Mention Pago Pago to most South Pacific travelers and the response will often be a blank stare. When it comes to reputations, American Samoa and its capital are, well, sort of unknown. That’s because the U.S. territory doesn’t really promote itself as a visitor destination. Being a bit off-the-beaten track of overseas airline routes is also partly responsible. And therein lies American Samoa’s attraction and charm as a destination.

Located some 2,300 miles (3,701 km) southwest of Hawaii, American Samoa includes five volcanic islands and a couple of remote coral atolls. Tutuila is the main island; Aunu`u is a small island about a half-mile east of Tutuila. The Manu`a Islands, Ta`u, Ofu and Olosega, are located roughly 62 miles (100 km) east of Tutuila.

A trio of Pago Pago boys mug for the camera.

Tutuila covers an area of 56 square miles (145 km²). It’s roughly 18 miles long (30 km) and 6 miles wide (10 km) at its widest point. The island is a series of steep rain forested volcanic peaks and ridges, indented with valleys and bays.

Fjord-like Pago Pago Harbor is a submerged volcanic crater almost bisecting the island. It’s one of the most scenic harbors in the South Pacific, surrounded by green hills and dominated by 1,718-foot-tall (518 m) Rainmaker Mountain. The climate is tropical — warm, humid and rainy the year around.

American Samoa became a U.S. territory in April, 1900. Before and after World War II, Pago Pago Harbor was an important refueling port for the U.S. Navy. The population numbers about 60,000, most living on Tutuila.

The territory’s visitor industry is small by most standards. Other than for a few small privately-operated lodges, inns and motels, there is no real hotel industry. Visitor arrivals total around 27,000 or so annually. Many who come for the experience find it a relaxing and adventurous place to visit, with great natural beauty.

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American Samoa’s economy is driven by the government, one of the largest employers. The territory gets considerable support from the U.S. government in annual grants and subsidies. The Samoa Packing and StarKist tuna canneries at Pago Pago Harbor represent American Samoa’s largest primary industry.

So what to see and do in American Samoa?

If you’re looking for an original American Samoa experience, go no further than Tisa’s Barefoot Bar at Alega Beach, a few miles east of Pago Pago Bay. This is a typical folksy South Seas watering hole. The bar’s open-air deck is built on pilings over a beautiful sandy beach with a lovely view of the surrounding green hills and bay.

Take a table and enjoy the view as you enjoy a Vailima beer (the local product from Samoa); light lunches are served as well. If you’re lucky, Tisa herself will be there to greet you and “talk story” a spell.