The Villages and Culture of Tutuila

Beyond its natural beauty, the deepest treasure of American Samoa is the living strength of its Polynesian culture, the fa'a Samoa, or Samoan way, which endures vibrantly in the villages of Tutuila and the outer islands. Scattered along the coasts and valleys, traditional villages centre on the open-sided fale, roofed pavilions without walls that catch the sea breeze, and on the matai system of chiefly authority, strong extended families, and the central role of church and community. Visitors who come respectfully can experience genuine Samoan hospitality, witness traditional crafts, dance and the making of tapa cloth, and glimpse a way of life rooted in respect, faith and togetherness that has endured for millennia, a warm and authentic Polynesian encounter.

The main sights

• The fale houses - the open-sided traditional pavilions.
• The matai system - the living tradition of chiefly authority.
• The crafts and dance - the tapa cloth, weaving and Samoan dance.
• The village life - the church, family and community at the heart.

When to go

May to September, the drier season, is the most pleasant time to visit the villages, avoiding the wetter months; Sundays are deeply observed with church and rest, a special but quiet time. Respectful dress and behaviour are important, and cultural festivals add colour at various times of year.

Things to know

Village life is genuine and lived, not a staged attraction, so visitors must come respectfully, mindful of local customs, Sunday observance and the etiquette of entering a fale or village. As a warm and authentic encounter with the enduring fa'a Samoa, one of the strongest living Polynesian cultures, in its traditional villages, though, Tutuila offers a genuinely meaningful and memorable experience.

Nearby

Pago Pago Harbor, the National Park and the beaches of Tutuila lie nearby.