How to Get to American Samoa: Flights, Travel Routes & Tips from the U.S.

Are you starting to plan your trip to the National Park of American Samoa and realizing that planning this trip is going to be a lot like exploring the Alaska National Parks?

It’s not as easy as booking a quick nonstop flight. This U.S. territory is situated deep in the South Pacific, making it one of the most remote and challenging places to reach. But don’t worry — I’ll break down exactly how you can get there by plane, cruise ship, or even through Samoa.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to get to American Samoa.

Key Takeaways about getting to American Samoa

• American Samoa is only reachable by air or sea.
• The main route is via Honolulu, Hawaii, on Hawaiian Airlines.
• Some travelers use Samoa as a cheaper connection.
• Cruise ships stop in Pago Pago.
• U.S. citizens don’t need a visa, but non-U.S. travelers do.
• Everyone needs a Passport.
• The National Park of American Samoa is spread across several islands.
• The Manuʻa Islands require an inter-island flight from Pago Pago.

Curious? Learn more about American Samoa with these 25 Epic American Samoa Facts.

Where Is American Samoa?

American Samoa is a remote U.S. territory in the South Pacific Ocean. It sits about 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii and just east of the Independent State of Samoa (also called Western Samoa). Many travelers confuse American Samoa with its neighbor, but they are two separate places.

The territory is made up of four main islands: Tutuila, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta‘ū, plus two coral atolls. The capital is Pago Pago, located on Tutuila Island.

Where is the National Park of American Samoa?

The National Park of American Samoa is one of the most unique parks in the entire U.S. system.
It’s actually the only U.S. national park located south of the equator. The park is spread across three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘u. Flights to Ofu and Ta‘u are small, weather-dependent, and can be delayed. The visitor center is located on the island of Tutuila.

Travelers come here for its pristine coral reefs, lush rainforests, and untouched beaches. It’s also one of the best places to experience traditional Polynesian culture.

How to Get to American Samoa from the United States

Here’s the part most travelers get stuck on: how to get to American Samoa from the U.S. mainland. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the continental U.S.

Unless you live in a city whose airport is serviced by Hawaiian Airlines, you will need to book two tickets to visit American Samoa. It needs to be Hawaiian Airlines, not one of their codeshare partners. You will need to fly to Hawaii or Samoa, then on to American Samoa.

Travel to American Samoa from Hawaii

If you’re already in Hawaii, you’re halfway there. The Honolulu to Pago Pago route is the most direct route to American Samoa. Currently, Hawaiian Airlines is the only carrier serving this route.

All the American Samoa flights depart out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu and fly into the Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) in Pago Pago on the island of Tutuila. Flights typically operate on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings (though schedules can change). The flight takes about 5.5 hours.

Due to limited flight availability, ticket prices can be steep. They range from $900 to $1,200 round-trip from Hawaii. You should book 3–6 months in advance, especially during the summer or holidays, when many American Samoans return home to visit.

Expect to spend 11-15 hours sitting on an airplane traveling to American Samoa if you are coming from the continental U.S.

Other Routes: Via Samoa (Independent Samoa)

When traveling between American Samoa and Samoa, be VERY careful. The International Date Line runs between American Samoa and Samoa. Samoa is 23 hours ahead of American Samoa.

Flying to American Samoa via Samoa

Another way to reach American Samoa is by flying into Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia, Samoa, first, then hopping a puddle jumper over to American Samoa. This route isn’t a great option for people with limited time. At the time of writing, the only direct flight from the US to Samoa is from Honolulu. All other flights to Samoa stop in Fiji, New Zealand, or Australia. From Apia, you can take a short 35-minute flight to Pago Pago via Talofa Airways and Samoa Airways.

This route can be slightly cheaper overall, but it requires an additional 10 hours of flying. Flight prices vary depending on your origin in the United States, ranging from $800 to $1,400, plus an additional $300 for the Apia to Pago Pago leg.

This is a better option for people looking to take a longer trip to the South Pacific, Australia, or New Zealand. Personally, if I were to do this, I’d start my trip in New Zealand or Australia, explore there before heading to American Samoa, and then fly back via Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines or Fiji Airways from Samoa.

Ferry from Samoa to American Samoa

The Samoa Shipping Corporation offers weekly ferry services between Apia, Samoa, and Pago Pago, American Samoa. This is a no-frills ferry with indoor and outdoor seating, and the crossing takes about 10 hours.

Visiting American Samoa by Cruise Ship

Another way to visit American Samoa is to come on a cruise ship. This is by far the most common way to visit the islands. I’m not sure how many of those visitors are just doing a South Pacific cruise that stops in American Samoa, or picked their cruise because it visits American Samoa and its amazing National Park. But it is what it is.

American Samoa is a popular stop on transpacific repositioning cruises, world cruises, and cruises from Fiji to Tahiti. The cruise ships only stop in Pago Pago and, on average, spend 8-10 hours in port. Most cruise ships are mid-sized to large, accommodating between 600 and 3,000 passengers.

Check out the latest American Samoa Cruise Ship Schedule.

How to Get to Manuʻa Islands?

The Manuʻa Islands are three small islands to the west of Tutuila. They include Ofu, Olosega, and Taʻū.

The Ferry to the Manuʻa Islands

There is an inter-island ferry service offered every two weeks from Pago Pago via the MV Manu’atele. The ferry typically departs for the Manu’a Islands on Wednesday evening and arrives Thursday morning. It departs for Pago Pago on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. The ferry usually goes to Ta’u, then Ofu, but this will depend on the weather. The length of stay usually depends on what needs to be offloaded. The best way to book is at their office in Pago Plaza, once in American Samoa. The trip costs $60 per person for a round-trip.

How to Get to Ofu-Olosega from Tutuila?

Flying to Ofu-Olosega

Samoa Airways offers three flights weekly to Ofu Airport (OFU) from Pago Pago. The flights start at $310 per person, round-trip. As of May 2025, the flights are offered on Tuesday and Thursday, and the published flight times (expect delays) are:

• PPG to OFU – departs at 8:45 AM and lands at 9:25 AM.
• OFU to PPG – departs at 10:05 AM and lands at 10:50 AM.

How to Get to Ta’u from Tutuila?

Samoa Airways offers three flights weekly to Fitiuta Airport (FTI) from Pago Pago International Airport. The flights start at $310 per person, round-trip. As of May 2025, the flights are offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the published flight times (expect delays) are:

• PPG to FTI- departs at 8:45 AM and lands at 9:25 AM.
• FTI to PPG – departs at 10:05 AM and lands at 10:50 AM.

How to Get to Ofu-Olosega to Ta’u?

At the time of writing, MV Segula is currently out of service, with no timetable for its return. The local fisherman will provide ferry service for $150-$300 per trip. Your lodging provider can probaly help you arrange transportation. It is best to wait until you arrive in the Manu’a Islands to make your travel arrangements. Some of the hotels can help arrange this transportation.

Here are three captains who offer transportation between Ofu and Ta’u:

• Suafo’a +1-684-731-7082
• Sai +1-684-770-3043
• Tevesi +1-684-782-0194

Visa and Entry Requirements for American Samoa

Please note that this is not legal advice. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you have the proper permits or documentation to enter American Samoa.

All visitors to American Samoa are required to complete a Health Declaration Form before arrival on the islands. You will need to upload a copy of your passport to complete this process. Be sure to save the QR code to show the health official upon arrival on the island.

Visiting by Cruise Ship

Cruise ship passengers are issued a transit visa upon arrival. You are not required to obtain an Entry Permit or EPWP to visit American Samoa via a cruise ship.

American Citizens

American Citizens do not require a visa to visit American Samoa, but you are required to have a valid passport.

U.S. Green Card Holders

U.S. Green Card Holders need a valid passport and must apply for an Entry Permit Waiver Program regardless of nationality.

International Visitors

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply to the Entry Permit Waiver Program (EPWP):

If you are not eligible for an EPWP, you will need a Non-US 30-Day Visitor Permit. You will need a qualified local sponsor to apply on your behalf in person. Several local hotels can assist with getting to American Samoa.

FAQs About Getting to American Samoa

Do I need a visa to go to American Samoa?

It depends on your nationality. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not require a visa to visit American Samoa; however, you will need a valid passport.

U.S. Green Card holders and International Visitors will need to apply for an Entry Permit or the Entry Permit Waiver Program. Citzens of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Republic of S. Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom are eligible for the Entry Permit Waiver Program.

Do you need a passport to travel to American Samoa?

Yes, you will need a valid passport to visit American Samoa, which INCLUDES U.S. citizens and green card holders.

What airlines fly to American Samoa?

• Hawaiian Airlines
• Talofa Airways
• Samoa Airways

Can I travel from Samoa to American Samoa?

Yes. Talofa Airways and Samoa Airways run multiple flights daily between Pago Pago, American Samoa (PPG), and Apia, Samoa (APW). Please note that the International Date Line runs between American Samoa and Samoa.

Is there a ferry to American Samoa?

Yes, there is a weekly ferry service between Apia, Samoa, and Pago Pago, American Samoa, operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation.

How long is the flight from Hawaii to American Samoa?

The flight from Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) takes about 5 hours and 35 minutes to 5 hours and 44 mins.

Can U.S. citizens travel freely to American Samoa?

Yes, they can as long as they have a U.S. passport.

Final Thoughts on the Best Way to Get to Pago Pago

Getting to American Samoa may take extra planning, multiple flights, or even a cruise stop, but that effort is part of what makes the destination so extraordinary. Its remoteness preserves the islands’ wild beauty and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you arrive by plane from Honolulu, hop over from Samoa, or sail in on a cruise ship, the journey is well worth it once you step into this tropical paradise. With your passport in hand and a flexible mindset, you’ll be ready to experience the unforgettable magic of American Samoa.

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