Pago Pago Shore Excursion Reviews

Most of the restaurants in Pago Pago are American in style -- after all, you are technically in the United States -- with a decent dose of local color in decor and menu. The town does not have many restaurants, but of the few choices available, most open for breakfast around 7 a.m. and close after lunch at about 2:30 p.m. One notable exception is the Don't Drink the Water Caf? on Pago Plaza, which remains open until 12:30 a.m. on Saturdays (and don't be alarmed by the name -- you can safely drink any beverage served in this eatery).

One of the best places in town is the Sadie Thomson Inn (633-5981), on the main street by the waterfront. Located in a green building some half a mile from the quay (turn right at the dock gate), it offers a lively bar and a restaurant. The bar meals change daily, but you always have a choice of four mains, two of which are fish. The restaurant offers an a la carte menu for lunch (served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The ham and veggie soup ($6) is pleasantly full of carrots, peas, onions and cabbage. Aki Mignon ($16) -- essentially tuna with fried bacon -- is served with fried rice, sprouts and a sauce. Medium rare, it was excellent -- not surprising, given that the fishing boats dock just across the road. The service was quick and friendly, and the place itself was clean and pleasant in modern, simple style.

The Jean P. Haydon Museum (tel. 633-4347) in the center of Pago Pago is housed in an old iron-roofed building that was once the U.S. Navy's commissary. It features artifacts and objects linked to Samoan history, sea life, canoes, kava making, and traditional tools and handicrafts, including the finely woven mats that have such great value in Samoa and Tonga. The museum is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on holidays; admission is free.

Just offshore of the village of Vatia is Pola Island, a tiny uninhabited island with magnificent sheer cliffs and a huge seabird population. The island is part of the National Park of American Samoa, and the U.S. government leases the land from nine villages that lie within the park. The villagers retain ownership of the land, as well as the right to use it for farming and fishing, but at the same time, the area is preserved as a national treasure. Activities on offer include hiking and bird watching. The park is visible from the north side of Tutuila island (you can get there by rental car or local bus) or you can take a boat tour to the island through North Shore Tours (tel. 258-3527).

American Samoa may be a burgeoning region for hiking, but the steep mountains and lack of established trails mean that only experienced hikers need apply at the moment. For great views of Pago Pago and the rugged northwest coast, take the well-worn track up Mt. Alava. The three-mile (5 km) climb should take about five hours -- be sure to bring plenty of water. For guided hikes and tours contact the Office of Tourism (684-699-9411) or stop by the National Park Visitors Center in the Pago Plaza Shopping Center.