American Samoa OVERVIEW
American Samoa has been a dependent state of the USA since 1899. It comprises a chain of islands situated in the Samoan Archipelago about half the way between Hawaii and New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. The land has a status of an unincorporated territory which defines Samoans as US "nationals", allowed to cross the border freely, work or serve the US armed forces, but not "citizens". The American Constitution is not the supreme law code on the island where Samoan cultural norms, especially the fa'a Samoa defining property ownership, hereditary rank and religious matters, is superior to many well-settled American rights. Although the American influence is powerful here, the islanders guard their cultural heritage, follow the Samoan way respectfully and expect visitors to behave alike.
Much underrated as a holiday destination, American Samoa is in fact a castaway's dream come true. With an intriguing land formation of inactive volcanoes, lava tubes, towering rugged mountain ranges carpeted with tropical forests and palm-fringed beaches, the island delights with dramatic vistas and makes any an itinerary packed with attractions. Central to the American Samoa group is the Tutuila Island, the largest and the most populated one with the nation's capital, Pago Pago, nestled scenically against rugged mountains, virgin forests and a cobalt blue harbor. Should you be weary of the Pacific vibe on your tropical island holiday, the capital city will turn out to be a nice interval with US-style stores and cuisine to pamper you with a bit of the westernized world. The breathtaking mountain scenery topped off with high cliffs plummeting into the roaring sea and gorgeous beaches also dominates on the Manu'a Islands, a destination popular with hikers and beach leisure seekers. Nothing more relaxing than a swim in the coral-filled azure waters off Ofu or Ta'u, a languid exotic cocktail sipped under a palm tree somewhere on the Olosega Island or snorkeling among kaleidoscopic tropical fish in Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Don't miss it out.
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