FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Vaoto Lodge website was last updated on July 12, 2010

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, but we cannot guarantee it and we cannot arrange your ferry service -- 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 $100 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.

Upon arrival to either Ofu or Olosega, call us (684-655-1120) and we will 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.

RECENTLY (LATE 2009) THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF DENGUE FEVER IN AMERICAN SAMOA. WHAT IS THE SITUATION ON OFU?

A: We've had no cases of Dengue Fever reported on Ofu or Olosega. As always, it makes sense to bring mosquito repellant when traveling to 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 40-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. Lately (last updated November 2009) our usual supply/passenger vessel MV Sili has been drydocked for repairs, though sailings via other vessels are sometimes scheduled. 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. $30/person one way + $1 for each piece of luggage.

WHY HAVEN'T YOU ANSWERED MY EMAIL OR CONFIRMED MY RESERVATION REQUEST?

A: Sometimes we are off-island or not able to access a computer. We have one computer at the lodge and are dependant upon it. The heat, humidity, and salt air conspire to take our computer out of action from time to time. We have to fly it to Pago Pago for repairs. Also, occasionally the internet connection is down. If more than a week has passed since your message to us and you are concerned, please telephone us at 684-655-1120.

Our webmaster Terry (based in the mainland U.S.) is a journeyman Ofu traveler [I'll be making my 17th trip in December 2009 --Terry] and is available to help with answers to your Ofu Island travel questions and can assist making your lodge reservations. Got 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!

Plan on spending one night in Pago Pago, the flight to Ofu usually leaves in the late morning or the early afternoon.

Flight time from Hawai'i to Pago is five hours, from Pago to Ofu is 25 minutes.

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., you will have to get to Apia, Samoa and then to Pago.

Please see Polynesian Airlines and Polynesian Blue for their routes to Apia, Samoa.

Air Pacific flies to Apia from Honolulu and other Pacific destinations.

Hawaiian Airlines also serves Sydney, Papeete, and Manila.

HOW MUCH WILL AIRFARE BE?

A: Airfare from Honolulu to Pago is around $1000. Airfare from the west coast is around $1500. 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 Ofu.

WHAT IS AIRFARE FROM PAGO PAGO TO OFU?

A: Currently (updated 09/2009) the return fare from Pago Pago is $155.00. Inter Island Air takes credit cards.

CAN I RENT A CAR AT OFU AIRPORT?

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.

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.

I NEED AIRPORT TRANSFER. WHO WILL PICK ME UP AT OFU AIRPORT?

A: Vaoto Lodge is located next door to the airport. It's a 30-second walk from the terminal to our front door. We'll have something cold to drink waiting for you!

Also, with only one flight every day or so you'll not be disturbed by the airport's convenient proximity.

WHAT'S THE SURFING LIKE?

A: Unlike some areas of Samoa, Ofu's surfing is not great. Our wide reef rises very quickly from the open ocean and becomes so shallow that many portions of it become exposed during low tides. Large coral heads dominate our lagoon. The wave action is typically in the 4-8 foot range but breaks fast and erratically into the lagoon.

It will be difficult (impossible?) getting a surfboard on the small aircraft which serve Ofu Island. 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 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.

Read webmaster Terry's blog of his December 2006 trip to Ofu here!