Blunts Point Trail, Pago Pago Travel Guide

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Hike through history on Blunts Point Trail in American Samoa. Explore WWII gun batteries and enjoy stunning harbor views.

Hike to Blunts Point, a historic World War II coastal defense site in Utulei, American Samoa, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island's strategic past. The trail leads to restored gun batteries overlooking Pago Pago Harbor.

A brief summary to Blunts Point Trail

P88F+665, Utulei, Eastern District, AS

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Blunts Point Trail.

Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and humidity.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be steep and rocky.
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during the hike.
Take your time to explore the gun batteries and read the interpretive signs to learn about the history of the site.
Consider combining your hike with a visit to the nearby National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center.

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Explore Blunts Point Trail on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Blunts Point Trail, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Utulei, head southeast towards the harbor. Follow the main road along the coast, passing the IBM Laundromat. Look for the sign marking the path to Blunts Point Trail, located south of the water treatment plant on Pago Pago Harbor. The trailhead is about a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest bus stop or parking area. The trail begins behind the laundromat.
Public Transport

Take a local bus heading towards the Eastern District from Pago Pago. Ask the driver to drop you off in Utulei. From there, walk approximately 1 mile towards the trailhead on P88F+665. Check the bus schedule in advance as service can vary. From the bus stop, follow the main road along the coast, passing the IBM Laundromat. Look for the sign marking the path to Blunts Point Trail, located south of the water treatment plant on Pago Pago Harbor. The trailhead is about a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest bus stop or parking area. The trail begins behind the laundromat. Bus fare is typically around $1 - $3 Samoan Tala.
Car

From Pago Pago, head east on Route 1, the main coastal road. Drive approximately 7 miles until you reach Utulei. Look for the sign indicating Blunts Point or P88F+665, next to the IBM Laundromat. Turn onto the road leading towards the trailhead. Park at the public parking lot on the harbor side, 100 yards from the trailhead. Parking is free.

Discover more about Blunts Point Trail

Blunts Point Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Located on a projection on the west side of the mouth of Pago Pago Harbor, southeast of Utulei village, the trail ascends to a height of about 200 feet above sea level, providing commanding views of the harbor entrance.The main attraction is the Blunts Point Battery, a World War II-era coastal defense installation. In 1940, as tensions rose, the U.S. government fortified American Samoa. Following the Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941, and the capture of Guam, American Samoa became a critical American base in the Western Pacific. United States Marines installed two 6-inch naval guns at Blunts Point, and another two at Breakers Point on the harbor's east side. The guns were intended to protect Pago Pago Harbor, a vital link in the route from the United States to Australia and New Zealand.The trail itself is a moderately challenging hike through lush rainforest. The path can be steep and rocky in places. Along the way, hikers can see the remains of the tramway that once ran to the summit of Mount Alava. The gun emplacements have been restored and are in good condition, allowing visitors to explore this piece of military history. Interpretive signs provide historical context, enhancing the experience.From the gun batteries, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Pago Pago Harbor, Faga'alu Bay, and Fatumafuti. The trail connects seamlessly with the WWII Heritage Trail, creating a longer hiking option. The ammunition storage area is often flooded, so it is best to avoid. There are some picnic tables where you can enjoy a break and eat some food. There is another gun battery up the hill, but it is not as well maintained. From here, you can continue on the WWII Heritage trail that goes past the remains of other batteries, but there are no guns there. It is a much steeper, narrower, and more difficult trail. Your other option is to retrace your steps back down to where you parked.