JH3PRR will be active from American Samoa in CQ WW DX CW Contest 29 - 30 November 2014 as KH8B.
He will be in SOAB HP category.
QSL via JH3PRR, LOTW.
American Samoa "Muamua Le Atua"
American Samoa which is nicknamed Muamua Le Atua, or “Let God be the first” is a region of the United States of America, located in the Southern Pacific ocean, and in the South-Eastern region of Samoa. Five minor Islands make up the American Samoa, Tutuila is one of such and it remains the largest of the Islands. Manu Island, Rose Atoll,olosega, Ofu, and Tau Island make up the American Samoa. The Island is located on the western region of Cook Island. As at the year 2010, American Samoa had a population of 54,519 people and as at the year 2013 , the population had increased to over 55,165. American Samoa is located in the southernmost region of territories owned by the United States of America.
Gagana Fa'asāmoa also known as the Samoan language, is the main language spoken on the Island, however English remains the official language. The main trading partner of the American Samoa is the United States. The capital of American Samoa is “Pago pago”. The American dollar is the main currency is the main legal tender here.
Geographical aspects
American Samoa is located in the Oceania region, and remains one of the few possessions of the United States of America, in the Southern Hemisphere; The Island has a total land area measuring 76.1 square miles which makes it slightly larger than Washington DC- the capital of the United States of America. The Island is made up of 5 main rugged active volcanic Islands alongside two coral atolls. Rose atoll is the only Island in American Samoa that is not inhabited and it has the Island’s Marine National monument- one of the Island’s key landmarks.
Tropical cyclones are major features of the weather in American Samoa and the reason being that the Island is located in South Pacific Ocean. The tropical storms usually hit the Island between the months of November and April. The Valilulu Seamount is one of the key areas of American Samoa and it is a submerged but active underwater volcanic cone, often referred to by the locals as “Samoa’s goddess of war”. American Samoa lies halfway between the United States and New Zealand, and the Island shares the Archipelago culture and ethnicity.
American Samoa is usually warm and humid all year round. The long and wet summer months are between October and May. The country is slightly cooler between the months of June and September. The total amount of rain per year can reach 125 inches. 90% of the lands in American Samoa are communally owned.
Prominent group
Of the total population of American Samoa, some 91.6% are native Samoans, while 1% makes up the Caucasians. Some 2.4% of the populations are Asians, some 4.2% are of the mixed-race origin, and some 0.3% comes from other origins. Most American Samoans are Bi-lingual, and the languages spoken here are closely related to languages spoken by Hawaiians, and some other Polynesian languages. Some 2.9% of the American Samoans speak English; some 2% speak Japanese and some other Asian languages while 2.4% speak Tongan. The American Samoan sign language is used by deaf and dumb people.
Getting in American Samoa
All visitors will require a valid passport to travel to American Samoa, however US citizens and citizens of Micronesia countries do not require visa to travel to the Island.
By Airplane
The Pago pago International airport is the main airport that services the Island, it is also referred to as the Tafuna International airport, and it is located in the city of Tafuna which lies some 5kms of the Central business district. Airlines such as the Hawaiian provide flights, 2 times a week from Honolulu. Polynesian airlines also provide flights from the Maota airport and Savaii Islands in Samoa. Flights are also offered to Pago Pago from the Faleolo International airport in Samoa by Inter Island airways. Polynesian airlines and Inter Island airways also provide weekly flights to American Samoa.
Getting around Pago Pago and the Manu Islands can take between 30 and 40 minutes, while locals who operate boat services can take you to the Olosega and Ofu Islands.
By boat
The International seaport of Pago Pago is located on the Island of Tutuila and it is serviced by several cruise ships and cargo ships.
By car and buses
There are quite a number of car rental services in American Samoa, and it is easy to find some at the Tutuila airport. Unlike many Islands, American Samoa has a strong transportation system; therefore you can find frequent but unscheduled buses on the streets. Most buses start and terminate near the local market in Fagotogo, and the narrows can be too narrow for bicycles and motorbikes. For less than a dollar, you can get buses to the remote parts Pago Pago.
Buses in Pago Pago are often referred to as “Hail an aiga” bus , and you can waive your hand to board them.
Prominent activities
There are quite a number of places to see or things to do in American Samoa;
• Check out the Fatu ma futi (flower pots) are fascinating tall micro islands with beautiful birds and fruit bats.
• Hiking at the steepy Fagatale Bay National marine sanctuary, is quite fascinating.
• Snorkeling at the To’aga beach located on the southern region of Ofu Island.
• Enjoy the assorted grills and great drinks at Tisa’s barefoot bar & grill.
Famous dishes and drinks
Aside the fast food restaurants located in Tutuila and Pago Pago, American Samoa has lots of local cuisines;
• The Kava – this is a local drink that is made from the local pepper root. It is quite delicious and comes with some chili. To show some respect to the culture of the land, you are expected to pour some of the drink to the ground.
•Joe lam’s Poi- This is a special local delicacy made from Mango-spiced chicken.
Other special local delicacies include ; the Suamasi- a special cracker soup, The Sapasui- chop suei, the Umu- a oven-pit baked soup, and puligi, which is a special pudding.
Video American Samoa