VAOTO LODGE

ABOUT

Ofu Island, 60 miles east of Pago Pago, has been called the jewel of the South Pacific. The island boasts one of the healthiest and most diverse coral reefs in the world. The Ofu portion of the National Park Of American Samoa, the United States' most remote National Park, has a pristine beach fringing a crystal clear lagoon.

Located on its own sandy beach at the foot of Mount Tumutumu, Vaoto Lodge, owned and operated by the Malae family, is the premier lodging and dining choice on this quiet island of less than 200 people.

The National Park  of American Samoa is a ten minute stroll from the Lodge. Its warm, calm lagoon is a coral garden with every color imaginable.  Starfish, sea turtles, and thousands of fish of every shape and size will join you as you snorkel its shallows.

After a long day hiking and swimming, a dazzling sunset leads to a sky filled with stars. Thousands of miles from light pollution, Ofu's heavens will dazzle. The Southern Cross is visible, as are falling stars, framed by the shimmering veil of the Milky Way.

Ofu and neighboring Olosega and Ta'u islands are striking in their beauty.  Your memories of the islands will be enhanced by the photographic opportunities the islands present every day.  Renown photographer Michael Anderson has visited Ofu many times and his photos speak volumes about the island's magic.

Ofu's south shore is the icing on the cake. Here, more than a mile of untouched, undeveloped, palm-fringed sand is part of America's newest (and least visited) National Park. You can walk its length every day and chances are the only footprints you'll see will be your own.

FAQ

First, the anti-FAQ

Please don't contact us with questions that have been addressed here. This FAQ exists to help you, please read it thoroughly and use it to your advantage.

Also, don't email and ask us to predict the weather or airline schedules during the time you are thinking of visiting Ofu. We're not blessed with this sort of precognition.

Interaction with guests:

Lodge owners Ben and Deb live in a house on the east end of the lodge property and will respect your privacy. Employees Terry and Colleen live in a house behind the kitchen/dining room common area on the western end of the property.  We will be there to meet you when you arrive and one of us will usually be nearby in case of emergency. If we are free, we will be more than happy to chat, or if you prefer alone time, you've got it! We have other responsibilities and can't always socialize as much as we would like, but we are available to answer any questions, provide recommendations and advice, and help in any way possible. Also, we have dogs and cats, you may see them in the yard, but they won't be in your space or in the buildings.

NOW, THE FAQ:

WHERE CAN I GET CURRENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE LODGE AND THE ISLAND?

A:  This FAQ is actively updated.  Also, visit our Facebook page where the posts pinned to the top will reflect timely news.

OK . . . SO HOW DO I PRONOUNCE THE NAMES OF THESE PLACES?

A:  Ofu = OH-FOO.  Pago Pago = PAHN-GO PAHN-GO (almost like “bongo-bongo”). Olosega = OH-LOW SEHN-GAH.  TA’U = TAH-OO.  Tutuila = TOO-TOO EE-LAH. Samoa = SAH MOH-UH.  Vaoto = VAH-OH-TOE

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

A:  No. Cash is our preferred method of payment, PayPal is our alternative.  Payment is expected when you check out. There is no ATM on Ofu. There are ATMs located near Pago Pago airport. Stop by an ATM before you leave for Ofu. If you intend to block more than two rooms, a deposit will be required.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I PACK?

A:  Pack light, pack smart. Due to the small aircraft that fly between the islands and the length of the runway, Samoa Airways limits Ofu-bound passengers to 15-kg (33-lbs) checked baggage, 5-kg (11-lbs) carry-on.  Excess baggage charges start at $2 per kg.  20-kg (40-lbs) checked bag/5-kg carry-on limit is valid for flights departing Ofu.

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 merchandise. Bring your snorkeling gear and load your phone with some good books! Also, be sure to pack mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hiking footwear, and a reusable water bottle.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

A:  Shorts and T-shirts will do fine almost anywhere on the island. Manu'a Islanders are culturally conservative and 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. Closed-toe Keens are a nice all-around solution.  You're also gonna need a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

It would be wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on as well as your important documents and snorkeling gear in the event your checked bag is bumped off your flight due to weight restrictions. This doesn't happen often, but it's better to be prepared than not.

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED AT VAOTO LODGE?

A: For the comfort of other guests and the well-being of your infant in a location as remote as Ofu, we cannot accept families traveling with children under two years of age.

I'M A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT, IS THERE A BOAT THAT I CAN TAKE TO OFU?

A:  Yes, however its sailing days are difficult to predict. The boat is primarily for freight and not the most accommodating vessel as far as passengers 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 ocean's current and prevailing winds 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.

Visit their website HERE for fares and schedules. Sometimes, the Port Administration's Facebook page is a better source for their schedule.

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 (Terry & Colleen) or 684-655-0777 (Deb & Ben).  Terry also maintains a US Google Voice number: 563-484-0004.  Due to Ofu's remoteness, we may be having internet or telephone connectivity issues.

Our social media guy Terry is a journeyman Ofu traveler [I made my 28th trip in May 2019, and now live and work at the lodge --Terry] and is available to help answer your Ofu Island travel questions. Have a lot of questions or need a quick answer? Avoid long, confusing email chains and don't hesitate to give him a call at 563-484-0004.

HOW DO I GET FROM THE MAINLAND U.S. TO AMERICAN SAMOA?

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 many west coast cities as well as Phoenix, New York (JFK), and Las Vegas. It's a long flight to the islands of American 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.  Hawaiian Airlines Pago-bound flights from Honolulu are on Mondays and Thursdays.

Plan on spending at least one night in Pago Pago.  Flights usually leave in mid-morning and take about 25 minutes to reach Ofu Island.

HOW DO I GET FROM [MY HOME COUNTRY] TO AMERICAN SAMOA?

A:  If your travel plans do not include passing through the U.S., in most cases you will have to get to Apia, Samoa and then onward to Pago.

Please see Samoa Airways for their routes between Apia, Samoa, and Pago Pago.  Yes, we are aware that Samoa Airways website is down.  After you request your reservation at Vaoto Lodge we will email you local airline contact information.

Talofa Airways has daily flights between Apia, Pago Pago, and weekly flights to Tonga.

Fiji Airways flies to Apia from Honolulu and connects to many other Pacific destinations.

Air New Zealand flies to Apia from Auckland.

Hawaiian Airlines also serves many Pacific rim destinations, but will require a connection through Honolulu before traveling on to Pago Pago.

Keep in mind that if you are coming/going via Apia you will be crossing the International Date Line.  In other words, even though it's a thirty minute flight, if you leave Apia on a Monday you will arrive in Pago on Sunday.  If you leave Pago on a Monday you will arrive in Apia on Tuesday.

WHAT DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED IN ORDER TO ENTER AMERICAN SAMOA?

A:  US citizens and nationals must have a valid (non-expired), machine-readable US passport.  If your passport is expired or lost, you may apply for an "OK BOARD" to enter the Territory.  Read more HERE.

All travelers need to register at American Samoa Traveler Declaration Portal.

All foreigners are required to obtain Entry Permits in order to lawfully enter American Samoa. There are circumstances where Entry Permits are not applicable. Those circumstances require travel authorizations referred to as "OK Boards" in order to enter.  Certain foreign nationals must apply for an "OK BOARD" via the Entry Permit Waiver Program.  Details HERE. More information is HERE.

HOW MUCH IS AIRFARE?

A:  Airfare from Honolulu to Pago is around $1000. Airfare from the west coast is around $1400. As is usual with airfares these prices are subject to change. The HNL-PPG fare does not vary too much and 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.

HOW DO I GET TO OFU FROM PAGO PAGO?

A:  Samoa Airways operates two flights a week to Ofu on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  This schedule is subject to change, please check with the airline for up-to-date information.

Samoa Airways fares for these flights are about $150 one-way and varies based on availability.  Please consult the airline for specific and updated information. 

After you request your reservation at Vaoto Lodge we will email you local airline contact information.

CAN I FLY MANU'A AIRWAYS TO OFU?

A:  Like you, we've seen their website but Manu'a Airways is not an airline -- despite convincing evidence to the contrary.

WILL SOMEONE PICK ME UP AT OFU AIRPORT AND TAKE ME TO VAOTO LODGE?

A:  Vaoto Lodge is located 50 yards from the airport terminal. No pickup is necessary.

CAN I RENT A CAR ON OFU?

A:  There are no rental cars on Ofu. 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, and the National Park Beach is a fifteen minute walk down the road from your door. If our truck is available, we can take you any place on the islands for $5/trip one way. We also have a couple of bicycles available for guests, first come first serve.

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 I 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 TIME OF YEAR IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT OFU ISLAND? WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

A:  That depends on what you mean by good! The cool/dry season is May through October. Keep in mind that Vaoto Lodge is on a high tropical island 14-degrees south of the equator, so you can expect our "cool and dry" season to be somewhat warm and wet! No matter the season it typically will rain a little every day. That being said, temperatures and humidity tend to moderate slightly during the dry season.

This chart illustrates average monthly Manu'a Island weather:

RATES

Classic Room per night
-- Single: $90
-- Double: $110

Air Conditioned Room per night
-- Single: $130
-- Each additional person: $20

Each room has one queen bed.  A single twin bed can be added if available.  We allow a maximum of three adults in our rooms.

Family Cabin per night
-- Single: $150

Due to a long-term booking, our family cabin is unavailable through at least late-2023.  When it is available, we'll make note of it here.  Please don't request to book it until that time.

-- Each additional person: $20
The Family Cabin is designed for two adults and two children under 12.  If your family is five (with small children) we will endeavor to accommodate you. More guests than this will be required to book separate rooms.

Cash is our preferred method of payment, however we will also accept PayPal.

MEALS IN GENERAL:  There are no restaurants on Ofu-Olosega.  We serve breakfast and dinner only.  Meals are not prepared on demand.  Meals are served communally at specified times where everyone staying at the lodge shares the same dish "family style."

If you have dietary preferences or allergies, please let us know well in advance.  We will do our best to accommodate, but be aware that with no supermarket on the island we may not have ingredients available to suit your needs.

MEAL COST:  Per day, per person breakfast is $25, dinner is $35.  Breakfast is served between 7am and 9am.  Dinner is served promptly at 6pm.  Kitchen clean up begins at 7pm and the kitchen closes at 7:30pm.

SELF-COOK COST:  $25 per day per party to use the kitchen to prepare food that you bring.  This gives you access to the kitchen, oven & stove, microwave, toaster, pots, pans, plates, oil, condiments, spices, etc., to cook and prepare your own food.  You may also buy groceries from us at cost and prepare them yourself.  Self-cook guests will be expected to clean up the kitchen, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils after each use.  Failure to properly clean up will result in a $30 per incident cleaning fee.

RESERVATIONS

NOTE:  No reservations will be accepted during these blackout dates in 2023:

March 27 - April 10
May 23 - June 7
September 18 - October 18
October 30 - November 15

Lodge check-in and check-out is only available on flight days.  Currently, those days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Please read our House Rules:

1 - No smoking in any lodge structure, vehicle, or within 30-feet of any guest room or common area.

2 - Non-guests are not permitted on Vaoto Lodge property.

3 - Please try to keep excess beach sand out of your room, shower, and common areas.  Rinse hoses are located near rooms 1 and 10.

4 - For the comfort of your fellow guests, please observe quiet hours between 9pm and 8am.

5 - Lodge kitchen closes at 7:30pm.  Lodge dining area closes and is locked up at 10pm unless an approved event is happening.

6 - Please help us conserve energy: Don't burn the light outside your room after 10pm; turn off all lights, fans, and your air conditioner when your room is unoccupied.

7 - Unless given specific permission, the kitchen, pantry, truck, garage, tool fale, and laundry are for employees only.

8 - To conserve resources, bed linens and towels are not changed daily unless specifically requested.  There will be a charge for fresh linens.  Linens may be changed free of charge after a stay of 7 nights.  Room access by staff will be required.

9 - Please help keep our island beautiful and don't leave trash around the property, on the beach, or in the ocean.

10 - No open containers of food allowed in guest rooms unless stored inside of a room refrigerator.

11 - Please promptly return all glasses, coffee cups, dishes, and silverware to the dining room if you remove them from that area.

12 - Checkout time is 2 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart Ofu Airport.

If you are requesting more than two rooms, a deposit will be required.

Cash is our preferred method of payment, and we'll also accept PayPal.

To acknowledge and accept our House Rules, click HERE to submit a reservation.