Customer Reviews

5star island and natural beauty. The lodge is right off the runway. The rooms are very rustic, the shower is awesome. Bring all the food you need. The shared kitchen is adequate but the refrigerators need a good cleaning. We saw new bikes but rode the old ones and they were okay. Bikes are a necessity. We’ve snorkeled all over the world, the reef on Ofu beach is exceptional. There is no park presence so the trails are not maintained. My Temu is a slippery and tough hike with a great view at the end. Looking back we wish we had done less exploring and more snorkeling. Ofu is a stunning island and well worth the visit. Rahne our host was wonderful!

Ofu is stunning - staying somewhere this remote deserves 5 stars alone. Value for money at Vaoto Lodge is not great. At $160/night rooms are very basic, cabins need maintenance, aircon is noisy, rooms are just OK clean (shower is good!) Bikes (advertised free) cost $20/day because these bikes are new despite worn tires and loose parts we fixed ourselves. Charges were waived after complaining, but bikes are essential - distances are too big to walk. Kitchen is basic (one spoon, one spatula) but workable: two fridges, oven, microwave, two hobs. Coffee/tea free (real coffee!). Lodge food is pricey and limited - bring supplies or buy cheap at the island's 3 shops. No fresh produce, but coconuts and garden papayas available. Owner Ben is friendly but seemed overwhelmed running it alone; no email replies, kitchen neglected. Little incentive to improve given the lack of alternatives. Still worth it for the beauty - note weather is often cloudy even in dry season.

Vaoto Lodge, just a stones throw from the airport, was a great experience. The room was comfortably spacious, the water was hot, and the little house with the kitchen and dining table was almost next door. Ben was a wonderful host dispensing his wisdom/advice about Ofu. It's the only place I believe tourists can stay on Ofu and it's great! Hopefully I'll be back!

It had been 18 years since my last visit to Vaoto Lodge. I travelled with my late wife the first time to visit her mom's birthplace. This trip was for my daughter who my wife had always wanted her to visit. While there she learned of her heritage and the culture of Manua. Ben, just as I remembered was so kind and hospitable. So much beauty and history for my daughter and I to experience together. Please respect the people and locations that you encounter. You will find it most hospitable if you do. Thanks to Ben and the other guests who made our stay so memorable.

A beautiful get away. The host met us at the runway and took us straight to the lodge which was just adjacent. The facilities are basic but fitting for the set up and very satisfactory. We only came for 2 days and brought our food - I would imagine tuna could get pretty boring if you did not. There is a lovely cat called Frank who is very happy to help you eat it. Our rooms were not quite ready and despite our being fine with it, Ben cooked us a delicious batch of Mexican wedding biscuits to "make up for it". Delicious! We are all there for the beaches, the snorkelling and the tranquility and Ofu Island did not disappoint. This was our favourite place to stay during a three week tour of American Samoa and Samoa and I wish we had been able to spend more time there. A lovely memory.

A unique & very decent hostel experience. Don't forget to bring the bulk of your meals with you when you come! The location of the lodge is its true gem.

What a great experience on Ofu! The lodge was simple, clean and had A/C in the rooms. The communal kitchen was a fun way to meet the other guests. Jim was an excellent host during our stay. He let us know all about the island, where to go, what to do, and provided fresh bananas and coconuts from nearby trees. The snorkeling was amazing! We enjoyed the bike rides around the island, the sunsets on the airport runway and the incredible stars each night. We would definitely return.

The lodge is as advertised and fits all the needs for a remote island get-away. Jim was a perfect host for the three-stay, offering his advice on what to do, and what not to do! He was mindful for each guests needs. The accommodations were basic, yet clean and comfortable. A great way to spend a few days on a remote island! Thanks.

The quality of the accommodation is much higher than I expected considering its remoteness and uniqueness. The charges for add-ons are very reasonable considering there is no competition, I just wish they were disclosed sooner or that there was some sort of mention about it on the website. Ben was extraordinary, he greeted us at the airport and helped us depart. Everyone on the island treats you like family!

This accommodation is a gem in the heart of beautiful Ofu! Basic, clean rooms with AC and great showers. The self-serve pantry and fridge works out wonderfully. Deb, Ben ( and Jim) are very helpful and responsive. We highly recommend this lodge!