Description
Home to one of the world’s deepest natural harbours, and capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago is an idyllic cruise destination and somewhere where a world of adventure awaits. Surrounded by vibrant tropical rainforests teeming with interesting wildlife, anyone with an explorer’s itch will feel right at home in Pago Pago; however, there’s a lot of history to learn about here too – with the area being first-settled over 4,000 years ago by Polynesian navigators. Home to the world’s largest tuna cannery, and a fishing industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually, it’s safe to say that fresh seafood is among the food you’ll find here – and it’s well worth taking some time to tuck into something tasty when visiting Pago Pago. You may need to remember a coat when visiting, as Pago Pago enjoys the highest annual rainfall of any harbour in the world, but the incredible experience you’ll encounter here is worth getting a little damp for.
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Things to do
Blunts Point Battery
Blunts Point Battery is a fascinating site to visit when in Pago Pago, and it tells an interesting story, despite never really being used. Located on Matautu Ridge, just a stone’s throw from Pago Pago, Blunts Point Battery was built as part of the island-wide fortifications developed following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. It’s a rare example of an American Second World War Pacific coastal gun in near-pristine condition, as American Samoa was never actually attacked during the war. However, as one of the only American military bases in the western Pacific, Pago Pago and American Samoa played a pivotal role in the Second World War. While both Blunts Point Battery and further fortifications built into the hillside beneath it are open to the public, the hiking trail to reach these sites is something to consider if you’re wanting to visit. It might sound like a lot of effort, but that effort is worthwhile – if anything, just to see the stunning views from the battery itself.
Rainmaker Mountain
Rainmaker Mountain is truly a sight to behold, and something you can’t miss when visiting Pago Pago. Also known as Mount Pioa or Mount Peiva, Rainmaker Mountain boasts a three-pronged summit and finds itself directly responsible for the increased rainfall the region enjoys throughout the year. Home to numerous rare species of animal and plant, the mountain is also an important part of Samoan folklore, with Rainmaker Mountain a once-angry brother who now stands brooding – with rainclouds around his head – across Tutuila Island from Matafao Peak – the other brother, and another breathtaking mountain you can see when visiting Pago Pago.
Jean P. Haydon Museum
A fascinating museum dedicated to the culture and history of American Samoa, the Jean P. Haydon Museum boasts an incredible collection of authentic canoes, coconut-shell combs, native pharmacopoeia, and more. It’s even home to a naval cannon from HHMS Kaimiloa, the only warship in the fleet of King Kalakaua of Hawaii. The exhibits you’ll find here focus on everything from the natural history of the region and kava bowls to traditional tattooing and historic war clubs. If you’re looking to learn more about American Samoa and its people, this is a must-visit destination in Pago Pago.