Mapusaga, American Samoa Travel Guide

City Coastal village on Tutuila Island, American Samoa

On Tutuila’s southern shore, Mapusaga offers coral coves, roadside fale and markets where sashimi-grade tuna is still filleted by hand. Travelers linger for reef dives, rainforest hikes and Samoan fiafia nights of song, dance and fire.

Main image
Costs
US$80-150 per day
Higher transport and import costs push daily budgets up slightly.
Safety
Moderately safe
Generally low violent crime; normal island caution recommended after dark.
Best Time
May-September
Drier months are friendlier for hiking, snorkeling and beach activities.
Local Time
12:54 PM
GMT-11
Weather
Light Drizzle 82°F
Light Drizzle
Population
1,772
Infrastructure & Convenience
Decent roads and basic public buses; English widely spoken and tourist services limited but present.
Popularity
Niche destination for cultural tourists and divers; few international visitors compared with major Pacific islands.
Known For
Samoan village life, coral reefs, tropical rainforests, traditional fale houses, cultural dance, diving and snorkeling, coastal hiking, WWII relics nearby
Mapusaga is a village on Tutuila island's southern coast, just a short drive from Pago Pago harbor.

Why Visit Mapusaga, American Samoa? #

On the western side of American Samoa, this coastal village appeals to visitors wanting close encounters with fa’a Samoa culture, taualuga dance performances and kava ceremonies. Coral-fringed beaches and nearshore reefs invite snorkeling, while family-run fale and fresh seafood provide authentic regional flavors. The community’s strong traditions, church-centered festivals and everyday craftwork give travelers a concentrated, respectful look at Samoan island life away from major resorts.

Best Things to Do in Mapusaga, American Samoa

All Attractions ›

Mapusaga, American Samoa Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • National Park of American Samoa (Tutuila) - Coastal rainforest trails, reef snorkeling, and Samoan cultural sites nearby.
  • Pago Pago Harbor lookout - Harbor viewpoints offering dramatic fjord-like scenery and harbor history today.
Hidden Gems
  • Vatia village and Fagasa Bay - Vatia's coastal trail and seabird colonies reachable by short drive and hike.
Day Trips
  • Ofu and Olosega (National Park) - Day trips by boat to pristine beaches and coral reefs in National Park.
  • Tutuila north shore villages - Drive the coastal road to small villages, overlooks, and traditional fale.

Best Time to Visit Mapusaga, American Samoa #

Mapusaga is nicest in the drier months (May-October) for calmer seas, snorkeling and outdoor activities. The wetter November-April period brings frequent heavy rain and a higher cyclone risk-monitor forecasts.

Wet Season
November - April · 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F)
Heavy tropical downpours, high humidity and frequent showers make hiking slippery; island is lush but travel plans can be disrupted.
Dry Season
May - October · 24 to 29°C (75 to 84°F)
Warm, humid but comparatively calmer weather - best for beaches, snorkeling and cultural visits; afternoons still breezy and mosquitos less intense.
Cyclone Season
November - April · 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F)
Higher risk of tropical storms and rough seas-essential to monitor warnings; many services reduce operations and flights can be cancelled.

Best Time to Visit Mapusaga, American Samoa #

Climate

Mapusaga, American Samoa's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3713 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (404 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

404 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (438 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

438 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

March

March is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (405 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

405 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (335 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

335 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

May

May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (267 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

267 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

June

June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

July

July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

August

August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (173 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

173 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.5h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 28°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (369 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

369 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

November

November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (442 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

442 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

December

December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (403 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

403 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

How to Get to Mapusaga, American Samoa

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Mapusaga, American Samoa #

Mapusaga is a small village on Tutuila island; within the village most places are walkable and relaxed to explore on foot. To go further you’ll rely on island minibuses, shared taxis or private vehicle hire-services are informal and schedules change, so ask locally. Bring local currency and plan extra time for connections.

Where to Stay in Mapusaga, American Samoa #

Budget
Mapusaga / Western District - very limited
Mapusaga is a village outside Pago Pago with very limited local accommodation. Budget options are in Pago Pago and surrounding districts.
Mid-Range
Pago Pago area - $60-150/night
Mid-range lodging is concentrated in Pago Pago. Consider basing yourself in town for restaurants, services and easier transport connections.
Luxury
Pago Pago / Tutuila - $150+/night
There are no luxury resorts in Mapusaga. Travelers looking for higher standards should check the limited full-service hotels in Tutuila's main center.

Where to Eat in Mapusaga, American Samoa #

Nightlife in Mapusaga, American Samoa #

Nightlife in Mapusaga is minimal. Evenings are typically spent at local eateries or family gatherings rather than organized nightlife. For bars, live music or later-night venues you’ll need to visit Pago Pago, where most of the island’s evening activity is concentrated.

Shopping in Mapusaga, American Samoa #

Shopping in Mapusaga is very limited to small village stores (faleoloa) selling basics. For larger supermarkets, pharmacies or a wider choice of goods you’ll need to travel to Pago Pago or other larger settlements. Local markets and roadside sellers are the best place to find fresh produce and island-made goods.

Nearby Cities #