National Parks and Protected Places in American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa protects tropical rainforest, coastal landscapes and marine habitats across Tutuila, Ofu and Ta‘u. A visit combines island scenery with living Samoan culture, so planning needs to account for villages and local customs as well as trails and transport.

Use this American Samoa parks map and listing to explore the available destinations and understand where they lie. Start with the island you can reach, then decide whether your schedule allows travel farther into the Manu‘a Islands. American Samoa is a US territory, with a different park context from the state park systems on the mainland.

One national park across three islands

Searching for national parks in American Samoa leads to one national park with geographically separate areas. Tutuila, Ofu and Ta‘u are not districts you can link by car. Inter-island travel changes the time, cost and flexibility a visit requires.

• Tutuila: The main island is the practical starting point for a visit. Use the national park visitor center in Pago Pago to discuss current access and realistic activities before setting out.
• Ofu: Consider this part of the park when coastal scenery and marine environments are central to your trip. Confirm transport and accommodation before treating it as an addition to a Tutuila stay.
• Ta‘u: Plan a separate island visit rather than expecting a quick transfer between park areas. Make the arrangements around the transport that is actually available for your dates.

The official guide to the park’s islands explains their different settings. It is a useful starting point for deciding whether to stay on Tutuila or build a longer island itinerary.

Plan for an island visit rather than a mainland park circuit

The national park does not offer the usual concentration of visitor facilities found in many mainland parks. Do not assume that each area has a staffed entrance, a developed campground or supplies close to a trailhead. Confirm what is available at your destination and arrange the return journey as carefully as the outward trip.

There is no national park entrance fee or park entry reservation requirement. That does not make transport, accommodation or guided activities free or automatically available. Check the NPS basic visitor information for current park and visitor center arrangements.

Allow time for local advice

A useful first stop is a conversation with park staff about your plans, the weather and the communities you will visit. Ask about local expectations before entering village areas or accessing the coast. An attractive beach or forest path on a map does not, by itself, establish how a visitor should reach it.

Choose activities around conditions

Walking, coastal sightseeing and marine activities need different preparation. For a trail day, choose an outing that fits the conditions and the time available for your return. For a water activity, confirm local conditions and access with an appropriate local operator or park staff. Keep alternative plans available if transport or weather makes your preferred island or activity impractical.

If your time is limited, a well-planned stay on Tutuila is a better starting point than an itinerary dependent on several unconfirmed transfers. Add Ofu or Ta‘u when you can give the journey and the destination the time they need.