Everything you should know about the National Park of American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa—the only U.S. national park located south of the equator—welcomes an average of about 12,000 visitors each year, making it one of the least-visited parks in the U.S. The park spans three islands in American Samoa. Tutuila, where visitors fly into and spend most of their time, and Ofu and Ta’u, collectively called the Manu’a Islands. It’s approximately 9,500 acres of volcanic rainforests, matched by an additional 4,000 acres underwater, surrounding the three islands.  

Rather than land claimed or purchased by the federal government, the National Park of American Samoa is the ancestral homeland of the Samoan people, and it still belongs to them. When the park was established in 1988, the National Park Service negotiated a 50-year lease directly with the local village matais, the traditional chiefs who hold authority over communal land. 

This park was a first for the national park system, and a deeply intentional one. Samoans have a profound, generations-deep relationship with their land, and the lease structure ensures that connection is never severed. For the American Samoa, it means the villages remain theirs in every sense, with the park woven into their daily life rather than walled off from it. And for visitors, it means something rarer than a scenic overlook or a well-marked trailhead. This is an opportunity to explore the Indigenous-owned land and the forever Samoan people’s forever home.

Best times to visit the National Park of American Samoa

Year-round in American Samoa, travelers find warm temperatures and high humidity, with an average temperature of 85°F and 80 percent humidity.  Two distinct seasons shape when and how travelers should visit.  

November through April is considered the “hot and wet” season, where the islands see more than 70 percent of their total annual precipitation.  May through October is the “cool and dry” season, the best time to visit the park to enjoy hiking and more pleasant weather, especially for outdoor activities.  

Where to find the best views in the park

There isn’t a shortage of panoramic views on this island paradise, but a few standouts are worth seeking out. Just off the road near Fatu-ma-futi, on the southeastern coast of Tutuila, Fatu Rock, also known as Flowerpot Rock, rises dramatically from the water and ranks among the most photographed spots in American Samoa.  From a bird's-eye view, Afono Pass is a route worth driving, offering cliffside views of Pago Pago harbor.  

Where to find the best hiking trails

With hikes ranging from a 0.1 mile to seven miles, the best hiking trails in American Samoa National Park are on Tutuila, although there are a few good options on the Manu’a Islands. 

The easiest hike is the Pola Island trail.  It's flat, 0.1 mile, and ends with great views of Pola Island. Most tours will take guests here.   

For a serious challenge, the Mt. ‘Alava Adventure Trail includes 56 ladders and 783 steps to the summit, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the park before descending back to the village of Vatia.  It's a difficult climb, but one of my favorite hikes in the national park system.  

The best spots to see wildlife

Most of the best wildlife watching opportunities are in or near the water.  Green Sea Turtles are usually found at Rose Atoll, and Hawksbill Turtles are spotted on the rocky Vatia Beach, or the sandy beaches surrounding Fafasa Bay, both on Tutuila. Both species are endangered and fully protected, so admire them from a distance. Do not touch or disturb the turtles. The reefs and waters surrounding the park shelter 800 native fish species and 200 coral species. Large Porites corals can be found in Fagatele Bay, on Tutuila, which is excellent for snorkeling. Located off the coast of Ta’ū, the Valley of the Giants is where the largest corals can be found, including “Big Momma”, a coral thought to be over 500 years old and over 21 feet tall.   

In the rainforests on Tutuila and the Manu’a Islands, flying foxes, or fruit bats, play a critical role as pollinators for local plants. The only native mammals of the islands, the bats carry pollen and seeds far from their parent plants, building genetic diversity across the forest and keeping the tropical canopy alive. On Tutuila, roosting colonies of bats can be spotted near the Avena Brothers store in Nu’uuli and Mama Molis Fale Samoa in Aua.  Skinks can often be seen during the day amongst leaf litter and climbing on trees around the islands, and Geckos, active at night, may be spotted on walls or tree trunks.  

Expert recommendations and tips

Since the infrastructure in American Samoa is underdeveloped and the islands see few tourists, it's important to plan your visit, according to park rangers.   

Respect the Indigenous people and culture: Fa’asamoa, or “the Samoan Way,” is the traditional foundation of American Samoan culture and should be respected. Parkgoers should learn about Samoan culture before their arrival. Online resources for studying the cultural nuances of American Samoa are available on the National Park Service website and on Beautiful Samoa. Because this park exists within living villages, understanding and genuinely respecting local customs isn't optional.  

Always ask permission before photographing homes or people, and before stepping onto a beach, since most are privately owned. Permission is almost always warmly given, but the asking is what counts. Dress modestly and respectfully.

If you're welcomed into a fale, a traditional Samoan home, remove your shoes at the door, sit on the floor with your legs crossed.  Eating and drinking while walking is considered rude and impolite.  If you are hungry or thirsty, find a place to sit while you eat or drink.  

Religion is woven into daily life in American Samoa. Every evening near dusk, no matter the day of the week, villagers observe Sā, a time set aside for prayer and reflection. If you find yourself in a village when Sā begins, simply stop, stay quiet, and wait until it passes.

Sundays carry even deeper significance. American Samoa is a predominantly Christian nation, and the entire day is devoted to church, family, and rest. Activities like swimming are not permitted, and visitors should plan accordingly.

Mosquito and dog safety: Mosquito bites are also a concern for travelers and should be prevented whenever possible.  Travel with insect repellent containing 30 percent Deet or 20 percent Picardrin, and watch for signs of Dengue Fever, including fever, nausea, muscle pain, and rash. 

Beware of feral dogs: With numerous dogs roaming the streets across the islands, dog bites are common, and while there are no cases of rabies, it's still something to be aware of.  

Ranger Recommendation for hikers: Start at Vatia village and hike the switchbacks of the moderate Tuafanua Trail through the rainforest to find a hidden coastline. Take in the ocean views from the top of the ridge, then begin your steep descent down to the private, rocky beach. 

Things to do in American Samoa

Visitors can fill their days exploring the park by hiking, birdwatching, and exploring sea cliffs and waterfalls. The park's archaeological sites document more than 3,000 years of continuous human habitation.

Visiting Ofu Beach is a must. Two and a half miles of powdery white sand meet reef-protected turquoise water on Ofu Island, which is so remote you may have the whole stretch entirely to yourself. The same remoteness makes for exceptional stargazing and a chance to view the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations.  

The shallow, protected reef off Ofu Island offers outstanding snorkeling, especially in the morning hours.  Whale watching is best from August through November, when Southern Humpback whales and their calves migrate in the surrounding waters. Fishing, especially for yellowfin tuna, is also popular, though it requires permission from the village mayor.   

Best things to do for families

The visitor center is a natural first stop for families.  Children can earn their Junior Ranger badge, explore exhibits on Samoan Culture and island ecology, and speak with park rangers.  For hiking, the Pola Island trail is the most accessible option for younger kids. Fagatele Bay Trail is a moderate, one-mile hike leading to views of the protected Fagatele Bay, where whales and turtles may be spotted, though you’ll need to ask permission from the homeowner before proceeding down this trail.  Blunts and Breakers points are two short hikes, each less than a mile, that lead to gun batteries that protected Pago Pago Harbor during WWII. 

Where to stay

Lodging is extremely limited in and around the park.  It's important to book and confirm reservations well in advance.  

On Tutuila, Tradewinds Hotel sits just minutes from the airport and serves as the island's most reliable home base, with a pool, on-site restaurant, free airport shuttle, and car rental available on-site. 

For something more memorable, try Tisa's Barefoot Bar and Eco Lodge on Alega Beach. Tisa is a pioneer of eco-tourism in American Samoa and a dedicated ocean conservationist who has spent decades protecting the marine sanctuary surrounding her private beach. Guests stay in one of two open-air fales, steps from the water, with meals cooked fresh daily from on-site-grown ingredients. On Wednesday evenings, Tisa hosts a traditional Samoan feast prepared in an umu, a pit oven, served on banana leaf plates at one long communal table.

Visitors can coordinate a homestay with a Samoan family for an immersive excursion. The National Park Service has a list of families that offer this unique experience. You can contact the visitor center in Pago Pago for up-to-date information on this program. 

On Ofu, Vaoto Lodge is near the airstrip and the visitor center and is one of the only hotels on the island. 

Your only option for staying on Ta’u is a homestay, and visitors need to coordinate it with the NPS by calling the visitor center in Pago Pago.

What else you need to know

Entrance Fees: There are no entrance fees to visit American Samoa National Park.  

Access: Getting here takes commitment.  Flights from the U.S. connect through Honolulu to Pago Pago, operating only a few days per week on a roughly 5.5-hour flight.  A cruise that stops in Pago Pago is a more logistically convenient option, but it limits you to a single day in the park, which is not enough time to do it justice.  Celebrity and Princess cruise lines offer trans-Pacific itineraries stopping in American Samoa, while MSC offers Pago Pago as a stop on its world cruise itineraries.  

An inter-island flight is required to reach the Manu’a islands from Tutuila. Renting a car is the best way to explore once you have landed in Pago Pago. Public transportation and taxis are limited. The visitor center, located in Pago Pago, is open Monday- Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

Are pets allowed:  Pets are not allowed on trails, in public buildings, or on swimming beaches in the park.  

How accessible is the park?

The visitor center is fully accessible, but unfortunately, due to the rugged terrain and underdeveloped infrastructure, access to trails and overlooks is limited. 

The National Park of American Samoa is the only National Park Service site south of the Equator.