Out and About

WHETHER IT BE relaxing on pristine beaches, hiking the trails of the resident national park or taking in some of the historical sites, there is plenty to occupy visitors in American Samoa.

Asked for his recommendations, Vaeafe comments: “I would suggest going to the National Park of American Samoa, one of 59 in the US National Park System and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, one of 14 in the US and the largest in both size and marine life diversity.

“American Samoa is also the last place on earth to see the final sunrise and sunset of every day and when you travel from Samoa to American Samoa, you cross the International Dateline and travel back in time.

“You should also visit the Manu’a Islands of Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega and visit ancient and sacred sites that even Samoan’s dare not go to because they are haunted by ghostly spirits to this day.

“Another option is to visit some of the US Naval Sites like the guns at Blunts Point or the old naval buildings in Utulei and Fagatogo villages, including the Governor’s Mansion as American Samoa was a US Naval base from 1900 to 1957 and played an active part in WWII against the Japanese.

“There’s plenty of shopping at the local retail stores, and if you are looking for tailor made clothing the sewing shops around the island can make or copy anything for you within a day or two. Dining out at local restaurants is cheap and food portions are huge, with a range of food outlets from US fast food brands to American and Asian fare and local Samoan food.”