Why National Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa preserves tropical rainforests, coral reefs, fruit bat habitats, and traditional Samoan culture across three South Pacific islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Taʻū. Spanning 8,257 acres (3,341 hectares)—including 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) of ocean and coral reefs—it holds the distinction of being the only United States National Park Service unit located south of the equator. The park protects dynamic volcanic landscapes featuring dramatic ridgelines, steep northern slopes, coastal reefs, and lush old-growth forests.
Each of the park's three island units offers distinct natural environments. Tutuila, situated near Pago Pago, encompasses 2,500 acres of land along Mount Alava and the Maugaloa Ridge down to the northern coast, along with features such as Amalau Valley, Craggy Point, Tāfeu Cove, and offshore islets. The island of Ofu houses a 70-acre land reserve paired with 400 acres of offshore waters, encompassing the two-mile Ofu Beach, Sunuitao Peak, and the coral reef at the Toʻaga site. Taʻū represents the largest and wildest section, covering 3,700 acres of land and 1,100 acres of ocean, dominated by cloud forest and Lata Mountain, the highest point in American Samoa at 3,170 feet (970 meters).
Efforts to establish federal protection began in the 1980s to safeguard flying fox habitats and ancient rainforests. Formally created by law in 1988, the park operates under a unique management agreement established in 1993, when the National Park Service entered into a 50-year lease with local Samoan village councils to respect traditional communal land ownership.
The park safeguards diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Native bat species—including the Samoa flying fox and white-naped flying fox—serve as essential pollinators for the island vegetation. Birdlife features the endemic Samoan starling, the wattled honeyeater, and the Pacific pigeon. Offshore, clear Pacific waters shelter sea turtles, humpback whales, more than 950 fish species, and over 250 coral species, including massive Porites coral colonies off Taʻū.
Hiking and snorkeling are the primary activities for visitors. On Tutuila—the only section accessible by vehicle—travelers can hike along the forested ridgeline to the summit of Mount Alava or inspect historic World War II gun emplacements at Breakers Point and Blunts Point. Taʻū features a coastal trail running from Saua around Siʻu Point, accessible via flights from Tutuila to Fiti‘uta village. Ofu can be reached by flights from Pago Pago or boat transfers from Taʻū, with overnight accommodations available on both Ofu and Taʻū.
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