Tutuila is the largest and most significant island of American Samoa, one of the few freshwater islands inside the Samoan archipelago. It ranks as the 1/3-biggest island within the critical Pacific's Samoan chain, placed approximately 4000 kilometers northeast of Brisbane, Australia, and over 1200 kilometers northeast of Fiji.
The island boasts a large natural harbor - Pago Pago Harbour, which is the capital of American Samoa. Despite its modest length, Pago Pago conceals a rich ancient importance and almost legendary surroundings. This city, or, more correctly, a cluster of fishing villages, traces the shores of Pago Pago Harbor, fashioned from the erosion of Tutuila's volcanic crater over millennia. This bay-like harbor stands as one of the most breathtaking ports within the South Pacific, surrounded by steep, verdant hills with Mount Alava as its centerpiece.
Tutuila additionally has the Pago Pago International Airport. It covers about 68% of American Samoa's overall land place and is home to 95% of its populace. The island functions as six terrestrial ecosystems and three marine ecosystems. It is colloquially known as "Rocks."
Tutuila Map
| Name | Tutuila |
| Country | American Samoa |
| Coordinates | 14.295°S 170.70°W |
| Area | 142.3 km2 (54.9 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC -11 |
| Population | 55,876 |
| Airport | Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) |
History of Tutuila
The Polynesians arrived in Samoa around 600 BC, setting up settlements in Tutuila, especially at Tula. Tutuila served as a place of exile for defeated warriors and chiefs throughout much of its records.
American Samoa has been underneath U.S. Manage due to the fact that in 1899, the United States, Germany, and Britain signed a tripartite agreement dividing the Samoan archipelago into elements: the western component became German colonial territory, while the Eastern part became American territory. In 1914, German Samoa fell into New Zealand's palms and gained independence in 1962. However, the eastern remained beneath American management.
Best Things to Do on Tutuila
National Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa offers a panorama, soundscape, and global experiential, in contrast to every other country-wide park in the United States. Here, you won't find the standard centers of maximum country-wide parks. Instead, with a bit of an adventurous spirit, you'll discover secluded villages, rare plants and fauna, coral seashores, and scenic perspectives of each land and sea.
Tutuila Island is one of the 3 regions of the National Park of American Samoa, located offshore from the island. The NPS visitor center and exhibits are in Pago Pago, wherein park rangers allow you to plan your park adventures, showcasing the herbal and cultural resources of American Samoa.
Fatu ma futi
Flowerpot Rock, also known as Fatu Rock, refers to two sea stacks or rock islands near the entrance of Pago Pago Harbor. Legend has it that Fatu and Futi were lovers who lived in the Manu'a Islands.
Swimming in the clear waters between these rock formations allows you to appreciate how this unique sight was formed.
Mount 'Alava
You can discover Alava Mountain through the 11.7-kilometer-long Alava Trail. Because this trail is high-quality for birdwatching and trekking, you rarely experience remoted. The path is open 12 months round, making it really worth a visit at any time of the year.
The summit of Alava Mountain overlooks Pago Pago Harbor on Tutuila Volcanic Island. You can climb from Fagasa Bay to reach the summit. This ridge hike will take you to the pinnacle, passing by way of historic conversation towers along the way. Remember to deliver mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and lots of water with you.
Fagatogo Market
Visit Fagatogo Market to purchase freshly stuck fish, browse fruit and vegetable stalls, experience live gospel music, and immerse yourself inside the neighborhood lifestyle of American Samoa.
Fagatogo Market is where farmers and fishermen promote culmination, veggies, and freshly caught seafood. The market is bustling on Saturday mornings and Friday evenings. You also can find some neighborhood crafts and souvenirs, in particular when cruise ships dock at the port.
Tauese P. F. Sunia Ocean Center
To benefit from complete know-how of Tutuila's aquatic lifestyles and marine assets, visit the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center operated via the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.
The Ocean Center is a mastering, training, and exploration hub designed to rejoice in the significance of the American Samoan way of life and herbal marine assets. Exhibits cover the price of coral reefs, aquatic ecosystems, the connection between Samoan tradition and coral reefs, and the herbal and human threats to coral reefs.
Getting to Tutuila
Hawaiian Airlines operates a flight from Honolulu to Pago Pago every week. Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways also provide day-by-day flights departing from Apia, Samoa. Talofa Airways also provides two times-weekly flights from Tonga to American Samoa.
During top travel seasons from June to August and December to January, all airlines offer extra flights. For additional data and flight schedules, please go to the respective airline's website.
Samoa Shipping Corporation, which is located in Apia, Samoa, operates a weekly ferry carrier between Samoa and American Samoa.
Transportation on Tutuila
Near Tutuila's airport, you can quickly locate car apartment companies, making it convenient to explore the extra remote regions of the island via car, which can be pretty exciting.
For quick transportation to unique locations, opting for taxis that cover the complete island is convenient.
Of route, you could also tour the whole island by bus, with the central bus station and terminal located at the market in Fagatogo, a village adjoining Pago Pago. You can flag down buses or alight at any roadside area. Public buses do now not operate on Sundays.
Best Time to Visit Tutuila
Tutuila reports a tropical climate throughout the year, with two excellent seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The moist season generally happens from November to March, at the same time as the dry season lasts from April to October. The average daily temperature ranges from 84°F to 86°F or 29° to 30°.
It's advocated to put on lightweight cotton summer apparel year-round. Swimwear is suitable for the beaches, but while entering villages, it is polite to put on a T-shirt, shorts, or a lavalava. If attending church on Sundays, guys need to wear informal pants or shorts, while ladies must put on exceptional attire or blouses and skirts.
Stays on Tutuila
Tradewinds Hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service, a poolside bar, and a complimentary manager's reception. You can indulge in spa services here, such as body treatments, manicures/pedicures, or body scrubs, for a bit of pampering. The hotel's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's away from many of the island's attractions, shopping, and dining spots, but it's very close to the airport.
You can also find a variety of vacation hostels or holiday houses on Airbnb, each with its unique advantages.