Finding a place to rent is as easy as jumping online and checking out the rental listings. Right?
Not in American Samoa.
How about calling up a rental agency?
Nope.
Can you at least check out the classified section of the local newspaper?
Wrong again.
For most people, they step off the plane, excited to start their new lives in this island paradise, to discover that finding a place to rent can be a bit of challenge.
There are no rental agencies in the territory of American Samoa. No Craigslist. No classifieds.
What is there?
Facebook Groups
There’s Facebook. Currently, there are two reliable marketplace groups for Am Sam, specifically on the main island of Tutuila:
American Samoa Stealz and Dealz
684 Buy/Sell/Trade or Free American Samoa
On these groups, people list everything from furniture for sale, lost and found objects, local events, and properties for rent.
You can keep checking every day, hoping that your ideal place will pop up, or you can post a request for anyone with information on available rentals. Either way, for those with no local connections, this is their best resource.
Word of Mouth
For those who are fortunate enough to have friends or relatives living in the territory, knowing someone who knows someone who has a place for rent is the best way to find what you’re looking for. Many times, a property isn’t officially available to rent, but if the owner hears that someone trustworthy is looking, they’ll jump on the opportunity and make it happen.
We had been looking to move to Coconut Point (beach-front area in Nu’uuli) the first two years of living here, but it wasn’t until someone who knew we were looking told us of a place that might be opening up. We contacted the landlord and she let us know that they could have the place ready in a few weeks. Sure enough, within three weeks, we moved into our beach house.
If you don’t have any local friends or family, don’t despair, once you’re here, you will make fast friends. Soon, you might have the whole island looking for a rental on your behalf.
Considerations When Looking for a Rental in American Samoa
Make sure that you have your expectations in check. Most houses and apartments in the territory are what we lovingly call, “island homes”. It’s not uncommon for homes to have slight gaps that let sunlight through or uneven flooring.
I love watching HGTV’s House Hunters International and laugh at the idea of the show coming here. So many of people’s deal breakers are just everyday life here in the tropics.
Most of the houses are sturdy and safe, after all, they have to be able to withstand the tropical climate and cyclone season. Sometimes they’re just lacking in the aesthetic niceties people form off-island may be accustomed to. I say this, not to scare you away, but to make sure you come here knowing what to expect. Then hopefully, what you find will meet or exceed those expectations of a rental in American Samoa.
You’re welcome!
Temporary Alternatives to Rentals in American Samoa
Even when you know where and how to look for a rental, sometimes it still takes time. After all, there’s only so much flat land on these volcanic islands and only so many homes on that limited amount of flat land. It wouldn’t be the untouched utopia if it weren’t so rugged.
If the time comes for you to move to the territory and you have yet to find a suitable home, no fear. There are multiple AirBnB rentals available on Tutuila, whose owners are used to renting their homes as long-term temporary options. Just make sure to communicate your situation to the owners, ensuring that neither will be taken by surprise when it comes to duration or price.
There are also a number of lovely hotels that make for comfortable lodging for short-term stay, although this will certainly be pricier.
Taking advantage of one of these temporary housing options will provide you with an opportunity to see the island first-hand, giving you the chance to get a better sense of where you’d like to call home.
Wherever you decide to rent, you can rest assured that American Samoa is a safe and beautiful place, no matter where you go. The people are kind and friendly and the scenery is always picture perfect.
So, stop worrying. Make your way here and start enjoying the island life.
Looking for a private studio – somewhere peace & quiet.
Hi, the best place to look for rentals is on one of the Facebook Marketplace groups, such as American Samoa Stealz and Dealz or 684 Buy/Sell/Trade.
Hi! We are thinking of moving to American Samoa when all this Global Coronavirus Pandemic is over or when allowed to travel. We are a couple who are interested in renting a private place in Tafuna or Ili’ili Village. Are there any available for November 2020?
Sorry for the late response, but that would be great. Especially with everything going on in the States and around the world, we couldn’t be happier to be living in American Samoa. Truly, the best way to find a rental is through one of the Facebook Marketplace groups. You could try American Samoa Dealz and Stealz or 684 Buy/Sell/Trade. If you were to put out a request, “Looking for a rental in November”, I’m sure you would get some good leads. Our borders remain closed for now, but it’s only a matter of time before they’re reopened and then I feel confident you will be able to find something suitable.
Good luck and stay safe.
Hi!
I’ve lived in American Samoa my entire life but moved to Hawaii in 2006 for school and I’ve been here since. I have a house in Fogagogo where my parents still live but the last time I visited was in 2012! 🙁 My mother recently passed and unfortunately due to the borders being closed, I will be unable to attend her funeral. Thank you for sharing videos of home and affording me the opportunity to see all the changes and updates on island. I subscribe to your YouTube channel and keep up with all videos!
I’m sorry for your loss and that you can’t be home for the occasion! This world we are living in is pretty crazy right now. We’re glad we can bring you a little piece of home and hope that it makes the distance just a little easier. Thanks for subscribing. Hope you get to visit soon.
Hi!
I am currently off island for medical and wanted to come back as soon as the borders open up. My daughter and I are just looking for a single home around Tafuna, Iliili area or near Malaeimi.
I look forward to hear from you. Have a blessed day.
Hi Tanya,
I’m excited for your upcoming adventure! I hope you find you love this place as much as we’ve come to. When you have a better idea of when you’ll be coming, the best way to find housing is through one of the Facebook Marketplace groups. You can scroll through what’s available or post a request for exactly what you’re looking for. Just make sure to be flexible and you’ll be sure to find something suitable.
Thanks for writing. Let us know if you have any other questions.
-Melinda
Hi Im looking for a cheaper house rent and I have 3 kids plus my husband,hope my comments will be answered thank u.
Hi sorry we missed your comment. I don’t know if you’re still looking or if you were able to find something. The best resource that we’ve found for rentals is through the local Facebook Marketplace groups, like American Samoa Stealz and Dealz, and 684 Buy/Sell/Trade/Free.
Good luck and hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
My wife and I just retired and wish to find a house for rent in American Samoa
in the summer 2021. Who do we contact ? Approx. what is the monthly cost ?
(2 months). What airline fly there from Los Angeles, CA
Is it 2 months living there enough to see the entire territory ?
Thanks,
Len and Jenny
[email protected]
1/12/2021
Hi, thanks for writing. Congrats on the double retirement! Our borders here are still closed because of COVID-19 and the word is that they will remain closed until we have reached 70% vaccinations on-island. I’m not confident that’s going to happen by this summer.
Whenever the borders do open though and you’re ready to visit, Hawaiian Airlines is the only airline that flies here from the Mainland US.
As far as rentals, there are no rental agencies of any kind. Currently the only real ways to find rentals are through word-of-mouth or through a Facebook marketplace group. The two that I recommend are “American Samoa Stealz and Deals” and “684 Buy/Sell/Trade/Free”. As soon as you know when you’ll be coming, you can post a request on both of these and people can share what they have available.
Like most places, you could spend a lifetime exploring every inch of the island and surrounding coral reefs, as well as experiencing the food and culture. That being said, I think 2 months should be sufficient to explore and get a good taste of fa’a Samoa (traditional Samoa).
Please let me know when you’ll be heading our way, I’d love to share some of our favorite places with you.
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
It really is incredible! Hopefully you’ll be able to come see it for yourself someday.
hi, my husband and I have been looking for places to retire and American Samoa came to our attention. We are looking to spend at least 4 to 6 months on the island every year. We are wondering what is the best way to accomplish this as far as renting and or buying something reasonable… We don’t require luxury as we are used to living simple.
Also what island would you recommend? We really love the pictures we have seen of the islands and I am used to living in remote areas and grew up on an island as well as worked in the South Pacific on a small island years ago. I know my husband and I would love the opportunity to live on one of the Islands. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you, Cindy and Scott
Hi Cindy and Scott, great questions. And so sorry about the delay, I’m trying to stay more on top of responding to comments on here.
First, to own land here you have to be at least 50% Samoan.
Next, I’d suggest joining the local Facebook marketplace groups. It will give you an idea of what’s available and then when you’re ready to start looking seriously, you can let people know the specifics of what you’re looking for and let people contact you if they have something available.
The main island of Tutuila is probably going to be your best bet for finding a rental, but if you’re up for an adventure and really don’t mind being remote, then any of the Manu’a islands would be incredible.
We might not stay in American Samoa, but my husband and I always talk about retiring here. At this point, it just feels like home. PLease keep in touch and let us know if you end up taking the leap and making the move here.
Hi I’m and American citizen who’s currently living in Fiji but plan to move to American somoa early next year and stay there for a several months and possibly longer I wanted to know if you guys knew of any places for rent that are good for a single person nothing fancy I’m used to ruffing it. But affordable if possible cause I’ll be going there to start work so my initial coming there will be with limited funds. Hoping to hear back from you guys soon. GOD BLESS.
Hi Kelly, sorry about the delayed response, I’m not as good as checking these comments as I should be. How are your plans coming along? Have you made any progress in the house search? The best way to see what’s available is truly through the local Facebook marketplace groups- American Samoa Stealz and Dealz & 684 Buy/Sell/Trade/Free. You can post about what you’re looking for and people can reach out to you to let you know what they have available. Otherwise, if you can find a short term rental (AirBnb) for when you first arrive, asking around when you’re on-island is your next best bet.
Hope this helps.
Melinda
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