Pago Pago

Pago Pago sits inside the collapsed crater of an ancient volcano on Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa. The harbour is one of the deepest in the South Pacific, and ships dock right in town. The mountains surrounding the bay are steep and green, rising sharply from the water. The tuna canneries along the waterfront are the island's main industry and lend the harbour a distinctive smell. The National Park of American Samoa covers parts of three islands and has trails with views over the harbour from the ridgeline. The Jean P. Haydon Museum in Fagatogo covers Samoan culture and history. Traditional fale (open-sided Samoan houses) are still used in villages around the island. For food, try palusami (taro leaves baked in coconut cream). The US dollar is the currency since American Samoa is a US territory. Buses (known as aiga buses) are colourfully painted and inexpensive.