Pago Pago Harbor

Pago Pago Harbor, cradled on the island of Tutuila, is one of the deepest and most spectacular natural harbours in the entire Pacific, a long, sheltered inlet of an ancient volcanic crater ringed by soaring, jungle-clad mountains. Towering over the bay is the dramatic peak of Mount Pioa, aptly nicknamed the Rainmaker for the clouds and rain it draws, adding to the scene's lush drama. Around the harbour cluster the villages and small capital that form the heart of American Samoa, its waters busy with fishing and cargo vessels. With its deep blue waters, encircling green peaks and easygoing island life, Pago Pago Harbor is a strikingly beautiful and welcoming introduction to the territory.

What you actually see

• The natural harbour - the deep, sheltered volcanic bay.
• The Rainmaker - the dramatic cloud-drawing Mount Pioa.
• The green peaks - the jungle-clad mountains ringing the bay.
• The harbour life - the villages and fishing around the water.

When to go

May to September, the drier and cooler season, brings the most pleasant weather, avoiding the wetter months, though the Rainmaker peak draws clouds and showers in any season; the tropical climate is warm year-round. Clear spells offer the finest views over the harbour and mountains.

Honest expectations

Pago Pago is a working harbour and small island capital rather than a resort, so its appeal is its spectacular natural setting and easygoing island life more than tourist attractions, and the Rainmaker peak lives up to its name with frequent showers. As one of the great natural harbours of the Pacific, a deep blue bay ringed by soaring green mountains, though, Pago Pago is genuinely beautiful and welcoming.

Nearby

The National Park, the villages of Tutuila and the island's beaches lie nearby.