FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Vaoto Lodge website was last updated
on January 17, 2012
The single best resource for general advice
about traveling to Samoa can be found in the pages of Lonely
Planet's Samoa & Tonga guide. This fantastic and
informative book was updated in November 2009 and should be
required reading for anyone considering a trip to our islands.
Order
your copy today!
David Stanley's American Samoa section at southpacific.org also has lots of good information about the Territory. Go HERE.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT AIR TRAVEL
TO OFU ISLAND
At the moment Inter Island
Air does not fly to Ofu. We are hopeful that this situation
will change soon and will post updates here when it does. Despite
having no air service you can still get to Ofu Island and stay
at Vaoto Lodge, but we are only recommending this to travelers
who understand that getting here is no small undertaking and
are willing to accept the possibility that weather and other
situations may result in them being stranded in paradise and
missing international air connections.
If you'd like to stay with us
and see our island, you will need to fly Inter Island Air to
Ta'u Island and then arrange transport via private alia (small
boat) to Ofu or Olosega. You can do this by inquiring at the
Ta'u airport on arrival and ask the agent there if he/she knows
if a boat is making the crossing. Usually this can be done as
trips are arranged on an as-needed bases but we cannot guarantee
it and we cannot arrange your ferry service in advance -- it
must be done on Ta'u when you arrive. We also cannot guarantee
your return boat transportation to Ta'u to catch your flight
back to Pago Pago.
With this transportation
situation we recommend you visit the island only if you are
extremely flexible with your travel plans.
Boat transport to and from Ta'u
should cost $150 per boatload each way. Be sure to
discuss the fare with the boat driver before departing Ta'u.
The boat owners accept cash only. Duration of the crossing is
dependent upon wind and sea conditions but usually takes about
90 minutes, or a little less if the boat goes into/out of Olosega.
It's advisable to get a contact number from your boat driver
and discuss the date of your planned departure from Ofu.
Upon arrival to either Ofu or
Olosega, call us (684-655-1120) let us know where you are and
we'll immediately pick you up.
If you'd like to email or call
Inter Island Air and voice your displeasure with their decision
to not fly to Ofu, please help the cause and CONTACT
them.
WAS OFU DAMAGED BY THE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
OF SEPTEMBER 2009?
A: No. The islands and villages of Ofu and
Olosega were spared and suffered no damage or loss of life.
Read about the events of that day here.
We are all well and hope to see you soon.
THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF DENGUE FEVER IN
AMERICAN SAMOA. WHAT IS THE SITUATION ON OFU?
A: We've had no reporsted cases of Dengue on
Ofu or Olosega. As always, it makes sense to bring mosquito
repellant when traveling to remote tropical locales like the
Manu'a Islands.
DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
A: No. Please plan to bring cash or traveler's
cheques. And, no, there is no ATM on Ofu. There are, however,
ATM machines at and near the airport in Pago. The ATM at the
airport itself is located to the right of the Governor's Lounge.
There are also ATMs at other locations near the airport at KS
Mart and Bank Of Hawai'i. Stop by an ATM just before you leave
for Ofu and grab some cash.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PACK?
A: Pack light, pack smart. Due to the small
aircraft that fly between the islands, Inter-Island
Air limits all passengers to 50-lbs of baggage. Additionally,
Hawaiian Airlines limits Pago Pago passengers to 50-lbs checked
bags. There are no clothing stores on the island and the local
bush stores have a very limited selection of non-food supplies.
Be sure to bring your snorkeling gear and a couple of good books!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
A: Shorts and T-shirts will do fine almost
anywhere on the island. Manu'a Islanders are culturally conservative,
therefore modest swim wear is expected when you're on the beach.
Men and women alike are welcome to wear lavalavas at any time.
Bring good walking shoes or sandals.
If you plan on trekking on Tumutumu Mountain, cargo pants (or
jeans) and sturdy hiking boots will be necessary. You can borrow
one of our machetes. If you want to hike Olosega's Piumafua
Mountain, bring a compass, GPS, tent, a Sherpa guide, rain gear,
plenty of food and water, first aid kit, and a good relationship
with your god -- people routinely get badly lost up there!
I'M A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT, IS THERE A BOAT
THAT I CAN TAKE TO/FROM PAGO PAGO?
A: Yes, however its sailing days are difficult
to predict. The boat is primarily for freight and not the most
accomodating vessel on the high seas as far as human beings
are concerned. Choose this route only if you are very sure of
your sea-worthiness! The eastern voyage to to the Manu'a Islands
is against the current and tradewinds and therefore is rough.
The night at sea will be chilly, and it's likely you'll get
wet. If you don't get seasick, someone near you will. The crossing
takes several hours depending on weather and seas. If you're
very lucky they will call on Ofu before leaving out for Ta'u,
otherwise you'll wait it out at Ta'u island while the vessel
is unloaded. If they can't make it into harbor they will unload
outside the harbor onto small boats and ferry cargo and passengers
to shore. Bear in mind that this will take no small amount of
time to accomplish. If the boat can't enter Ofu's harbor, a
similar protracted ferrying operation will ensue.
[OK, I've had some fun answering this voyaging
question, but I just want anyone who considers this route to
be prepared. Taking the boat is not a journey
for everyone. I've done the sea crossing a couple of times and
I know that which I speak. --Terry]
Contact MV Sili at 684-633-4701
which makes the Manu'a run in 6-8 hours depending on weather
and seas. Lately (updated September 2010) MV Sili departs Pago
Pago on Thursday morning, returning on Friday. $30/person one
way + $1 for each piece of luggage.
WHY HAVEN'T YOU ANSWERED MY EMAIL OR CONFIRMED
MY RESERVATION REQUEST?
A: If more than a week has passed since your
message to us and you are concerned, please telephone us at
684-655-1120. Lodge manager Deborah Malae's
cell number is 684-731-5476.
Our webmaster Terry
(based in the mainland U.S.) is a journeyman Ofu traveler [I
made my 19th trip in December 2010 --Terry] and
is available to help with answers to your Ofu Island travel
questions and can assist making your lodge reservations. Have
a lot of questions or need a quick answer? Don't hesitate to
give him a call! Terry can be reached via telephone during evening
hours (Central Time) at 309-786-6693.
HOW DO I GET FROM THE MAINLAND U.S. TO OFU?
A: Catch Hawaiian
Airlines to Pago Pago. You'll connect through Honolulu.
We recommend flying to the west coast from your home city and
spending the night there on the way down and coming home. Hawaiian
Airlines serves Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento,
San Jose, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, Phoenix, and Las
Vegas. It's a long flight to Samoa and you'll appreciate the
rest. Alternately, spend a day or two relaxing in Honolulu on
your way down and back instead of a west coast city. Hawai'i
is almost as nice as Ofu!
Flight time from Hawai'i to Pago is five hours.
Plan on spending one night in Pago Pago, the
flight to the Manu'a Islands usually leaves in the late morning
or the early afternoon and takes about 25 minutes to reach Ta'u
Island. See the RED TEXT
at the top of this page for information regarding transport
from neighboring Ta'u Island to Ofu.
HOW DO I GET FROM [MY HOME COUNTRY] TO AMERICAN
SAMOA?
A: If your travel plans do not (or cannot)
include passing through the U.S., in most cases you will have
to get to Apia, Samoa and then onward to Pago.
Please see Polynesian
Airlines for their routes to Apia, Samoa and Pago Pago.
Virgin
Blue flies from Australia and other Pacific nations to Apia,
Samoa
Air
Pacific flies to Apia from Honolulu and many other Pacific
destinations
Hawaiian
Airlines also serves Sydney, Papeete, South Korea, Japan,
Bangkok, and Manila, but will require a connection through Honolulu
before traveling on to Pago Pago.
HOW MUCH IS AIRFARE?
A: Airfare from Honolulu to Pago is around
$1000. Airfare from the west coast is around $1600. As is usual
with airfares these prices are subject to change. The HNL-PPG
fare does not vary too much and special fare sales for this
route are practically non-existent, you will save money by booking
on the cheap for the Honolulu leg of your journey. In most cases,
booking at least 30 days in advance will result in the best
fare. Hawaiian Airline's website
typically has the lowest fares and saves you booking fees charged
by some travel websites.
Contact Inter Island
Air online HERE
or book via telephone,
reconfirm before you leave, and pick up your tickets at their
office on the day you travel to the Manu'a Islands.
WHAT IS AIRFARE FROM PAGO PAGO TO THE MANU'A
ISLANDS?
A: Currently (updated 01/2011) the return fare
from Pago Pago is $155.00. Inter
Island Air takes credit cards.
CAN I RENT A CAR ON OFU?
A: There are no rental cars on Ofu. Actually,
there are no cars since the villagers drive pickup trucks or
SUVs, and many of these are manual-shift vehicles which more
easily negotiate our mostly unpaved road. If you need a lift
we can take you where you need to go or you can rent our truck
for the day ($50.00). Hitching a ride is an accepted and safe
way to get around Ofu and Olosega. You can walk from one end
of Ofu to the other in an hour or so.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
A: Yes. Even U.S. citizens should travel with
a passport when coming to American Samoa. Info on getting your
passport is here.
CAN WE FLY TO PAGO PAGO NON-STOP FROM THE U.S.
MAINLAND OR OUR HOME COUNTRY?
A: There is no non-stop flight to Pago Pago.
You must connect through Honolulu or Apia, so unless you live
in Hawai'i or Samoa you'll be stopping along the way.
WHAT ARE THE AIRPORT CODES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORTS IN AMERICAN SAMOA AND SAMOA?
A: PPG=Pago Pago, APW=APIA. Keep in mind that
Polynesian Airlines' inter-island flights arrive and depart
from Fagali'i Airport near Apia, and that Inter Island Airways'
flights arrive and depart Faleolo. Though both airports serve
Apia, they are no small distance from one another.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS A GOOD TIME TO VISIT OFU
ISLAND? WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?
A: That depends on what you mean by good! The
dry season is May through October. Keep in mind that Vaoto Lodge
is on a tropical island 14-degrees south of the equator, so
you can expect our "dry" season to be somewhat wet!
You can't have a rain forest without rain and it typically will
rain a little every day no matter what time of year it may be.
That being said, temperatures and humidity tend to moderate
slightly during the dry season.
These charts help illustrate common Samoan weather patterns:
More specifically and locally,
between May and September the sun swings northerly and keeps
our side of the island cooler, somewhat out of the direct sunlight
and during much of the day the lodge area is in the shadow of
the mountain. On the other hand, the wet season is steamier
making for a warmer lagoon and a more verdant jungle.
WILL MY ROOM HAVE AIR CONDITIONING?
A: No. There is wonderful air conditioning
in Los Angeles hotel rooms and Sydney hotel rooms and Honolulu
hotel rooms. The air in our cabins is uniquely conditioned by
the South Pacific Ocean, trade winds, and Samoan rainforest
and requires no tampering on our part. Fall asleep to the sounds
of the sea and the jungle or rain
on a tin roof instead of a droning machine. We think you'll
find it quite pleasant!
WILL I NEED AC POWER ADAPTERS FOR MY ELECTRONIC
GEAR ?
A: American Samoa uses US-style 120-volt electical
power. All of our rooms have power. If you're coming from the
States, no adapter is needed.
DO YOU HAVE WiFi?
A: Yes, though our connection speeds are not
comparable to what you commonly find back in the 'real world'.
Additionally, beginning in mid-November 2011 we will have a
laptop PC available for guests.
SINCE I HAVE TO STOP IN PAGO PAGO BEFORE I
COME TO OFU, WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
A: We highly recommend Turtle
And Shark Lodge.
WHAT'S THE SURFING LIKE?
A: Unlike some areas of Samoa, Ofu's surfing
is not great. Our broad fringing reef rises abrubtly from the
open ocean and becomes so shallow that many portions of it become
exposed during low tides. Large coral heads dominate our lagoon,
most within inches of the surface even at high tide. The wave
action is typically in the 4-8 foot range but breaks fast and
erratically into the calm lagoon.
It will be difficult (impossible?) getting a
surfboard on the small aircraft which serve the Manu'a Islands.
Perhpas an Uli
Board would be a good bet, or pre-shipping a board to the
lodge.
CAN I SCUBA DIVE AT OFU ISLAND?
A: At this time there are no SCUBA facilities
on the island. Unless you'll be pre-shipping a compressor, tanks,
and gear for yourself you'll have to be content with our unparalleled
snorkeling.
SCUBA divers should be aware that the nearest
functional decompression chamber may be as far away as Fiji
or New Zealand -- DAN
insurance would be a wise investment.
HOW DO I PRE-SHIP ITEMS TO MYSELF AT THE LODGE?
A: American Samoa is served by the US Postal
Service and we have a post office in Ofu village. Our mailing
address is:
Vaoto Lodge
ATTN: [your name]
Ofu Island, AS 96799
Be sure to send it in care of your name. Email
us so we know to keep an eye out for your stuff and can keep
it secure. Allow up to six weeks for your package to arrive
-- don't believe the post office when they say it will be delivered
in three days or overnight, they don't know what they're talking
about!
I WANT TO VISIT TA'U ISLAND. WHERE DO I STAY?
A: At this time Ta'u Island has no hotel-like
accommodations suitable for tourists. If you are intent on going
to Ta'u we recommend using the NPS homestay program. See the
National Park's website
for details.
WHAT HAPPENED TO TITO?
A: Malae family patriarch and Vaoto Lodge founder Tito Malae passed away on August 25, 2008. He will be greatly missed by not only his family, but his friends and all who've visited Vaoto Lodge since he first opened the doors in the '80s. Many guests will never forget sitting with Tito at sunset and listening to him talk story about his time in the Navy and growing up in Manu'a in the old days.
The official newspaper announcement from the family has been archived here and here.
Have more questions? Don't hesitate to ask!
Have suggestions for changes or updates to the FAQ? Send
'em in! Email our webmaster and
mainland-based Ofu travel expert Terry with your inquiries and
information about staying at Vaoto Lodge and Ofu Island here.
