In the Eastern District, Fagatogo draws attention to culture, political history, and village life. A visitor center offers exhibits on nature, history, and culture; Malae o le Talu represents a ceremonial space in the village. Historic buildings and a market add to the picture. Eastern can thus be explored through different points of reference, each showing a distinct side of the region.

Culture and History in Fagatogo

The Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center is located in Fagatogo and offers exhibits and educational programs on the culture, history, and nature of American Samoa. The visitor center brings together several subjects that also feature in a broader view of the island group. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Malae o le Talu is the ceremonial center of the village of Fagatogo. In a traditional Samoan village, malae refers to the ceremonial center; in Fagatogo, this place serves a correspondingly central cultural function. For travelers interested in cultural landscapes, it offers a different way to experience the village than its historic buildings.

Historic naval buildings in Fagatogo are part of the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila Historic District. A historic site description presents the Maota-Fono complex as the seat of the Legislature of American Samoa. A historic courthouse is also among the local points of reference. These names point to history and political institutions; they do not imply anything about current visitor access.

The market in Fagatogo offers visitors fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs for purchase. Various kinds of goods are found side by side here: everyday necessities, crafts, and mementos. Travelers interested in these different facets of a place can include the market as a distinct cultural point of reference in their trip planning.

American Samoa in a Broader Context

The broader destination of American Samoa includes five volcanic islands—Tutuila, Aunuʻu, Ofu, Olosega, and Taʻū—as well as the Rose and Swains atolls. The National Park of American Samoa includes areas on Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu. About 4,000 acres of the National Park of American Samoa are underwater and just off these three islands. The broader destination thus encompasses both island and marine landscapes.

The National Park of American Samoa is accessible by flights to Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila; smaller connecting flights to Taʻū and Ofu are available from there. Check flight connections before traveling, as routes and transportation options can change.

In the broader destination of American Samoa, the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa consists of six protected areas covering a total of 13,581 square miles. Three areas are on and near Tutuila. In the broader destination of American Samoa, visitors can hike, swim, and explore reefs in the Sanctuary’s protected areas on Tutuila; access to some areas requires a boat. Fagatele Bay is one of the snorkeling areas in American Samoa, and diving in the Marine Sanctuary is also a possible activity.

The bays of Fogamaʻa and Fagalua also illustrate the landscape diversity of the broader destination of American Samoa. They form the inner western part of the larger bay area between Steps Point and Sail Point Rock. Both bays were formed by a flooded volcanic crater and are surrounded by steep, forested cliffs. They lie on the southwest coast of Tutuila.

Discover more destinations: Ma'oputasi, Western

Go to the broader travel overview: American Samoa.