Alega is a useful base for exploring Tutuila's south and east coasts, though most day trips involve driving rather than anything more elaborate. Pago Pago is the natural hub for longer excursions.
Pago Pago and Fagatogo (25–35 min west). The capital is the obvious first stop — the deep harbour, the Jean P. Haydon Museum covering Samoan culture and the American naval period, and the market in Fagatogo where south coast buses originate. The harbour views from the road above town are among the best on the island.
Aunu'u Island (45 min by car, plus a short boat crossing). A tiny island just off the south-east tip of Tutuila, reached by small boat from the landing at Au'asi village. The crossing takes about five minutes. On the island: a red quicksand lake, a small beach, and a level of quiet that makes Alega feel busy. Ask at Tisa's for current boat arrangements.
The National Park of American Samoa — Tutuila unit (30 min to trailheads). The National Park covers the northern coastal strip of Tutuila including the village of Vatia, the sea cliffs above Pola Island, and the Amalau Valley flying fox habitat. The scenic Afono Pass road from Pago Pago is the way in; the views over both coasts from the pass are worth the drive alone. Allow a full day if you want to walk the Vatia trail.
Leone and the west coast (45 min west). Leone is one of the larger villages on Tutuila's west coast, with an imposing white church and views across to the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. The western end of the island has a different character from the Pago Pago basin — flatter, more open, and less visited.
Mount 'Alava (30 min to trailhead). The trail to the 491-metre summit starts at Fagasa Pass, west of Pago Pago. On a clear day the views extend over the harbour and north coast. Allow two to three hours return.