Posted on November 7, 2025
American Samoa, a US territory in the South Pacific, has long been a secluded paradise, offering a rare combination of natural beauty, rich culture and welcoming atmosphere. Despite being the only land area in the United States south of the equator where US dollars are accepted, English is spoken, and phone chargers work smoothly, fewer than 4,500 tourists visited last year. This hidden gem remains largely undiscovered, providing an unspoilt haven for those looking for something truly unique.
Now, American Samoa is making it easier than ever for travelers to explore this untapped paradise. The American Samoa Visitors Bureau has launched a cutting-edge online booking platform designed to bring tourism on the island into the digital age. Visitors can now access more than 50 travel experiences, including guided tours, accommodations and rentals, through VisitAmericanSamoa.org, the new American Samoa Pocket Guide app, or directly through the websites of local tourism operators.
Planning a trip to American Samoa has historically been a time-consuming, offline process, requiring many back-and-forth exchanges and a great deal of patience. However, with no major hotel chains and a focus on community-based tourism, the new platform provides a simplified way for visitors to book their trips and interact with the local community.
The move not only simplifies travel planning, but also ensures that American Samoa stays true to its roots, providing authentic experiences while modernizing the way tourists interact with the island. With the platform, this remote destination is poised to attract more tourists, making it easier to discover and support local businesses, while preserving the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
“American Samoa has always been one of the United States’ best-kept secrets,” says Taimalilaji Minnie Toia, executive director of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau. “This new platform makes it easier to find our hidden gem. We are not a Sheraton or Hilton-type destination; rather, it is a place for curious travelers who want a rare window into a traditional way of life that still respects its language, customs and people.”
Located in the heart of Polynesia, American Samoa is made up of a chain of lush volcanic islands, where steep mountains and vibrant rainforests flow into the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Due to limited flat land for development, the island remains devoid of large-scale tourism, which is exactly what makes it such a captivating destination. The traditional way of life, fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), continues to flourish here, supported by communal ownership of the land that has preserved everything from ancient ceremonies to the continued use of the indigenous Samoan language.
American Samoa National Park, established as the 63rd national park of the United States, is the only park located in the Southern Hemisphere. However, it remains one of the most untouched parks in the country, with just 2,135 visitors in 2023. In fact, less than one in 1,000 Americans will have the opportunity to fly to American Samoa in their lifetime.
For those lucky enough to visit, the rewards are stunning: pristine rainforests that cascade into the sea, vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, and ancient villages that feel suspended in time. American Samoa’s pristine landscape and continued preservation of its cultural heritage make it a rare and unique destination in the South Pacific.
“What you see here is a living culture,” Toya adds. “Weddings, funerals and exchanges of fancy mats still carry more value than money. The pace is slower, the smiles are broader, and the pride in our heritage runs deep. It’s like a peek into yesteryear. American Samoa isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.”
A digitization initiative launched by the American Samoa Visitors Bureau has reshaped the way tourists can connect with the island. The project goes beyond simply creating a central reservation system. It has also provided local tourism operators with the tools to create their own websites, some of which are being launched for the first time. This digital leap not only gives these operators direct access to the global market, but also reinforces the community-based tourism model that has always been a hallmark of American Samoa.
If you’ve already visited popular destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean and are craving an adventure that takes you into uncharted territory, American Samoa could be your next exciting destination. Here, you can leave a string of hotels behind for immersive rainforest treks, escape traffic for peaceful walks through green taro fields, and discover an untouched paradise that feels like a true escape from the ordinary. For those looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, American Samoa offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
