National Park of American Samoa in American Samoa, USA - map, photos and visitor information

The National Park of American Samoa protects rainforest, coastal land, and coral reefs on Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū in the South Pacific. It lies in the US territory of American Samoa, which is separate from the independent country of Samoa. Tutuila offers the most practical starting point, with the park visitor center in Pago Pago. Visits to the other islands need separate transport and lodging arrangements.

Highlights across the three islands

• Tutuila's forest trails: Explore routes through tropical vegetation, with options that range from shorter coastal walks to demanding ridge hikes.
• Ofu's beach and reef: The coast offers opportunities to observe marine life from shore or snorkel when conditions are suitable.
• Ta‘ū's rainforest landscape: This separate island unit suits a trip planned around remote access rather than a quick extension of a Tutuila day out.
• Samoan culture: The park sits within a living cultural landscape. Village customs and landowner permission are part of visiting respectfully.

Know before traveling to the islands

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for heat, rain, and the ocean

Humidity and steep terrain can make hiking strenuous. Carry drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent, and rain gear. Wet rock and muddy trails require careful footing. Tell someone where you are going, since remote areas can have limited phone reception.

Snorkel with a partner and avoid strong tidal outflows. Do not touch coral. Conditions at a beach can change with tides and weather, so ask locally before entering the water. Be cautious around unfamiliar dogs.

Medical services are more limited away from Tutuila. NPS warns that Ofu has no medical care and that emergency response can take days. Bring essential medication and plan activities within your abilities. Read the park's practical and safety guidance before traveling.

Respect village customs and wildlife

Ask permission before photographing people, using village beaches, or entering private land. Dress modestly in villages and on trails. Sunday is a day of church and rest, and some activities may be inappropriate or restricted. If you enter a village during evening prayers, wait quietly; this pause does not apply to travel on the main roads.

Stay on established trails and take your trash away. Observe birds and fruit bats without disturbing them. Pets are prohibited on hiking trails and in park buildings. The current park rules explain restrictions and permit requirements.

Entry, overnight stays, and special activities

General park entry does not require a permit. Arrange flights, accommodation, and local transport separately, well before an outer-island visit.

Camping requires a permit and prior permission from the superintendent. Contact park staff before arranging an overnight stay.

Contact the park about organized events or other activities that may require permission. General access to the national park does not replace permission to cross private or village land.

Maps and travel between park units

Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila is the main arrival point. A rental car or taxi can help you reach trailheads that are well away from the town centers. Download the official island maps and choose a specific trailhead rather than navigating to a general park pin.

Ofu and Ta‘ū belong to the Manu‘a Islands east of Tutuila. Inter-island flights and locally arranged boat transport need advance planning. Allow flexibility for delays and cancellations. Use the NPS outer-island travel guide to prepare, then confirm actual services with the transport provider.

Nearby parks

The park's three island units are parts of the same national park, and travel between them requires a flight or boat journey.

Choose activities that fit your island stay

• Start in Pago Pago: The visitor center has exhibits in Samoan and English. Ask rangers about trail conditions and available programs. Children can collect a Junior Ranger activity booklet.
• Take a shorter walk: Pola Island Trail and Lower Sauma Ridge are options to discuss with rangers when you want a less demanding outing. Natural surfaces still require suitable footwear.
• Plan a ridge hike: Mount ‘Alava Adventure Trail involves steep terrain and ladders. It is a different undertaking from a short coastal walk; review the route and weather before choosing it.
• Explore the reef: Ofu offers snorkeling, but arrange equipment before relying on local availability. Shore-based wildlife observation provides another option when water conditions are unsuitable.

Some trails described in island visitor guides lie outside national park boundaries. This is especially relevant on Ofu and neighboring Olosega, where NPS does not maintain the hiking trails. Confirm both the route and landowner requirements.

Facilities, lodging, and accessibility

The Pago Pago visitor center and its restrooms are accessible. NPS describes the Lower Sauma Ridge overlook as accessible with assistance. Most trails have rugged, undeveloped terrain, so discuss specific mobility needs with the park before choosing a route.

Services on Ofu are limited. NPS identifies Vaoto Lodge outside the park boundary and advises visitors to plan their food supplies because the island has no restaurants. Contact the accommodation directly about meals, transport, and equipment.

The park rules identify a visitor center parking lot. Bring drinking water for outings and ask rangers about the facilities available at your chosen trailhead.

About the National Park of American Samoa

Protection through a land lease

Congress authorized the park in 1988. Its development depended on a lease arrangement that respected traditional village land ownership. NPS's cultural history describes establishment in 1993. The park protects cultural practices as well as forest and marine habitats; local communities are central to its identity.

Fruit bats, forest birds, and reef life

Flying foxes are fruit bats that help pollinate plants and disperse seeds through the rainforest. The coast adds a different wildlife setting, with corals and reef fish below the surface. Look and listen for birds during forest walks, and keep enough distance to avoid changing an animal's behavior.

Contact the park

• Visitor information: +1 684-633-7085, extension 0021.
• Email: [email protected].
• Address: National Park of American Samoa, MHJ Building, 2nd Floor, Pago Pago, AS 96799.
• Official website contact: Interpretation and Education Office.