American Samoa National Park Visit (July 2025) Day 1

This post is proof that dreams come true BUT you need to be careful who your trust! we visited American Samoa on our Hawaiian summer adventures and spent a few days on the island. We learned so much about American Samoa and, although we went on our own on day 1, we hired a tour guide for days 2 and 3. Our guide, Lu, was amazing! This post is about our day 1 adventures and WHAT NOT TO DO when visiting American Samoa!

See, we fall for the "TAXI" driver trick, where they quote one price, and then kind of stick with you all day, drive you around, and then quote some ridiculous price. DO NOT fall for that! WE wanted a ride to the National park, and we ended up being taken to some random trail (Honestly, we thought 'So this is how we die'), but then the driver took us to the Visitor Center and we asked for help on how to see the park, and we were referred to Tour American Samoa with Paula & Mike McDonald. (But that is for tomorrow!)

Our driver happened to be part of the West Samoa group that comes and drives on the American Samoa side and then charges whatever they want. We asked him to take us to a restaurant, and that we would walk back. He seemed upset about that, but it was a quick way to get away from these tourist Traps. There are local car rentals and public transportation.

We have learned our lesson and will only contact vetted transport and drivers. Anyway, cannot end this post like that! Let's talk about food! We stopped at A & E Cafe (DUH!) and had a great time. The food was fresh, and the restaurant was clean. The waitress was a little apprehensive, but that is because some tourists have said some negative things online about this place. But honestly, be respectful and kind, and you should be fine.

We ordered burgers and this asian inspired dish with rice and mac. Of course, Eric went for the mac and loved it! He said it was better than the Hawaiian one (sorry!) He also had their bacon-wrapped shrimp, which he said was an unexpected treat~ I mean, can you really go wrong with bacon wrapped anything?

After dinner, we went back to our AirBNB, dropped off our gear, and walked over to the Supermarket, got some groceries, and planned our next day. It was tough first day, and we were a little disappointed at being ripped off by the Taxi service, but we were looking forward to our Day 2 tours with a trusted company.