Description
Points of Interest
- Flower Pot Rock
- Tia Seu Lupe Park
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Your scenic journey aboard your open-air, island-style bus takes you to the southwest side of the island and the town of Leone, the ancient capital of Tutuila. It was here that Samoa's first missionary, John Williams, landed in 1832. Honoring Williams's arrival and the work of the London Missionary Society is the Leone Missionary Monument, which stands in front of the town's Zion Church.
Take in the churches hand carved architecture and stained-glass windows.
Tia Seu Lupe Star Mounds, named for their star-like shape. The Samoan name "tia seu lupe" means "earthen mound to catch pigeons." Indeed, for centuries, pigeon-snaring was a popular sport in Samoa, with Samoan chiefs using mounds such as these to practice netting their prized, feathered catch. A stop at the mounds offers a look at this interesting archaeological site, located near the Catholic cathedral in Tafuna.
Afterward, view another island wonder, Fatu-Ma-Futi (Flowerpot Rock). This large rock rising from the waters of Pago Pago Harbor sports a bushy carpet of vegetation sprouting from its crown, giving the rock the appearance of a potted plant in an enormous flowerpot, thus giving it its American name, Flowerpot Rock.
Stop to photograph this unique natural sight and then begin to wrap up your excursion with your visit to Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center to learn of our greatest resource, the ocean. Virtually visit our marine sanctuaries and learn of our culture.
Lastly visit the Jean P. Haydon Museum. Housed in a building constructed in 1919 and originally serving as a naval commissary store, the museum hosts a collection of Samoan artifacts, books, canoes, jewelry, and handcrafts representing Samoan history and culture. Of particular note is a small American Samoa flag and three moonstones gifted to American Samoa by President Richard Nixon following the space explorations of one of the Apollo missions.
From the museum, a short walk brings you to your ship.
Special Notes:
Local buses are used for tour transportation. Buses have bench seats, no microphones and no storage to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs.Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions. Bring a hat and a light waterproof jacket - heavy showers are common.
Tour order may vary. On Sundays, this tour will not drive by the Vaitogi Cliffs.