Going to American Samoa on business - suggestions?

I am going to American Samoa in July for 10 days to put on an educational conference for high school students. The conference itself is only 4 days, so that means that I will have several free days to explore the island. I am going to be landing at the airport in Pago Pago and the conference itself is in Pago Pago. I will have a hotel room provided there through work, but will have a few days, particularly after the conference, where I could ostensibly travel wherever I would like to travel. I'm having some difficulty finding tons of info about AmSamoa though - I know it is a relatively off-the-beaten-path spot. I am reading over previous posts on American Samoa but would love any additional advice on how to spend my free time there. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Here is a great guide.

I did the Mt Alava hike and then I went down (continue walking on top until you see the visitors fale and a sign saying to Vatia), via the jungle and log ladders, to the village of Vatia (where the cockscomb is) and then walked up the road to the viewpoints above Vatia and Amalau Bay. Don't go on Sunday, like I did, when there is no place open to buy refreshments in Vatia. (My water, lunch and snacks were gone by then.) Made it to a Chinese store in Afono just before they closed and drank them out of Gatorade. Weekdays there should be a bus to get you back to Pago, on Sunday I had to hitch. To far and hilly to walk all the way back. Be prepared to get very muddy.

Take a bus to the end of the line. Loads of them running Monday-Friday. Wonderful siteseeing with a musical accompaniment.

If you have a few days free then you've got to consider flying over to Ofu and seeing the National Park Beach there. Imagine having this beach all to yourself.

Go to Ofu island! It's the secret gem of the South Pacific.

Don't miss the Umu (earth-oven-meal) in Wendesday at Tisa's Barfoodbar - a beautiful place and excellent food (buffet 30 USD)

It's a nice experience, but not worth $30.00 unless they'll including drinks.[;'\

Nr. 4: Have you been there - that you know the Umu is expensive? I did - and it was great! But if you are one of the fast-food-eaters -o.k. than is to expensive!

#5 Yes, I've been there many times. And yes, over the years I've eaten at a fast food place. Not sure what The Candy Man told you, an umu is not worth $30.00 per person, it may be worth $30.00 if he lets you take an aiga basket with you.;'['

Nr. 6: My wife and me came back from the South Pacific and Pago Pago a few weeks ago. And we stayed at Tina's for nearly one week in the Fale. I travelled a lot in my life (look to my profile) - and it was one of the greatest places I ever stayed. The candyman is not responsible for the umu - it is Tina (a member of the Chiefs-family and her family. One question to Pago - if you think the umu is to expensive - why did you shared this dinner many times? Is it possible that you have some private problems with the Candyman?
Nr. 1: try the umu - and decide what you think about it!

We've been to Tisas many times over the years. Just for lunch and drinks. We would never pay $30.00 for an umu, not unless it included Elvis or Frank Sinatra entertaining us.
So you're saying The Candy Man doesn't help prepare the umu anymore?
Yes, Tisas is a neat place and she's quite the gal. I suppose she's still wearing one of my caps. ;[;']

How about go down the coast and catch a boat over to the nearby Aunu'u island and have a walk around there. The little local buses (converted pickups) are wonderful to get around Tutuila....frequent buses up and down the island with the main depot at the market place. Aloha

Nr. 9 is absolutley right. But don't forget there are only a few busses on Saturday and absoluteley no busses on Sunday

Oh yes! There are all kinds of amazing things to see on Tutuila.

If you are a hiker, try the Mt Alava trail. it will give you a great view of the island for about a 7 mile hike. Turn off the main road in Pago like you are heading to Fagasa and the trailhead is at the top of the ridgeline - there's a sign so you can't miss it. When you reach the area where the old cable car was, go up the stairs to the fale for some shade or the platform in front of the cables for an amazing view.

There are also plenty of beautiful beaches - some incredibly scenic, some great of beach combing, and others that are better for snorkeling. I love the beaches here so I have a lot I could say, but I don't know what you're most interested in. Feel free to email me if you have specific things you'd want to get out of a beach and I can make some suggestions.

I still haven't tried the umu at Tisa's, but I've eaten there several times. Candyman makes delicious steak or fish entrees. The steak is usually $20 and the fish about $15. The entrees come with whatever sides they decide to make that day (you don't get to choose) and I've never been disappointed. It's always delicious, but my favorite part of the meal are his pina coladas made from fresh squeezed coconut cream -yum!

Also, since you're only going to be here for a few days, I highly recommend going to the museum (across from the post office in Fagatogo and probably within walking distance of your hotel). It's a small museum so it won't take you long to see everything (45 minutes or so), but there are some interesting things in it. My favorite is a beautiful fine mat made in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The National Park of American Samoa has an office in the Pago Park building with books on the culture and ecosystems here. The park has TVs that constantly show movies of the wildlife here and there is one video showing how a fine mat is made. Usually the ladies who make fine mats are hanging out in front of the museum or at the National Park office so you can watch them weave.

I recently was in Pago and purchased an audio cd tour of the island at the hotel gift shop. With my rental car and the CD tour I learned more about the Samoan culture and environment than I thought existed.

It was fabulous.

John

Actually if you want to spend $30.00 to eat, go over to Aggie Grey's, they have an excellent fia fia with a real nice floor show included.

Here's a good blog to find free activities and events in American Samoa

http://amsamoa-busycorner.blogspot.com/

From Pago pago

JW