Mapusagafou Travel Guide

City Coastal village in American Samoa's Western District

A small village on Tutuila’s west coast, Mapusagafou draws visitors for reef snorkeling, tide pools and afternoons watching fishermen mend nets. Expect communal umu meals, church services, and short hikes along coral-backed cliffs into dense tropical vegetation.

Costs

Typical daily budget: $50-90

Very basic lodgings; expect to pay more for imported goods.

Safety

Safe with respect for local rules

American Samoa is generally safe; respect local customs and property.

Best Time

Best time: May-Oct (drier season)

May-Oct tends to be drier and better for beach visits.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

12:54 PM

GMT-11

Weather

83°F

Light Drizzle

Population

2,052

Infrastructure & Convenience

Limited public transit, walkable villages, small shops; English and Samoan used.

Popularity

Very low international tourism; visitors are mostly researchers or family travelers.

Known For

Samoan village life, coral reefs, traditional fale houses, fishing, cultural ceremonies, coconut groves, Pacific island landscapes, subsistence agriculture

Mapusagafou lies on Tutuila island in American Samoa's Western District; American Samoa uses the US dollar and US postal system.

Why Visit Mapusagafou? #

Mapusagafou in American Samoa’s Western District is a coastal village that appeals to visitors interested in Pacific island culture, traditional fiafia ceremonies and outdoor marine life. Close to Pago Pago Harbor and within reach of National Park of American Samoa trails, it’s a practical base for snorkeling, village visits and tasting umu-baked taro and fresh seafood. Expect formal cultural dances, church gatherings and a relaxed pace that highlights Samoan hospitality.

Best Things to Do in Mapusagafou

All Attractions ›

Samoan Islands

Polynesian island chain divided between Samoa and American Samoa

Island

Tutuila

Largest island of American Samoa and main population center

Island

Aunuʻu, American Samoa

Small volcanic island near Tutuila, American Samoa

Island

Mapusagafou Bucket List

Don't Miss

Mapusagafou village shoreline - Walk the local shoreline to observe fishing activities, small boats, and village life.
Local fale eateries - Try samoan dishes like oka and freshly grilled fish at modest village fales.
Village community market - Browse stalls selling produce, handicrafts, and everyday goods from local vendors.

Hidden Gems

Small coastal snorkeling spots - Find quiet reef edges near the village popular with resident snorkelers and families.
Traditional canoe demonstrations - Watch or join local canoe paddling sessions often run by community groups.
Local weavers' stalls - Purchase handwoven mats and coconut-fiber crafts made by village artisans.

Day Trips

National Park of American Samoa (Tutuila) - Hike coastal trails to see tropical rainforest, beaches, and endemic wildlife.
Pago Pago Harbor - Visit the dramatic deep-water harbor and view steep ridges surrounding the port.

Best Time to Visit Mapusagafou #

Mapusagafou is warm year-round; the drier months (April-November) offer the most reliable beach and snorkeling weather. The wet and cyclone-prone months bring heavy rain and potential travel disruption.

Wet Season

December - March · 24-30°C (75-86°F)

Heavy rainfall and high humidity make inland walking slippery, but the islands are lush and waterfalls impressive.

Drier Season

April - November · 23-29°C (73-84°F)

More settled, breezy conditions ideal for beach time, snorkeling, and exploring villages with fewer rain interruptions.

Cyclone Season

November - April · 24-30°C (75-86°F)

Heightened risk of tropical storms and rough seas; keep flexible plans and monitor warnings if traveling during these months.

Best Time to Visit Mapusagafou #

Climate

Mapusagafou'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 Mapusagafou

By Air

By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Mapusagafou #

Mapusagafou is a village in American Samoa’s Western District and is easily navigated on foot for local errands. For travel beyond the village, taxis and island shuttle services or buses operate on Tutuila; car rental is available but limited. Expect short taxi rides to be the most practical option for visitors and carry US currency for fares. Practical tip: check ferry or inter-island schedules if you plan to travel between islands and arrange rides earlier in the day.

Where to Stay in Mapusagafou #

Budget

Pago Pago - $60-150/night

Mapusagafou has very limited local lodging; most budget options are small guesthouses in Pago Pago. Expect basic rooms and informal booking via phone or social pages.

Tradewinds Hotel (Pago Pago) - Basic island hotel, simple rooms
Sadie's by the Sea (guesthouse) - Small, family-run seaside option

Mid-Range

Pago Pago - $80-200/night

Mid-range stays are centered in Pago Pago. Expect modest hotels with local character rather than chain comforts. Book ahead during events and cruise season.