Why go to Pago Pago?
A spectacular mountainous setting, which offers easy access to the National Park of American Samoa
The recent tsunami dumped debris and oil in the harbor, so seafood caught here should be avoided
A port that is off the beaten track and has limited tourist services, but abundant natural beauty
Pago Pago Cruise Port Facilities?
Pago Pago is a very small town, so everything is close by. For the closest possible shopping option, look for the many stalls selling souvenirs on the quayside.
Good to Know?
It rains an awful lot here, so bear this in mind when venturing ashore. Although it's a warm rain, a true downpour may soak you with little advance warning. Also, due to the strong role of religion in the community, women are advised not to wear shorts when visiting the countryside.
Getting Around?
With a population of just 9,000, Pago Pago is a compact place, and you can walk the length of the town as it follows the seafront for a bit more than a mile. The town is surrounded by steep hills just a few hundred yards from the waters' edge, so the inland area gets narrower the farther you go from shore.
For those who'd rather not walk, local buses, which are built on large pickup trucks, will take you from the town center to anywhere you want to go for $1. Especially short trips cost only 50 cents.
To explore the island on your own, consider renting a car. Avis (tel 684-699-2746) is the only international chain. Friendly Car Rental (tel 684-699-7186; open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) offers a variety of cars from sedans to 15-passenger vans and SUVs. Sadie's Rental Cars is open 24/7 (tel 633-5981).
