Welcome to American Samoa: An Island of Culture and History

Introduction to the American Samoa Islands

 

American Samoa is recognized to be an US territory that is resided in the South Pacific Ocean. It is almost in the middle between New Zealand and Hawaii and includes 5 volcanic islands along with 2 coral atolls. Tutuila is the main island among these 5 islands and its capital is Pago Pago. Pago Pago is mostly recognized for its tropical climate, rich heritage and Samoan culture, and a very strong emphasis on the traditional rituals and customs.

 

Half or almost whole of the population of American Samoa lives in the coastal villages and the complete economy of the country is dependent on tourism and tuna canning process. Giving warmth and great hospitality is the specialty of samoan people for which they are recognized worldwide.

 

Speaking about the political conditions of American Samoa, it is a very unrecognized and unincorporated territory which is completely administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of the Interior. Even though it is so much distinct from the world, tourism is super strong here and is the primary source of income for the locals and the authorities.

 

Exploring the National Park of American Samoa –

 

 

 

The american samoa islands has a very big history of culture and is nowadays considered as a very popular national park. The national park of american samoa is a tropical park with multiple ecosystems co-existing together. It also has a very rich cultural heritage and some amazing secluded yet mesmerizing beaches. Things that visitors can explore with amaze, relating to the Samoan traditions are the national park’s rainforests, its coal reefs, and marine lifestyle.

 

Let’s understand the several things that can be explored in the american samoa national park in detail below:

 

• Coral Reefs –

Multiple unique marine beings reside here and snorkel in the national park’s coral reefs. They consider it as their home and a natural habitat to live safely and happily.

 

• Rainforests –

Hiking through the rich and wildly spread rainforests of American Samoa is surely a great and fun activity.

 

• Wildlife and Beaches –

Roaming on beaches and viewing wildlife of this place from a safe distance is also a great thing to do while on a tour to American Samoa.

 

• Cultural Exhibits and Special Programs –

Many special programs and cultural exhibits can be explored while on American Samoa. These will help in understanding the culture and existence of American Samoa to visitors better.

 

Culture and Heritage of American Samoa –

 

 

American Samoa follows the values of Polynesian heritage and that is the specialty of this place for which it is known worldwide. The lifestyle of this place is very different from the world in terms of food, dance, music, housing, language, and many other aspects.

 

For example, the food that the locals here primarily eat are sea food such as taro, tuna, etc, Also, fruits such as bananas, coconut cream, etc., are consumed here.

 

In the same way, open-air houses are present for the locals to live in and these houses doesn’t have any walls around them. All the communal gatherings and sleepovers are done in these places itself. Speaking about dance and music, the locals perform Siva, which is a traditional dance here and with it comes drums and pure traditional singing. Mostly, English is spoken by the locals here but their primary language is Samoan.

 

The national park of American Samoa consists of numerous rainforests, and shows the beauty of nature to a great extent with its environment and island practices to preserve its ecosystem. Fishing practices are the crucial source of economy for the locals and also a survival source (in the form of food). Many American Samoan have also a great taste and interest in tattooing themselves in their traditional ways.

 

Islands and Natural Beauty of American Samoa –

 

The natural beauty of American Samoa islands lies in its rainforests, coral reefs, beaches, and also volcanic landscapes. There exist lush tropical rainforests that are spread so wide that it reaches the mountain peaks present on the coastlines.

 

Also, the views of the mesmerizing rugged sea cliffs, white sandy beaches, and pristine coral reefs are completely out of the box and appealing. Not to forget, this place has received a natural backdrop of the Pacific Ocean which makes the views around it much more special.

 

Hiking activity in the mountains of the American Samoa will be considered a treat for the eyes of the hikers and is one of the most unforgettable things that you will take home from here. So, considering hiking in the mountains of American Samoa, with proper permissions and previous planning will give a lot of breathtaking moments to the hikers undoubtedly.

 

Every detail about the hikes and the things that people should be careful about while hiking is explained at the information centers. Visitors who want to hike (or even the general visitors) should approach the information centers, first thing after coming to American Samoa to make their trips flowing smoothly and quite enjoyable for sure.

 

Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip to American Samoa –

 

 

While planning your trip to American Samoa, make sure to consider question such as where is American Samoa and how to reach it seriously. American Samoa is located in the South of Pacific Ocean and all the information related to it can be found on its official website or at visitor centers. Also, these centers provide a detailed american samoa map to visitors for further reference.

 

The cost of traveling to American Samoa can range between 100-1000 dollars individually. Accommodation is very comfortable and present on the island itself and budget-friendly options can be chosen by the visitors. Considering american samoa in the south pacific ocean map to get to know every single spot here will be effective. Also, search for the best hotels in american samoa and make your bookings before reaching there.

 

Sustainability and Development of American Samoa Island –

 

To manage or reduce the impact of climate change, American Samoa works very hard to focus on its sustainability and development centers. The centers controlling the rising sea levels, preservation of natural environment, local food production, and waste reduction & resource conservation are strictly bid by rules and continuous progress is tracked.

 

Symbols of American Samoa Island –

 

 

The most recognized symbol of American Samoa is a completely traditional and local design. It consists of a fly switch, representing wisdom, and the staff, which represents authority. Also, the Tanoa present on the symbol represents serving to the chief.

 

Different from the symbol, the american samoa flag consists of a red-edged triangle of white color, which points to the hoist. This flag was adopted in April 1960 and has replaced the star and stripes type of official flag which was previously used.

 

Comparing American Samoa and Samoa –

 

Coming to the comparison of American Samoa and Samoa, the points to be mentioned are:

 

• American Samoa represents democratic power whereas Samoa is a legislative power.
• As compared to Samoa, American Samoa is a small and less developed territory.
• The culture of both Samoa and American Samoa are similar but the political position and beliefs are completely different.

 

Frequently Asked Questions –

 

• What is the specialty of the volcanoes in American Samoa?

The most important specialty of islands and volcanoes in American Samoa are secretly hidden underwater. Only reason why these volcanoes were formed in the first place was because of the movement of Pacific Plate over the Samoan hotspot.

 

• What is the solid rock which holds the whole economy of the American Samoa?

The whole economy of the American Samoa is based on the tuna canneries. This is because tuna is the best export source that the territory has for a very long time now.

 

• Is there any relation between Samoa and American Samoa?

Yes, Samoa and American Samoa share the same heritage, culturally and historically. However, considering their political histories, they are very distant from each other. Both the international airports of Samoa (Faleolo International Airport) and American Samoa (Pago Pago International Airport) have many regular flights running between themselves.

 

• What does it require to enter into American Samoa?

To enter into American Samoa, the citizens of the US need to have a US validated passport or even certified birth certificate can do. They also need to have a ticket and a proof of employment with them.

 

• Where does American Samoa stand politically?

Politically, American Samoa is a completely unincorporated territory. The citizenship of the American Samoans is of the US and not its own.

 

Conclusion –

 

A politically unincorporated territory like American Samoa still has a lot of importance and status in the world of tourism. Its main source of income and building economy is none other than tourism because it is recognized all over the world as a valuable tourist asset. Its culture has adopted and is deeply rooted in the principles of Polynesian culture and so, it follows the system of traditional chiefs till today.

 

Overall, American Samoa is considered as a territory under the influence of the US government and the citizenship that the residents here receive is also of the US. However, from the point of view of tourism, visiting American Samoa will undoubtedly be the best decision.