FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Updated April 3, 2008
The single best resource for general advice
about traveling to Samoa can be found in the pages of Lonely
Planet's Samoan Islands & Tonga guide. This fantastic
and informative book should be required reading for anyone considering
a trip to our islands.
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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. If you want
to hike up 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 . . . lots of
people 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 hard to
predict. Lately (last updated January 2008) it's been sailing
on alternate Thursday evenings. 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 from several hours depending
on weather and seas. If you're very lucky they will call on
Ofu before leaving out for Ta'u.
[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 684-633-5532
which makes the Manu'a run in 4-7 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 on it. The heat, humidity, and salt air conspire
to take our PC 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
(who is based in the mainland U.S.) is a journeyman Ofu traveler
[I made my 14th trip in December 2007 --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 will 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, 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.
Flight time from the west coast to Hawai'i is
five hours, 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., the only other way to get
to American Samoa is via Polynesian
Airlines and Polynesian
Blue out of Apia, Samoa. Hawaiian Airlines also serves Sydney,
Papeete, and Manila.
HOW MUCH WILL AIRFARE BE?
A: Airfare from Honolulu to Pago is around
$800. Airfare from the west coast is around $1300. As is usual
with airfares these prices are subject to change. The HNL-PPG
fare does not vary too much with fare sales, 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 sites like Orbitz.
At this time, you cannot book Inter Island Air
online. Book via telephone,
reconfirm before you leave, and pick up your tickets on the
day you travel to Ofu.
WHAT IS AIRFARE FROM PAGO PAGO TO OFU?
A: Currently (updated 1/2008) the return fare
is $147.50. 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 Independent Samoa you'll be stopping along the
way.
WHAT ARE THE AIRPORT CODES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORTS IN AMERICAN AND INDEPENDENT SAMOA?
A: PPG=Pago Pago, APW=APIA
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. That being said, temperatures and humidity
tend to moderate during the dry season.
From May-September, the sun swings more northerly
and keeps our side of the island cooler, somewhat out of the
direct sunlight and during much of the day we are in the shadow
of the mountain. On the other hand, the wet season in "winter"
makes 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. We think you'll find
it quite pleasant!
WILL I NEED AC POWER ADPTERS FOR MY ELECTRONIC GEAR ?
A: American Samoa uses US-style 120-volt electical 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: When you book your reservation at Vaoto
Lodge let us know if you need a place to stay and we’ll make
arrangements for you in Pago. Alternately, this
page will link you to accommodations in Pago. We highly
recommend Turtle
And Shark Lodge.
CAN I CAMP ON OFU ISLAND?
A: Camping in the National Park is not permitted.
You can camp on our land at Vaoto Lodge which is adjacent to
the park. $10 per night per camper. This rate includes access
to water and restrooms, and does not include meals.
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. Maybe
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
c/o [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!
CAN YOU ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION TO TA’U ISLAND?
A: Getting to Ta’u from Ofu is generally difficult
if not impossible. Occasionally, the plane stops at Ta’u first
and then crosses over to Ofu. Don't be surprised if the airline
makes you fly back to Pago and then onward to Ta'u later in
the day or even the next day.
If you arrive on Ofu Island and are dead set
on getting to Ta'u you may be able to arrange a crossing (for
a fee) with a local boat owner. We can help you make inquiries
in Ofu Village once you arrive.
I WANT TO VISIT TA’U ISLAND. WHERE DO I STAY?
A: At this time Ta’u Island has no hotel-like
accommodations 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.
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 Ofu travel expert Terry with your inquiries and information
about staying at Vaoto Lodge and Ofu Island here.
Read webmaster Terry's blog for his 2006 trip to Ofu
here!
