For whatever reason, I’m seriously considering celebrating the New Year in Samoa and American Samoa. I can’t decide whether this is stupid, fun, or stupid fun. One thing is for sure — I need to add this to my list of cool avgeek experience.
In this post:
Samoa & American Samoa are 24 hours apart
I’m sure everyone is familiar with the concept of “time travel flights,” whereby a flight lands before it takes off, based on local time. This is all possible thanks to the International Date Line, so this can happen when traveling west to east across the Pacific.
For example, United operates a flight from Guam to Honolulu, which takes off in the morning, and arrives the previous evening, allowing you to celebrate the New Year twice.
However, when it comes to timezone arbitrage opportunities for celebrating the New Year, there’s nothing quite like Samoa and American Samoa. The islands’ airports are just 93 miles apart, and the time at both airports is the same… except they’re on different days.
So when it’s 12PM on January 1 in Samoa, it’s 12PM on December 31 in American Samoa. Samoa Airways operates flights between the two airports, which are blocked at around 45 minutes. This means you could leave Apia, Samoa (APW) at 1PM on January 1, and arrive in Pago Pago, American Samoa (PPG) at 1:45PM on December 31.
So while there are lots of places you can travel between to have a New Year that lasts for more than 24 hours, this is the only combination where you could have a full 48-hour New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day celebration.
I’m coming at this more from the angle of finding it to be an entertaining way to spend the New Year, as someone who is usually asleep well before midnight. So I don’t care how big or small the celebration is in either place, I’m intrigued either way.
Considering the logistics of a Samoa trip
Getting between Samoa and American Samoa is easy enough, though perhaps the bigger challenge is actually getting to and from these small South Pacific islands:
- You can most easily get to Apia, Samoa, on Air New Zealand from Auckland (AKL), Fiji Airways from Honolulu (HNL) or Nadi (NAN), or Qantas or Virgin Australia from Brisbane (BNE)
- You can most easily leave Pago Pago on Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu (HNL), or otherwise can backtrack to Apia, and fly from there
As you can see, there are a decent number of options, but I imagine around the New Year, fares will be pretty high across the board, given that it’s also generally peak season for the South Pacific (in terms of holidays and weather).
To those who have been to Samoa and/or American Samoa, any opinions on how the experience was? How much time should one spend at each destination? Is one destination much more interesting than the other? The islands certainly look beautiful…
In terms of lodging, there’s the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort, which is a fun points angle to this trip. Meanwhile in American Samoa, it looks like lodging options are a bit more limited, not surprisingly, since it’s less of a tourist destination. Anyone have any thoughts on the best place to stay there?
Bottom line
While there are lots of flights that allow “time travel,” nothing can compare to flying from Apia, Samoa, to Pago Pago, American Samoa, where the clock goes back a full 24 hours. That’s cool any day, though especially cool if you’re traveling for the New Year, where you can have a 48-hour New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day celebration.
I can’t help but be intrigued, and at least ask the OMAAT community if anyone has any insights, as I consider maybe, possibly planning a trip like this.
Anyone else fascinated by the Samoa & American Samoa New Year celebration opportunity?
This would have been a heck of a trick to pull back in '99/'00 or '00/'01...
Oh god, why? I go to both places for work. There are many better destinations in Polynesia, though Samoa’s pleasant enough for a few days. AS is another matter.
Pago is not as sad as Tarawa, Nauru, or Tuvalu, or as boring as Tongatapu, but seriously, this is not your place, Ben. It’s run down, with much that was not rebuilt after the 2009 tsunami. There is no place to eat in Pago for dinner,...
Oh god, why? I go to both places for work. There are many better destinations in Polynesia, though Samoa’s pleasant enough for a few days. AS is another matter.
Pago is not as sad as Tarawa, Nauru, or Tuvalu, or as boring as Tongatapu, but seriously, this is not your place, Ben. It’s run down, with much that was not rebuilt after the 2009 tsunami. There is no place to eat in Pago for dinner, unless you’re eating fast food or cooking in the nice kitchen at Moana O’Sina (where I once spent an extended stay during a hurricane) - the only place to stay in Pago (although adjust your expectations - it’s a nice little guest house). There are no good beaches on Tutuila. And not much to do. Maybe tuna cannery tourism? There’s actually a statue of Charlie the Tuna there.
There are better places to stay and eat in Apia, some pretty scenery, and some decent beaches.
Also, both Samoa and AS have serious vicious dog problems.
If you’re looking for a beautiful escape in Polynesia, try Aitutaki in the Cooks, Maupiti west of Bora Bora, or Raivavae in the Australs. Something tells me that Ford would like the Brando on Tetiaroa.
I spent two years living in Samoa. It's fantastic. Stay at Taumeasina - it's the best hotel on the island. Eat at Paddles.
Beach trip for two nye parties! Seems an odd choice for someone who doesn’t like sand or partying :)
We did Samoa last August. Loved it especially the To Sua Ocean trench, clam sanctuary and driving by the ale Mafa pass road.
We stayed at the Return to Paradise resort and really liked it.
Couldn't get American Samoa to work. Didn't want to put our 11 month old through extra flights lol.
But the flight to Honolulu on Fiji worked well.
Def rent a car.
I was in Samoa last year and loved it. I originally booked the Sheraton, but later cancelled because of the reviews, and instead booked Aga Reef Resort (not with points), which was exceptional. I rented a car and drove around the island each day, to cool waterfalls and amazing beaches. Two of my favourite stops were snorkelling in the Giant Clam Sanctuary and swimming in the To Sua Ocean Trench.
Spent a week in Samoa last year. The island is beautiful with amazing beaches and nature, just the weather might be hit or miss.
Didnt stay in Sheraton, so I dont know. But in general dont expect much about the hospitality and level of service anywhere.
Having said that, there are few very good restaurants in Apia that you will for sure enjoy (I recommend Paddles restaurant close to the harbour).
I...
Spent a week in Samoa last year. The island is beautiful with amazing beaches and nature, just the weather might be hit or miss.
Didnt stay in Sheraton, so I dont know. But in general dont expect much about the hospitality and level of service anywhere.
Having said that, there are few very good restaurants in Apia that you will for sure enjoy (I recommend Paddles restaurant close to the harbour).
I highly recommend renting a car, without that it is almost impossible to travel. And dont forget to book it well in advance, I tried to do it on the spot and it was close to impossible.
I flew there Qantas A330 from SYD/BNE, back to AKL NZ321, both pleasant flights.
Enjoy!
My wife and I did this trip this past New Year’s!
The main piece of advice I can offer is book your travel now! In particular, rental cars can be hard to come by.
We traveled to American Samoa from San Diego to Pago Pago on Hawaiian Airlines and overnighted at the Tradewinds Hotel. The next morning, we took a short flight to Upolu. Then, we took a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal...
My wife and I did this trip this past New Year’s!
The main piece of advice I can offer is book your travel now! In particular, rental cars can be hard to come by.
We traveled to American Samoa from San Diego to Pago Pago on Hawaiian Airlines and overnighted at the Tradewinds Hotel. The next morning, we took a short flight to Upolu. Then, we took a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal and walked on to travel over to Savaii. Another short taxi ride to pick up our rental car and we drove to the La Lagoto Resort, where we stayed for two nights.
Next we returned back to Upolu, picked up our second rental car, and drove to the Aga Reef Resort, where we stayed for five nights and rang in the New Year.
Both resorts in Samoa were excellent!
On New Year’s Day, we returned to Pago Pago and took a taxi to Sadie’s by the Sea Hotel. Frankly, the condition of the hotel was not great. A MUCH better option was the Moana O Sina, but it was closed for the holiday season. Regardless, we rang in the New Year a second time and spent the remaining six nights exploring the island before we returned to San Diego.
Our T-Mobile International Data Pass worked well in Samoa. In American Samoa, that was not an option, so we purchased an eSIM from Bluesky Communications. The service was excellent.
I could go on and on about the activities we did during our trip. If you are interested, I would be happy to chat with further.
Y seats, budget hotels? Sounds awful, Lucky.
You can even have 49 hour day by flying from kiritimati to American Samoa. 50 hour is only theoretically possible but it's almost impossible to go to these non inhabitted US islands.
This sounds fun! Probably worth waiting for FJ to join OW and AAdvantage, but that may not be until '26. Also, please pronounce Samoa correctly, as virtually all mainland Americans don't.
I live in American Samoa.Hawaiian /Alaska will have 3 a week flights to PPG to HNL in Feb 2025
PPG to APW ,has besides Samoa Air,Talofa Air
USA most southern National Park is in American Samoa.Tradewind Hotel and Sadies Inn are nice accomodations for stay.
There are other smaller hotels and AB&Bs.
World Famous Tisa Barefoot Bar is located on the Eastern shore of Tutuila Island American Samoa.The dog issue has...
I live in American Samoa.Hawaiian /Alaska will have 3 a week flights to PPG to HNL in Feb 2025
PPG to APW ,has besides Samoa Air,Talofa Air
USA most southern National Park is in American Samoa.Tradewind Hotel and Sadies Inn are nice accomodations for stay.
There are other smaller hotels and AB&Bs.
World Famous Tisa Barefoot Bar is located on the Eastern shore of Tutuila Island American Samoa.The dog issue has been addressed by the local government in the past 2 years.Visit Americas Treasure in the South Pacific.We are a friendly bunch!
I just did this this year! Happy to share advice! It's cheesy, but so much fun.
Check the Instagram highlights of chloejadetravels, she did this this year, seemed fun
Did this in 2017.
The downtown Sheraton Samoa was nothing special and couldnt wait to get out of there fast enough. We flew FGI-PPG on the 1st o Talofa, and did NYE in Pago Pago - a very quiet affair, both on the 31st and the 1st, its mostly family time for everyone there.
Returned to Samoa, and stayed in the south of the island this time, and loved it.
We were going...
Did this in 2017.
The downtown Sheraton Samoa was nothing special and couldnt wait to get out of there fast enough. We flew FGI-PPG on the 1st o Talofa, and did NYE in Pago Pago - a very quiet affair, both on the 31st and the 1st, its mostly family time for everyone there.
Returned to Samoa, and stayed in the south of the island this time, and loved it.
We were going to just fly onwards to HNL, but dates didn't line up. Glad we didnt, the main island of Samoa is wonderful to explore with your own car
Celebrating new year is overrated. I would fly reversely to avoid all the hypes.
I flew PPG-FGI about 15 years ago (before FGI was closed and all flights moved to APW) as part of 2 months spent traveling around the South Pacific. Samoa definitely has more tourist infrastructure, but I found American Samoa to be absolutely beautiful. In American Samoa, If you are just staying on the main island of Tutuila, you probably only need a couple days. (Some day I will go back and make it to Ofu...
I flew PPG-FGI about 15 years ago (before FGI was closed and all flights moved to APW) as part of 2 months spent traveling around the South Pacific. Samoa definitely has more tourist infrastructure, but I found American Samoa to be absolutely beautiful. In American Samoa, If you are just staying on the main island of Tutuila, you probably only need a couple days. (Some day I will go back and make it to Ofu island, but that is logistically complicated.)
In Samoa, I personally preferred the island of Savai'i to Upolu - but I was there a couple years after the tsunami had destroyed the main tourist stuff at Lalomanu and it hadn't been totally rebuilt yet. Also I didn't get to see the Sheraton because Survivor was filming there at the time and they had bought out the entire hotel for the crew.
The one thing to be aware of is the dogs, especially in American Samoa. There are hundreds (thousands?) of free range dogs. Normally during the day they mostly just sleep in the shade to avoid the heat, but after dark they will form packs and get aggressive. Most locals carry walking sticks after dark to use to threaten the dogs (if you just kinda swing/drag it in a circle around yourself, they will keep their distance so they don't get hit). While it's mostly a problem after dark, it can also become a problem during the day if you find yourself in a remote village. Always have a walking stick with you, and if you don't then you can try to pretend to pick up rocks and throw them at the dogs and they will normally keep their distance.
I'd be more interested in the other way that allows my to skip new years eve with all the noise and drunk people :)
NYE 1999/2000 all night rave in Sydney 9am flight to Papeete rest n do it all again.
Ben,
My daughter and I stayed at the Sheraton Samoa last March enroute to Oz…highly recommended!
I flew with Samoa Airways last year and as far as I remember, they fly this route (APW-PPG) only on Mondays. As Dec 31, 2025, is not a Monday, I doubt you'll be able to do it (with a commercial flight).
I just did this about 2 weeks ago (a few days removed from new year's), and can offer the following observations, in no particular order:
Getting to Samoa, I suggest Fiji Airways (via LAX and NAN [schedule varies], or 3x weekly from HNL nonstop). I found Samoa to be pleasant, though watch out for aggressive stray dogs. If you want to 'tourist,' you can see the highlights in a few days, and I'd suggest a...
I just did this about 2 weeks ago (a few days removed from new year's), and can offer the following observations, in no particular order:
Getting to Samoa, I suggest Fiji Airways (via LAX and NAN [schedule varies], or 3x weekly from HNL nonstop). I found Samoa to be pleasant, though watch out for aggressive stray dogs. If you want to 'tourist,' you can see the highlights in a few days, and I'd suggest a guided tour; there are a few tour operators.
Doing the "inter-island" flight, be aware that there are *two* airports in Samoa: Faleolo (APW) and Fagali'i (FGI) - Wikipedia insists FGI is closed, but it is, in fact, very much operational. Monday - Saturday [Apia time], there are flights from both (Talofa using Turbo Commanders from APW, Samoa Airways using DH6s from FGI); on Sundays [Apia time], Talofa does not operate, and Samoa Airways has a reduced schedule from APW.
American Samoa is pleasant and, like many US territories, a fascinating juxtaposition of "American normal" and foreign. Be aware that your mobile data, even if you have international roaming, does cover American Samoa - you can get visitors SIM cards easily enough on weekdays (Pago Pago time) if you need mobile data, though I just used WiFi. A few days there is also good, organized tours exist though I found it difficult to get information before arrival. If you're staying overnight, there are limited hotels in AS, so make reservations (which will probably require calling) well in advance.
The Hawaiian Airlines flight from PPG to HNL on an A332 runs 3x weekly (124) in the Christmas/New Year's season, and 2x (14) in the northern fall and spring.
New Year's is the rainy season in the south Pacific, so bring a good umbrella as rain showers occur at any time, often with very little warning.
I think I saw somewhere that United's Guam - Honolulu "double new year" flight was delayed and the passengers missed out!
Since carriers like Aircalin are on your list, it's the perfect opportunity to combine your wishlist into one. As an avgeek like yourself, United's Island Hopper is high on my list. So maybe you can sneak that in as well as these smaller, unknown carriers and islands like Air Vanatu, Solomon Airlines, Air Niugini, et al. I'd probably give myself like a week or so just to get everything under my belt before the new...
Since carriers like Aircalin are on your list, it's the perfect opportunity to combine your wishlist into one. As an avgeek like yourself, United's Island Hopper is high on my list. So maybe you can sneak that in as well as these smaller, unknown carriers and islands like Air Vanatu, Solomon Airlines, Air Niugini, et al. I'd probably give myself like a week or so just to get everything under my belt before the new year hits.
I've always had fascination with the pacific islands like Guam, the Marianas, Kirbati, Tonga, Vanatu, etc.
I go back in time on my birthday. Did it before and doing it again this year. Guam/Island Hopper route to Honolulu is easier than Samoa. This year it will be day in Marshall Islands and repeat in HNL and area.
I've been to Samoa and enjoyed it and want to go back in future. In my case, I took flight from AKL and went back to Fiji. The island itself is a cheap place. Unfortunately, I can't go to American Samoa, so can't comment on it.
There are some decent hotels in Samoa, formerly Western Samoa, an independent country. I believe there are one or two Marriott properties. They mostly cater to tourists from New Zealand and Australia.
Since Pago Pago's airport lost the majority of the big planes to Apia's airport, they have a more developed tourism industry. Pago Pago is the biggest "town" in American Samoa, a U.S. territory. There are virtually no hotels and virtually no tourists.
...There are some decent hotels in Samoa, formerly Western Samoa, an independent country. I believe there are one or two Marriott properties. They mostly cater to tourists from New Zealand and Australia.
Since Pago Pago's airport lost the majority of the big planes to Apia's airport, they have a more developed tourism industry. Pago Pago is the biggest "town" in American Samoa, a U.S. territory. There are virtually no hotels and virtually no tourists.
In Pago Pago, there's a Hampton Inn-level hotel near the airport, called Tradewinds, and then a rather basic hotel, the remains of the old Intercontinental, right in town. Sadie's by the Sea. Tradewinds is better but it's not on the water. Sadie's is the only hotel in American Samoa that's on the water.
By the way, neither country is great for LGTBQ+ travelers, especially married couples. And U.S. law doesn't really apply in American Samoa. There isn't even a U.S. courthouse or an FBI office, even though it's a U.S. territory. The territorial legislature's Senate is basically hereditary with membership limited to tribal chiefs.