Ta`ū Travel Guide

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.

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.
Local Time
12:55 PM
GMT-11
Weather
Clear 84°F
Clear
Population
873
Infrastructure & Convenience
Very limited transport; small airstrip, inter-island boats, basic shops and services.
Popularity
Very remote and off-the-beaten-path; attracts adventure and cultural travelers.
Known For
National Park of American Samoa, traditional Samoan culture, remote island landscapes, coconut plantations, coral reefs, village life, hiking, boat access
Ta'ū is part of American Samoa's Manuʻa Islands and includes territory within the National Park of American Samoa.

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

All Attractions ›

Ta`ū Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • 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.
Hidden Gems
  • 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.
Day Trips
  • 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.

Wet Season
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.
Dry Season
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.
Cyclone Season
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.

Best Time to Visit Ta`ū #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (4108 mm/year), wettest in October.

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

January

January is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (429 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

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

Weather

429 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

February

February is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (421 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

421 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

March

March is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (408 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

408 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (287 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

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

Weather

287 mm
Rainfall
3.4 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 (440 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

440 mm
Rainfall
3.7 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 (197 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

197 mm
Rainfall
4.2 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). Heavy rain (283 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

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

Weather

283 mm
Rainfall
4.4 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). Heavy rain (233 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

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

Weather

233 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.5h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (203 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

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

Weather

203 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (491 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

491 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

November

November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (360 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

360 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

December

December is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (356 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

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

Weather

356 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

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.

By Air

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.

By Train & Bus

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 #

Taʻu is a small Manuʻa island where the main villages are easily explored on foot. Access from the main Samoan islands is by infrequent inter-island flights or occasional ferry services; schedules are irregular so confirm times and book in advance. There are a few local vehicles and limited taxi options; walking and local arrangements are the norm for getting around the island.

Where to Stay in Ta`ū #

Budget
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.
Mid-Range
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.
Luxury
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.

Where to Eat in Ta`ū #

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.

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.

Nearby Cities #