Tisa's Barefoot Bar
Tisa's Barefoot Bar
4.5
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- TripwellgalSan Diego, California19 contributionsAuthentic Samoan Feast and HospitalityTisa's Barefoot Bar is the real deal. Founded by local, Tisa, the traditional buildings hug the shoreline and the surf echoes underneath the floorboards at high tide. If the room isn't available, make a reservation for their weekly Umu feast. Arrive early to fully experience the traditional cooking process and savor the ambiance. If the tide permits walk the beach or slip into the water to snorkel the shallows. Tisa is committed to preserving the marine park created in her bay and her partner, Candymann, happily guides guests through the water. Don't miss his fresh coconut cream pina colada!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 March 2024
- Tammy D32 contributionsPriceless Experience! Absolutely AmazingWow!!!! We were so fortunate to find this amazing spot and Tisa and Candyman the owners were amazing! Their spot on the island was so breathtaking, I can't even describe it in words but priceless would be a word that I would use. Lunch was delicious as well. If you can book a day here, do not hesitate, you will absolutely love it. Would highly suggest Tisa's Barefoot Bar to anyone visiting American Somoa! Make reservations!!! This definitely was a priceless experience and the BEST excursion and experience we had! Because we were on a cruise we hired a cab to take us and scheduled a time for driver to come back for pick us up and had no issues.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 April 2024
- oricusWollongong, Australia147 contributionsMagic Day at Private BeachI booked months ahead because I thought after doing group tours at other ports we would want to snorkel, eat and relax in a pleasant setting so chose Tisa’s based on revues on Trip Advisor. It lived up to expectations. There were only four of us that day. Candyman and Tisa have scaled back operations so take pre booked people only. Candyman led us through the coral, warning of strong currents which have dragged many out to sea. We had great food and drinks. So pleased we went there.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 April 2024
- RoyAvilesMoore, Oklahoma460 contributionsTisa's Barefoot BarWe had an amazing time at Tisa's. Tisa and Candyman were incredible hosts. The beach and sunset views while sipping a homemade pina colada were the perfect touch to our stay in American Samoa. Make sure to reserve a spot at the weekly Umu feast for a traditional Samoan dinner. And make sure to bring cash as they don't take cards.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 June 2024
- PoleinaholeSwitzerland2,410 contributionsAuthentic Umu with Charismatic HostsYou should definitely try and visit American Samoa so that you can take in the traditional Umu dinner feast at Tisa’s on Wednesday night. Book via Facebook Messenger and the call to confirm on the day. They can cater to vegetarians with advance notice. It’s $65. All ingredients fresh, organic and as tasty as this traditional fare can be. Dinner starts at 7 PM but Candyman invited me to come as early as 4 PM when they started putting food in the umu (which has already been heating up for a few hours-/yes it’s a lot of work). I got there at 5:15 PM and there was just the nephew checking the umu. So no one to talk to or get a drink from until about 6:20 PM, when Candyman started serving up his insanely great pina coladas with real coconut cream. (The virgin version his great too—you’ll never get better). I was glad I hadn’t come earlier… We were 15 guests and had a communal meal at a long table with banana leave plates. Guests were interesting and the evening passed quickly. Tisa’s brother sings and plays guitar. If you come without a car, one of the other guests can probably give you a lift. Otherwise, Candyman can help you get a taxi. It’s about an hour’s drive from the Tradewinds Hotel due to American Samoa’s 20-25 mph speed limit.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 19 July 2024
- Christopher Z3 contributionsClean and charming accommodations with divine dining.Tisa and Candyman did everything to make our anniversary trip relaxing and romantic. We stayed two nights in their traditional Fale. While we were there we had the beach and restaurant completely to ourselves. The room was clean and private with a mosquito net on the bed though we didn’t see any bugs at all. The tropical breeze and sound of the waves were magical as well as the charming and authentic atmosphere in the room and bar were top notch. The included dinner and breakfast were absolutely divine. By far the best place to dray in American Samoa.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 August 2024
- Lauren S4 contributionsWe loved our time at Tisa's!We loved our time at Tisa's! The hospitality alone, was so wonderful. The location is so serene and authentic. Our snorkeling was great, and the meal that Candy Man home cooked us, was honestly incredible- hand caught lobsters! Highly recommend Tisa's for a lovely excursion.Visited December 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Karen M
Basking Ridge, NJ41 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
My husband and I were at Tisa's Barefoot Bar twice during our stay in American Samoa. It's a small place and you do need advance reservations as they buy the food when needed, so as to provide the freshest ingredients and not to waste any. Both days we were the only ones at Tisa's and the lunch of tuna, shrimp, papaya, breadfruit and salad was just phenomenal. Our table overlooked the bay and we were encouraged to whale watch from our table. The dates we were there were close to our wedding anniversary and you just couldn't get any more romantic!
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LakeRat
Austin, TX48 contributions
Jan 2023
Our group of 4 visited Tisa's Barefoot Bar 1/20/23. What an special place! A few things to know. First, we were the first group to visit since the Pandemic. We began a dialog with Tisa via email over a year ago requesting a visit. We thankfully worked out the details long before our trip started, so we were the lucky 4 to be welcomed from a cruise ship of 2,000. NOTE: always email Tisa prior to coming. The location is a marine sanctuary and visits are limited so that the reef is always protected and respected. So the 4 of us spent approx. 4 hours on the beach while other drop ins were turned away. Our big-eye tuna dinner was wonderful, drinks fresh and tasty, snorkeling was wonderful, conversation was meaningful. I felt like we won the lottery by being able to visit such a beautiful spot.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadine H
25 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
One of my best excursions ever! Tisa was so welcoming. We were treated as part of the family and enjoyed a sumptuous traditional meal that was out of thus world. Lamb, tuna, pork, and turkey as well as bananas, papaya, pumpkin, and peppers all cooked in their above ground pit with ho9t rocks and leaves. Amazing!! The secluded beach and beautiful water made this a perfect day. We were also treated to a reading from a Samoan performance poet. This excursion is limited to 20 people.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel C
29 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We had a great afternoon and dinner at Tisa’s. Tisa and Candyman are gracious hosts. The beach and snorkeling was great and the dinner and drinks were awesome. You do need to call ahead and make a reservation. This is a small, family-owned business and they can’t accommodate drop ins. If you are visiting Tutuila don’t miss Tisa’s!!
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Icarus
Atlanta, GA39 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
The taxi assigned to us didn't know where the bar was, and we went past it until someone in the car mentioned that we had been traveling for over a half hour and should have reached it by then. The driver called after we gave him Tisa's phone number and he got correct directions and we then went back. Then we sat around without any instructions for almost an hour wondering what to do, when Tisa then showed up. Just a little too disorganized for me. The food was outstanding. Making plates out of banana leaves was not my thing, and it all surprisingly ended at 2:15 when taxis were called to take us back to town. It was supposed to be an all day thing, it wasn't with the late start and early conclusion. I also thought it was Overpriced for the experience.
Written 19 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark D
Blue Hill, ME145 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Wow. So glad I found this amazing spot and Tisa and Candyman allowed us to share it with them. Both were very friendly and interesting to speak with. Their spot on the island was so amazing, I can't even describe it in words. Snorkeling was fantastic as the coral was in great shape due to them only allowing a limited amount of people to the spot per day. Lunch was delicious as well. If you can book a day here, do not hesitate, you will absolutely love it.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luv2travelHonolulu
Windermere, FL258 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Tisa and her husband were THE BEST. It looked like rain so she sent a small bus for us at the port. Food was amazing. Really felt their warm and caring family style service was so sincere.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Intrepidtraveler53
Washington DC, DC779 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The view, the food, the owners are all fantastic. This is the best place to visit in America Samoa. The food is so yummy and the presentation is incredible. Make reservations since I couldn't attend the Wednesday night dinner since they were booked. Do not miss this incredible and magical restaurant. Thank you for a fantastic afternoon!
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabitha A
Kangaroo Flat, Australia420 contributions
May 2023
To stay here with Tisa and Candyman was an absolute pleasure. I’ve never felt so welcomed and I imagine this is what it’s like to stay with family. The fale is simple yet adequate. The meals were fresh and delicious. The view, the breeze, the ocean, the moon - all just perfect. Thank you so much for allowing me to stay in your little piece of paradise xx
Written 9 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Survey54
Sydney, Australia1,255 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
To see Tisa’s Barefoot Bar, the smart people take the local bus for US$2 each way, pay US$5 to use the beach and US$13 for lunch (plus drinks of course) – total US$22. The not-so-bright ones amongst us contact Tisa in advance by email, hand over the credit card details and sign up for a US$75 each, “five hour” tour including 3 photo stops, use of the beach and lunch.
There were 6 of us from the cruise ship who had booked on Tisa’s 5 hour tour. When we arrived at the dock, there was much confusion as they only had 4 people on their list. Tisa’s chocolate brown bus had already been booked out (the guide pointed it out to me, full of people, as it went by) so there was only a twin cab taxi ute for 6 people. There was no suggestion of getting another taxi: the guide decided that the two sixty year old men could clamber into the rear tray and take the tour backwards. No seats or cushions of course - just sitting on the tray (although I must admit it was suggested that we share a slab of cardboard). I suspected the guide didn’t know where he was going on the fourth time past the fish factory. No commentary at all – just a lot of exhaust fumes when going uphill – until we arrived at the three photo stops. We’d left the dock at 8 am and arrived at Tisa’s Bar at about 10 am (must have something to do with “island time”). The tide was out and the current was strong but we went snorkelling anyway, trying desperately to find something to look at. Pina Coladas at the bar were US$8 each. Lunch was fried banana, a chicken leg, a sausage and some green salad on a banana leaf.
When I complained about the transport, Candyman conferred with Tisa and gave me $20 off. The other guy in the back of the ute said nothing and so received no discount. I made sure I was in the front of the ute on the way back.
It’s a pretty spot but definitely not worth the Tisa price and the “tour” is very disorganised. Next time I’ll take the bus.
There were 6 of us from the cruise ship who had booked on Tisa’s 5 hour tour. When we arrived at the dock, there was much confusion as they only had 4 people on their list. Tisa’s chocolate brown bus had already been booked out (the guide pointed it out to me, full of people, as it went by) so there was only a twin cab taxi ute for 6 people. There was no suggestion of getting another taxi: the guide decided that the two sixty year old men could clamber into the rear tray and take the tour backwards. No seats or cushions of course - just sitting on the tray (although I must admit it was suggested that we share a slab of cardboard). I suspected the guide didn’t know where he was going on the fourth time past the fish factory. No commentary at all – just a lot of exhaust fumes when going uphill – until we arrived at the three photo stops. We’d left the dock at 8 am and arrived at Tisa’s Bar at about 10 am (must have something to do with “island time”). The tide was out and the current was strong but we went snorkelling anyway, trying desperately to find something to look at. Pina Coladas at the bar were US$8 each. Lunch was fried banana, a chicken leg, a sausage and some green salad on a banana leaf.
When I complained about the transport, Candyman conferred with Tisa and gave me $20 off. The other guy in the back of the ute said nothing and so received no discount. I made sure I was in the front of the ute on the way back.
It’s a pretty spot but definitely not worth the Tisa price and the “tour” is very disorganised. Next time I’ll take the bus.
Written 8 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it easy to get a cab back to port. How long a trip from port to Bar and Beach.
Written 9 August 2022
my father will be with me on the trip and he needs a motorized wheelchair to get around. The buses have facilities for wheelchairs,? Do you have facilities for wheelchairs?
Written 17 September 2018
How can I make a reservation at Tisa’s? Our cruise ship docks Pago Pago 10:00 am Nov 5; 2018. Monday
Written 2 August 2018
Our ship arrives on Sunday Oct 22, 2017, from 10:00 to 6:00. Is Tisa's Barefoot Bar open that Sunday?
Written 7 September 2017
Yes it is, Tisa and Candyman are easy to reach via FB, you can catch a taxi or work with Tisa for transport.
Written 24 September 2017
Hello
Can anyone tell me how to contact Tisa &/or Candyman regarding an island tour - pick up at port, etc for Sun. April 16th - Holland's Noordam in port. Thank you. [their website has been down of late and I don't do FBook.]
Written 15 March 2017
I have emailed many times over the past few months for "Lunch of Luau, a Taste of Kava and a gift souvenir are included in this Five hour Tour package." for 10 of us on February 1, 2017 arriving via Pacific Princess cruise ship. I finally got the details worked out and I have emailed to book and I get no response.
How do I book this tour?
Thanks!
Written 1 August 2016
Is the bar open 7 days a week? And, the hours it is open? Many thanks.
Written 14 June 2016
Hi. We are visiting pago pago on a cruise ship on August 11 this year. We are impressed by your reviews, and would like to know what is actually there, and how would we get there from the ship?
Written 11 May 2015
WEe didn't find there was much to do in the short time you have. The ship docks at a port where they set up markets for the tourists. You are in the heart of the town and it's easy to walk around and look at a variety of places. There are plenty of taxis and buses waiting and you can ask them to take you on a short tour .
I booked the tour with Tisa through there website and as I said ,it was a great day. There were 6 of us and we had the place to ourselves. I enjoy the stories and the hospitality from the locals and that's what you get.
Written 13 May 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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