Photo Album - American Samoa

Schooner Seawanhaka reached Pago Pago, American Samoa after a long passage from San Diego on the last day of May 2004. We spent 4 weeks exploring the island of Tutuila, the largest of American Samoa's 7 islands. This is an interesting place because it has a traditional south pacific island culture mixed with a strong United States influence. The people are friendly, the Pago Pago harbor is dramatic and the island of Tutuila has some beautiful sites.

American Samoa has been a territory of the United States since 1900. It is known as the "Heart of Polynesia". Unlike some of the other South Pacific island paradises, American Samoa (or at least Pago Pago) has been criticized for being somewhat industrial and polluted. Despite that reputation, there has been a considerable effort at improving the situation in the harbor, and we had some great times in American Samoa. While Pago Pago needs a good dose of TLC, much of the rest of Tutuila Island is beautiful. We hiked up to the top of Mt. Alava, rode bikes out to Leone, visited Sliding Rock, hiked down to Massacre Bay and took a ferry out to tiny Anuu'u Island.

Look at iPacific or Lonely Planet for some great information on American Samoa.

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After a long sail, we reach the beautiful beaches of Tutuila island in American Samoa.	Pago Pago harbor is one of the most beautiful harbors in the South Pacific. This shot of Seawanhaka in the harbor was taken during a hike on Mt Alava, next to the harbor.	Captain Bill on top of Mt. Alava, looking over Pago Pago Harbor and the Pacific Ocean beyond.	The best modes of transportation around here are the Aiga buses...they are all decorated differently and blast Samoan music on your ride.
Bill sailed 4453 miles to enjoy a cold Vailima beer at the Pago Pago Yacht Club.	The big market in town happens on Friday night. Unfortunately, a January hurricane destroyed most of the produce on the island so much is imported from Samoa.	In the harbor, these strange fish swim on the surface in a huge school. Despite the pollution, we've also seen tropical fish and turtles swimming in the harbor.	Darren and Mike catching some spray at the "Turtle and Shark Point".
Mike, Darren and I took a tour of a huge tuna fishing boat called Bold Venture, thanks to Simon, the ship's engineer.	The dining area on Bold Venture was huge! Here Mike & Darren wait for lunch to be ready (Hector the chef cooked up a great meal for his crew and guests that day).	Most American Samoans are very religious...there are churches all over the islands.	One day I hiked up to Leone Falls for a nice, cold, freshwater swim.
View of Seawanhaka from the top of the foremast, during a little boat project.	Swimming in a cool, clear pool in the dried lava flow. It was so clear you could see the tropical fish swimming around your feet without goggles or a mask.	Bill pays his respects to Captain La Perouse, the French explorer who landed here in 1787, got in a fight with the Samoans and named the place Massacre Bay.

Go back to Fanning Island (Tabuaeran) photos.

Go on to Samoa photos.