Where to Eat in the National Park of American Samoa: Restaurants In and Around the Park

By Erika Müller · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa has no food service facilities: no cafeteria, snack bar, or lodge with a dining room. For meals, head to Pago Pago, the capital, which borders the park's visitor center and has most of the dining options on Tutuila. In short, pack your picnic before entering the park, then head to Pago Pago's waterfront for meals.

Eating in the Park: There Is Nothing, So Plan Accordingly

The National Park of American Samoa is open 24/7 with no entrance fee, but it has no food service at all. You won't find a ranger selling sandwiches at a trailhead, and there's no snack stand waiting at the top of Mount ʻAlava. That's intentional and consistent with the park's spirit: this is a place to protect, not develop.

The visitor center is in the village of Pago Pago, across from the Pago Way gas station. It's open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is your last place to get advice before heading out on Tutuila's trails. On the more remote islands of Taʻu and Ofu, food options are even more limited, so you'll need to stock up in Pago Pago.

Groceries and Picnics: Shop the Day Before

There are two reliable ways to put together a trail picnic in Pago Pago.

Fagatogo Market is the lively heart of town. You'll find tropical fruit (fresh coconut, papaya, bananas, ulu, or breadfruit), local snacks, and sometimes prepared foods made that day. Go early in the morning because the selection drops quickly. The atmosphere is that of an authentic, colorful, and inexpensive Polynesian market.

Pago Pago's supermarkets round out your options with everything you need for a day of hiking: bread, canned goods, canned tuna (the StarKist cannery is based in Pago Pago, so the products are fresh), dried fruit, and bottled water. Staying hydrated is essential. The tropical heat and humidity are unforgiving.

Where to Eat in Pago Pago, the Gateway to the Park

Pago Pago is a small town, but it has a varied dining scene for its size, with local Samoan restaurants, Asian spots, and a few American fast-food chains.

The Waterfront and Fagatogo Neighborhood

Several small restaurants line Pago Pago Bay and serve lunch and early dinner. The setting is simple, service is casual, and prices are very reasonable. Look for unassuming places with a crowd inside. That's the most reliable sign.

Asian Restaurants and Local Fusion

The long-standing Korean and Chinese communities have enriched the local dining scene. Several restaurants serve noodles, stir-fries, and house specialties that combine Asian techniques with Polynesian ingredients. Fresh tuna from the local fishery appears on many menus, and its quality is remarkable.

Our Picks for Every Craving

Before a hike on Tutuila: Fagatogo Market for fresh fruit and grab-and-go snacks.

For families: waterfront restaurants, with generous portions and a relaxed atmosphere.

For a cultural experience: a Fiafia, a traditional festive evening with Samoan food and dancing, occasionally hosted by some Pago Pago hotels. Check locally for the current schedule, which depends on the season (see the American Samoa lodging guide for properties that host them).

To eat like a local: a bowl of sapasui, Samoan-style stir-fried glass noodles, at a neighborhood diner. A few dollars and plenty of flavor.

Palusami and Oka: Two Dishes to Try

Palusami is the national dish of Samoa. Young taro leaves are wrapped around a mixture of coconut cream and sometimes meat, then slow-cooked in an umu, a traditional underground oven. The texture is tender, and the flavor is mild with a slight smokiness. You'll find it at Fagatogo Market and in most local restaurants in Pago Pago.

Oka is Samoan ceviche: raw tuna cut into cubes and marinated in lime juice and coconut cream, with onion and sometimes chili. It's fresh and light, making it perfect after a morning of snorkeling in the park's marine reserve. Made with locally caught tuna, oka from American Samoa can hold its own against any imported version.

Sapasui, the Samoan version of chop suey made with rice vermicelli, and roasted ulu, grilled breadfruit that's crisp outside and tender inside, complete this culinary lineup. If you come across a community meal around an umu, accept the invitation. It's a rare window into Samoan culture.

Practical Tips: Hours, Budget, and Season

Hours: Pago Pago restaurants close early, often between 8 and 9 p.m. Friday night is the liveliest. On Sundays, many businesses close because observing the Sabbath is deeply rooted in Samoan culture. Plan your Sunday meals on Saturday evening.

Budget: A meal at a local diner costs about $5 to $15. Hotel restaurants are more expensive, but they remain affordable by American standards. National Park Fees and Passes provides reference information on entrance fees and passes.

Season: The park is open year-round. The wet season, from October through May, doesn't prevent you from eating, but it can make travel to the park's remote areas more difficult. If you're heading to Taʻu or Ofu, you must stock up in Pago Pago before your flight or ferry.

Allergies: Coconut cream is everywhere in Samoan cuisine. Tell your server about any allergy when you order, every time.

For help planning your entire trip, see the National Park of American Samoa guide.

In Brief: Where to Eat Based on Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions