American Samoa is in Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand.
American Samoa is located in the South Pacific, just east of the International Date Line (lat. 14° 18¢ S. and long. 170° 41¢E.). These islands are approximately 1,000 miles south of the equator and 2,500 miles south of Hawaii, 1,600 miles from New Zealand and 4,200 miles from Los Angeles. There are 5 islands and 2 atolls that make up American Samoa: Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta’u, Swain’s atoll and Rose atoll. The Manu’a island group (Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u) is approximately 60 mi. from Tutuila.
The highest point in American Samoa is Mt. Lata on Ta’u Island, which is 3166 ft (965 m). Tutuila’s highest point is Mt. Matafao at 2142 ft (653 m). American Samoa has a maritime climate with abundant rain ranging from 125 in. to over 250 in. per year depending of the specific area and island. The driest months are June through September and the wettest December through March.
The temperature ranges from 70° to 90° with nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. The coolest weather coincides with the dry season and the warmest weather with the wet season. Heavy rain showers can occur all year and often cause damage such as flooding, landslides, electrical power failures and road and culvert damage. Hurricanes are fairly common, occurring generally once every decade. The population is approximately 62,000, the majority of which is on the island of Tutuila.
Try to go to the Manu’a Group, especially to Ofu and Olosega, where steep verdant slopes fall to sparkling white beaches. The fringing reef along Ofu’s south coast is now part of National Park of American Samoa and there’s some great snorkeling just offshore. Only around 600 people live in the half dozen small villages on Ofu and Olosega islands, which are connected by a bridge. You won’t find a large hotel here, but two small guest houses provide inexpensive accommodations, and family-style meals are provided at fair rates. It’s a lovely quiet place to go for long walks, swim in the ocean, relax, etc. A local airline flies between Pago Pago and Ofu twice a day, charging around US$155 roundtrip.
The crunch here is accommodations and you won’t find any motels or bed and breakfasts for under US$60 double, or over twice what you’d pay for a budget room in independent Samoa. Beer is also more expensive, but many other things including food and transportation are similar in price. Due to low taxation, consumer goods are actually cheaper here than in Apia, which accounts for the pushy local hordes on the ferry. Most sightseeing attractions are free, so once you’ve adjusted to the price of your hotel you’ll have few worries. Two or three nights is enough if you’re only making a sidetrip from Apia.
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