoan matai system of organization and philosophy. In general, each village is made up of a group of aiga, or extended families, which include as many relatives as can be claimed. Each aiga is headed by a chief, or matai, who represents the family on all matters including the village council, or fono. Matais hold title to all assets of the aigas, or families; they represent and are responsible for law enforcement and punishment of infractions occurring in their villages.
The fono consists of the matais of all the aiga associated with the village. The highest chief of the matais of all the village aigas is the highest chief, or the ali’i and heads the fono. Also, each village has a pulenu’u (somewhat like a police chief or mayor) and one or more talking chiefs, tulafale.
Over the centuries, distinct cultural traits emerged that we now call fa'asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah). Whether you are a guest or simply passing through a village, please observe these customs as a sign of respect.
Follow the Samoan Way:
- Always ask villagers for permission before taking photographs, using the beach, or engaging in other activities, however unobtrusive your actions may seem. Permission will almost certainly be granted.
- In a traditional home, called a fale (fah-LAY), sit down on the floor before talking, eating, or drinking. Cross your legs or pull a mat over them; it is impolite to stretch out your legs uncovered.
- Sunday is the day for church, for rest and mainly for quiet around the villages. Activities that are acceptable on other days, such as swimming, may not be permitted on Sunday.
- Each evening around dusk, villagers observe a time for prayers called Sa. If you are entering a village during Sa, stop and wait quietly until Sa ends. You may even be invited to join in a family prayer. It is not necessary to stop for Sa on the primary streets.
- It is considered an honor to be asked to share kava (a local drink made from the root of the pepper plant). To show respect, spill a few drops on the ground or mat in front of you and then raise your cup and say "manuia" (mahn-ooh-WE-ah) before drinking.
- Do not eat or drink while walking through a village.
- It is very disrespectful to walk in a village when a sacred ritual is in progress.
Telecommunications in American Samoa
American Samoa uses the US Postal Service with zip code 96799 and a state code of "AS". Postage between Hawaii, American Samoa and the mainland and overseas military & diplomatic installations (APO, FPO, DPO addresses) is charged at the same domestic rates as it would be within a single island or between the islands of American Samoa.
American Samoa's area code is 684. When dialing any off-island telephone number, dial 1 + area code + phone number. Check with your phone/long distance company to regarding the rates.
Where to go next
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Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.