The Heart of Polynesia
American Samoa is a group of six Polynesian islands in the South Pacific which became an unorganized American territory in 1900. Located fourteen degrees below the equator, it is the United States’ southern-most territory. It is often referred to as “the heart of Polynesia.” If you drew a triangle from Hawaii, New Zealand and Tahiti you would find Samoa in the middle. With such a gorgeous location, it is no wonder that American Samoa has become one of the most popular island destinations anywhere.
To experience the most of these terrific islands, it is recommended that you hire a taxi charter for half a day to explore the island of Tutuila. This island is the home of the famous Pago Pago Harbor, one of the largest harbors anywhere in the South Pacific. This large, sheltered harbor made Tutuila Island a great asset for the United States during World War Two. By hiring a half day taxi charter, you will see most of the highlights of the island and enjoy a customized tour.
A drive around Pago Pago Harbor offers you stunning scenery, and you will find too many photo opportunities to list them all. You will view church after church as you make your way around the beautiful, clear harbor. Some say that Samoans have more churches per capita than any other people in the world. While that is hard to confirm, if you have an interest in or appreciation for religious architecture, American Samoa and the island of Tutuila offer a treasure trove for you to enjoy.
The community of Pago Pago is really made up of quite a few smaller communities all blended into one area. Just by traveling a few miles down the road, you might hear different musical styles and dialects, or notice changes in the architecture and color of the homes. One feature common to almost all the homes surrounding Pago Pago is that they will have a fale talimalo in the front yard. This unusual columned structure resembles a dance pavilion without walls, and is traditionally used for important family occasions. The family patriarch, often called a Chief, presides over family gatherings, weddings, funerals, festivals, and ceremonies within the fale talimalo.
Often, families will also have family cemeteries or crypts located near the fale talimalo in the front yard. According to Samoan culture, many people feel more comfortable having their ancestors close to home, rather than in a distant public cemetery. While this tradition helps families to honor and maintain their roots, it can also make reselling the property problematic. Often, ancestral homes are kept within the family for generations.
The unique land and cultures of American Samoa combine to create a varied and memorable vacation experience. Once you have experienced the half day charter taxi tour of the island of Tutuila, you will be able to explore the areas which particularly interested you on your own. Take as many pictures as you can, because you will want to show everyone the highlights of your dream vacation.
