Ta`ū City
Village on Ta'u island in the Manu'a group
A remote Manu'a settlement with Polynesian village life on clear display: fale houses, reef fishing, and talanoa conversations. Travelers arrive for hikes over volcanic ridges, cultural ceremonies and the kind of quiet shoreline that insists you slow down.
Ta`ū at a Glance#
Costs: $80-160 USD per day - remote island travel raises costs; expect midrange prices for essentials.
Safety: Generally safe, community-oriented - generally very safe with tight-knit communities; respect local customs.
Best Time: May to September (drier season) - drier months bring calmer seas and easier inter-island travel.
Why Visit Ta`ū?#
On an island in American Samoa’s Manuʻa group, this remote community attracts travelers seeking unspoiled tropical landscapes and living Samoan culture. The island’s inclusion in the National Park of American Samoa brings lush rainforest, coastal trails and raised star mounds, while village life centers on fa’alavelave traditions, fiafia nights and communal umu feasts. Visitors come for snorkeling in pristine bays, traditional ava ceremonies and the rare chance to experience Polynesian island rhythms far from mass tourism.
Best Things to Do in Ta`ū#
Ta`ū Bucket List#
Ta’u Village - Main settlement with shops, community center, and access to island trails.
Mount Lata - Hike to Mount Lata for panoramic views over the Manuʻa island group and ocean.
Ta’u unit, National Park of American Samoa - Coastal and forest trails protecting endemic species and traditional village sites.
National Park trails and viewpoints - Unspoiled trails, sea-cliff viewpoints, and endemic rainforest species to encounter.
Village fale workshops - Village artisans carving wooden artifacts and weaving siapo cloth in small workshops.
Secluded beach coves - Hidden coves around the island providing quiet swimming and picnic spots.
Ofu & Olosega islands - Short boat hop to neighboring islands with white-sand beaches and snorkeling lagoons.
Pago Pago (Tutuila) - Inter-island flight to Pago Pago for markets, museums, and harbor views.
Best Time to Visit Ta`ū#
Best time to visit Taʻū is the drier months (May-October) when trails and beaches are more accessible and boat links run reliably. Wet months bring heavy showers and higher risk of storms.
November - April
24-29°C (75-84°F)
Frequent heavy showers, high humidity, and lush jungle growth; waterfalls are spectacular but trails can be slippery and some sea transfers cancelled.
May - October
23-28°C (73-82°F)
Sunny, more comfortable humidity and easier hiking; best chance for boat access and snorkeling though brief showers still occur occasionally.
November - April
24-29°C (75-84°F)
Period of heightened tropical storm risk; crucial to monitor forecasts, buy flexible tickets and ensure evacuation plans if visiting during these months.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (4108 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (429 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (421 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (408 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (287 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (440 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (197 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (283 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (233 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (203 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (491 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (360 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (356 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Ta`ū#
Taʻū (Manuʻa Islands) is reached mainly by small inter‑island flights from Pago Pago (PPG) to Fitiʻuta on Taʻū or by infrequent boat services - schedules are limited and subject to weather. Book flights well in advance and coordinate transfers with accommodation.
Pago Pago (PPG) - Faleolo / regional hubs: For Taʻū (Manuʻa Islands) the usual international gateway is Pago Pago International (PPG) on Tutuila; inter‑island flights operate from there to Taʻū (Fitiʻuta/Fitiuta) on small aircraft. Flight time is short (around 30-50 minutes) but schedules and fares vary; book in advance.
Regional hubs (Samoa / American Samoa connections): Some visitors connect via Samoa or other Pacific hubs depending on routing; check available schedules since services to the Manuʻa islands are infrequent and weather-dependent.
Train: There are no train services in American Samoa.
Bus / Ferry: There is no regular road link between Tutuila and Taʻū; inter‑island travel is by small aircraft or occasional boat/ferry services. Ferry schedules and availability are limited - confirm with local operators and plan for schedule changes due to weather.
How to Get Around Ta`ū#
Taʻū’s main access is by small inter‑island flights from Pago Pago; boat options exist but are unreliable. Plan ahead, expect limited services, and coordinate transfers with your accommodation.
- Inter-island flights (Pago Pago - Taʻū/Fitiʻuta) (US$150-US$350 (typical range)) - Scheduled small‑aircraft flights operate between Pago Pago (PPG) and Taʻū (Fitiʻuta). Flight times are short (roughly 30-50 minutes) but seat availability and schedules can be limited, so book early. Expect higher per‑seat fares than typical domestic flights due to low frequency.
- Ferry / boat (limited) (Varies) - Occasional boat or ferry services can connect Tutuila and the Manuʻa islands; these are infrequent and weather-dependent, often taking several hours. Use boats only if you have flexible timing and confirm schedules locally.
- Local taxis & pickups (Varies (modest local rates)) - On Taʻū you’ll rely on local taxis or pre-arranged pickups for transfers between the airstrip and lodgings. Services are basic but effective; organize pickup with your host when you book.
- Car rental / local driving (Varies) - Car hire options on Taʻū are extremely limited; island transport typically uses taxis or host-arranged vehicles. Road surfaces can be basic - drive with caution and local guidance.
- Walking - Taʻū’s villages are compact and best explored on foot; paths can be steep or uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for basic facilities in remote parts of the island.
Where to Stay in Ta`ū#
Ta’ū village - $20-80/night
Taʻu (Manuʻa) is remote with very limited visitor lodging. Accommodation is basic and seasonal; plan around local ferry/schedule constraints.
Village centre - $80-150/night
Mid-range hotels are essentially non-existent. Expect homestays or small guesthouses; bring essentials and confirm transport ahead of arrival.
No luxury options on-island - $200+/night (elsewhere)
There are no luxury resorts on Taʻu. For resort-level comfort, plan to stay on Tutuila or travel internationally to larger islands.
Shopping in Ta`ū#
Shopping on Taʻu is very limited-small shops sell essentials, basic household items and local handicrafts. For a wider variety of goods, travelers rely on resupply runs from Pago Pago or larger Samoan islands. Bring necessary supplies with you when possible.
Nightlife in Ta`ū#
Nightlife on Taʻu is extremely limited and community-oriented, consisting mainly of village events and informal social gatherings. There are no bars or clubs typical of larger Pacific tourist hubs.
