American Samoa is an unincorporated U.S. territory and just one portion of the Samoan archipelago; it consists of 76.1 square miles of land (about the size of Rhode Island). It includes five volcanic islands (Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, Ta’u) and two remote atolls (Rose, Swains). American Samoa is located 14 degrees south of the Equator, just east of the International Date Line and Independent Samoa.
American Samoa is home to Pago Pago, one of the best deep water harbors in the South Pacific. The main islands are actually steep volcanic mountains that emerge from the sea floor with peak elevations of 3,710 ft on Ta’u Island (Lata Island) and 2,142 on Tutuila island (Matafao Peak). American Samoa has high levels of rainfall and a tropical climate. Thus its biodiversity is rich, especially in the surrounding reef environments. There is a long wet summer season (October – May) and a slightly cooler and drier season (June – September), but the temperature generally remains in the 80’s throughout the year.
American Samoa boasts many amazing natural wonders. At Pala lake on Aunu’u Island you will find gorgeous red quick sand. The lovely cascading ephemeral waterfalls at Amalau valley are an astonishing site. Some parts of the coastline include blow holes, and it is an interesting experience to place coconuts in these openings and watch them rocket up towards the sky with the assistance of a nice big wave. Local tropical rainforests host wondrous creatures, such as the Samoan flying fox, a giant species of fruit bat and an integral component of the biosphere. These bats swoop through the air both night and day, circling high above the canopy. There are numerous recreational activities to explore: the reefs abound with snorkeling opportunities, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and surfing. There is much fun to be had in American Samoa!
The American government provides most of the operating budget of the territory. The other main economic activities are the local tuna cannery, and tourism.
Samoan is the vernacular language in American Samoa, but many people also speak English. Samoan is a rich language with several levels. There is a "high oratory" form that only matai, high talking chiefs, understand and lower levels ascribed to age or status.
Quarry activities characterized the pre-historic period in American Samoa. Four large and six smaller stone quarries have been identified on Tutuila. American Samoa is home to the mysterious tia seu lupe, or "star mounds" in English. These mounds are constructed by stones with one or more rays and were utilized in the sport of pigeon-catching by matai (chiefs). However, the greater symbolic mysteries of this practice and the relationship between pigeon catching and the stars remains shrouded by history. You may visit the star mounds and reflect on the ingenuity of the early civilizations of American Samoa.
Another intriguing mystery in American Samoa stems from the legend of Turtle and Shark. If you visit beautiful Vaitogi village you may witness a turtle and shark rising to the surface of the water below the cliffs when villagers call out to them with their traditional chant. This feat still stumps scientists to this day.
Religion plays a central role in many peoples lives’ in American Samoa. Each village regardless of size has a minimum of three places of worship. Sunday is a special day when people suspend all other activities in order to congregate for worship and To’ona’i, a large afternoon meal, with family.
Drinking kava remains an important part of community meetings in American Samoa. Kava is a root that grows abundantly throughout Polynesia. It was traditionally the beverage of choice for royal families in the South Pacific. Kava ceremonies often mark the beginning of important meetings or events (i.e. births, marriages, deaths, welcoming guests, village meetings), and people sit around the fale in specific seats according to hierarchy and status. There are several rituals surrounding the drinking of kava that one must observe if invited to a ceremony.
Web Resources for American Samoa
