8 Fun Facts About American Samoa

American Samoa shares territory with the United States, and shares both its name and location with the nearby Samoa. We gathered 8 fun facts about American Samoa, from the tuna exports to its rich marine biodiversity.

I have long dreamed of traveling to Hawaii, but the more I learn about American Samoa, the higher it moves up my travel wish list. I am most drawn to the beauty of its tropical beaches but the thought of jumping into a Siva Simoa traditional dance makes me want to grab my suitcase and lavalava. From my bucket list to yours, here are 8 fun facts about American Samoa.

1. American Samoa is closer to New Zealand than the continental U.S.

American Samoa is located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, only 1,340 miles (2,156 kilometers) from New Zealand. This means part of America is actually closer to Oceana than to the mainland of its own continent of North America.

American Samoa is 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) to Honolulu, Hawaii and another 4,850 miles (7,800 kilometers) to the mainland of the United States.

Ask Us About Student Travel Trips to American Samoa

2. American Samoan cuisine relies on locally grown ingredients

American Samoa’s remote location from the mainland makes local sourcing essential to reduce food import costs. The island’s cuisine emphasizes sustainability, and with dishes featured at family gatherings, communal feasts. Local farmers and fishermen supply fresh, seasonal ingredients that define these the following traditional recipes.

What are traditional Samon foods?

• Palusami is dish made of taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, often wrapped around fish or meat.
• Fa’alifu Fale’ia is a traditional dish of taro or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk.
• Samoan Pork is a slow-cooked pork wrapped in banana leaves, commonly cooked in an underground oven.
• Coconut Bread is a sweet, dense bread made with coconut milk, often served as a side dish.
• Poke is a fresh fish salad made with raw tuna, coconut milk, and seasonings.
• Oka I’a is a Samoan-style ceviche made with raw fish marinated in lemon and coconut milk.
• Samoan Fish Soup is a soup made with fish, vegetables, and coconut milk.
• Samoan Coffee is locally grown coffee often enjoyed as a morning beverage.
• Vaili is a dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls.

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3. American Samoa has five volcanic islands and two coral atolls

East Coast of Tutuila Island, American Samoa, South Pacific

American Samoa is made up of five volcanic islands and two coral atolls, each surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean.

The volcanic islands are Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega and Ta’u.

The two coral atolls, Rose and Swains, offer calm waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Here is one fact about each island that helps distinguish them better:

4. American Samoa’s economy is dependent on tuna canneries

Tuna is American Samoa’s number one export, valued at $353 million annually. American Samoa’s tuna canning industry is almost entirely dependent on the StarKist cannery, which is the last major cannery operating in the territory. StarKist is an important employer in American Samoa, crucial to the local economy.

Chicken of the Sea (another tuna cannery firm) used to operate a cannery in American Samoa as well but closed its facility in 2009 due to higher minimum wages and competitive global tuna prices.

5. American Samoa’s quarantine prevented Spanish Flu in 1918

In 1918, during the Spanish Flu pandemic, American Samoa imposed a strict quarantine. While 22% of the population in nearby Western Samoa (now the independent island of Samoa) died from the flu, the population of American Samoa avoided any deaths. American Samoa was the largest state to avoid any deaths from the 1918 pandemic.

6. Samoa Air has a pay-by-weight system

In 2013, Samoa Air introduced a pay-by-weight system for passengers. Unlike other airlines, which charge a fixed rate based on fare classes, Samoa Air charges passengers based on the combined weight of the individual and their luggage. The more you weigh, the higher the cost of your flight.

Samoa Air asks passengers to declare their weight during booking, which is then charged per kilogram (2.2 lbs) at a rate depending on the flight’s length. To prevent passengers from lying about their weight, they are also weighed at the check-in counter.

Why does Samoa Air have a pay-by weight system?

7. The National Park of American Samoa is the only U.S. national park south of the equator

American Samoa is located in the Pacific Ocean, and its ecosystem is unique compared to other U.S. national parks on the mainland. Visitors can explore rainforests, coral reefs, and beaches while learning about Samoan culture, folklore, and traditions.

Important Information for Visiting the National Park of American Samoa:

• Getting Around: The park offers “aiga” buses and taxis for transportation. Or you can rent a car for more independence.
• Where to Stay: Hotel accommodations are available. For a more authentic experience, consider a homestay with a local family.
• Climate: American Samoa is warm year-round, with temperatures often in the low 90s°F (30s°C). The humidity can make the heat feel even more intense, so be prepared for a hot climate.
• What to Wear: Light, casual clothing that covers most of the body is recommended to stay comfortable and show respect to the local culture. Swimwear such as rash guards or swim shirts is preferred over bikinis. Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella, as rain showers can come and go quickly. Another great option to opt for if you want a more local feel is to get your hands on a Lavalava! A lavalava is a traditional Samoan sarong. It’s often worn by both locals and visitors, especially for casual events or when attending cultural gatherings. 

Pro Tip: Camping is not allowed in the park, and on smaller islands, there are no public vehicles—so be prepared to explore on foot.

8. American Samoa is home to several endangered and endemic species

American Samoa is home to several rare and unique species, some of which are endangered or found nowhere else in the world.

Samoan Flying Fox  
The Samoan flying fox is crucial to the rainforests of American Samoa. The territory is abundant in fruit-bearing trees, making it an ideal home for this species. The flying fox feeds on nectar and fruits from these trees, and in the process, it transfers pollen between flowers, helping various rainforest species reproduce.

Samoan Starling
The Samoan starling is endemic to American Samoa and plays a vital role as a fruit eater and seed disperser. However, the starling faces threats from habitat loss, putting its population at risk.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
The Hawksbill Sea turtle nests on the shores of American Samoa. The Hawksbill’s shell is beautiful and distinct, which unfortunately make the turtle highly prized and human poaching led to its status as an endangered species.

White-Throated Pigeon
The white-throated pigeon is native to the Samoan Islands, distinguished by its white throat and colorful mix of grey, green, and brown feathers. This pigeon helps maintain forest health by dispersing seeds while eating fruit.

Perhaps this is one of the not so fun facts about American Samoa.

>> Help Conserve Marine Life: Marine Life and Coastal Restoration in the Dominican Republic.