Pago Pago Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
West Island Drive & Ava Ceremony
Explore the southwest shore of Tutuila and experience the traditional Samoan welcome ceremony.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Ava Ceremony - The traditional island welcome given by Samoans to important guests involves a drink produced from the local Kava fruit from which the name of the ceremony is derived.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
First Missionary Monument - The Reverend John Williams of the London Missionary Society landed near Leone with eight Tahitian acolytes in 1830.
Samoan Village - Pause for a photograph of one of the palm-fringed traditional villages which offer a perfect backdrop.
"Flower Pot Rock" - The local landmark, Fatu-ma-Futi guards the entrance to Pago Pago Bay .
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Pago Pago , you drive southwest past a series of small bays and traditional villages. Each village prominently features an elevated fale - this oval shaped, open sided structure serves as the meeting house for the village council. You pass the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center , Nuuli Village , Lava Lava - American Samoa 's golf course - and Fatu-ma-Futi or "Flowerpot Rock," on your way to Leone.
SPECIAL NOTES
Local buses are used for tour transportation. These small, colourful buses have padded bench seats but no microphones. Tour guides are generally drawn from the high school graduating class. They may lack in professional skills, but their local knowledge, willingness, friendliness, and enthusiasm deserves special merit.
Taste Of Village Life
Experience life in a Samoan home; watch a traditional cooking demonstration using an umu or ground oven and enjoy the dishes prepared.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Traditional Samoan Village and Home - On the island's southwest coast, your hosts invite you into their home. Enjoy traditional island music and watch a traditional cooking demonstration using the umu or ground oven. Afterwards, join your hosts and sample the cooked dishes.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
"Flower Pot Rock" - The local landmark, Fatu-ma-Futi, guards the entrance to Pago Pago Bay .
First Missionary Monument - The Reverend John Williams of the London Missionary Society landed near Leone with eight Tahitian acolytes in 1830.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Pago Pago , drive southwest past a series of small bays and traditional villages. Each village prominently features an elevated fale - this oval shaped, open sided structure serves as the meeting house for the village council. You pass Nuuuli Village , Lava Lava - American Samoa 's golf course - and Fatu-ma-Futi or "Flowerpot Rock" on your way to Leone.
SPECIAL NOTES
Local buses are used for tour transportation. These small, colourful buses have padded bench seats but no microphones. Tour guides are generally drawn from the high school graduating class. They may lack in professional skills, but their local knowledge, willingness, friendliness, and enthusiasm deserves special merit.
Essence Of Tutuila
Take in the island's principal sights and listen to classic Samoan legends during your narrated panoramic drive along the coast.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Jean P. Haydon Museum - The museum recounts the history of Samoa and exhibits Samoan art and artefacts.
Tauese's Museum - The small museum commemorates the life and times of Tauese P.F. Sunria, the first popularly elected governor of American Samoa .
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
The Turtle & The Shark - This spot is the setting for an old island legend about a grandmother and daughter who fell into the ocean and were turned into a turtle and a shark by the Gods.
Tia Seu Lupe Station - The station is named after a chief's game involving the catching of pigeons. Whoever captures the most pigeons wins another player's wife or daughter.
Flower Pot Rock - The local landmark, Fatu-ma-Futi, guards the entrance to Pago Pago Bay .
First Missionary Monument - The Reverend John Williams of the London Missionary Society landed near Leone with eight Tahitian acolytes in 1830.
REFRESHMENTS
Stop for refreshments including punch, fresh fruit and sandwiches at Taalolo Lodge near the golf course.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
At the pier board your island bus decorated with island fresh flowers. Travel east passing the Governors residence and historical buildings once the home of generals during the war. Continue past the old Rainmaker Hotel and the original government high school as well as the Pago Pago Yacht Club.
SPECIAL NOTES
Local buses are used for tour transportation. These small, colourful buses have padded bench seats but no microphones. Tour guides are generally drawn from the high school graduating class. They may lack in professional skills, but their local knowledge, willingness, friendliness, and enthusiasm deserves special merit. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring rain gear: heavy showers are quite common. |
