Far from the continental United States, the National Park of American Samoa protects a tropical landscape unlike any other in the National Park System. Spread across the islands of Tutuila, Ofu, and Taʻū, the park blends volcanic mountains, rainforests, coral reefs, and quiet beaches into a place where land and sea are inseparable. Steep green ridges rise sharply from the ocean, while turquoise waters shelter coral gardens and marine life just offshore. The rhythm of the park is shaped by waves, wind, and jungle rain, creating an atmosphere that feels both powerful and peaceful.
Established in 1988, the park was created through a unique partnership with local villages, allowing traditional land ownership and cultural practices to continue alongside conservation. This collaboration reflects the deep connection between the Samoan people and their environment, where land, ocean, and community are closely tied. The park protects not only natural ecosystems but also a way of life rooted in respect for nature, family, and tradition.
Visitors to the National Park of American Samoa experience a world rich in biodiversity and cultural meaning. Coral reefs teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, and giant clams, while fruit bats soar above forest canopies at dusk. Hiking trails lead through lush rainforest to sweeping coastal views, especially on the island of Ofu, where pristine beaches meet crystal clear water. Unlike many parks, this one offers solitude and immersion, inviting visitors to slow down and experience nature through sight, sound, and movement.
Conservation in the National Park of American Samoa focuses on protecting coral reefs, preserving rainforest habitats, and supporting sustainable relationships between people and the land. The National Park Service works closely with local communities to monitor reef health, manage invasive species, and respond to the impacts of climate change. Visitors are encouraged to respect village customs, tread lightly on trails, and practice responsible snorkeling and hiking. The National Park of American Samoa stands as a reminder that conservation can honor both natural beauty and living culture, preserving a landscape shaped by tradition and nature together.
Our Experience
To date, this was the hardest and longest journey we took to get to a park! We flew from the lower 48, to Hawaii, to American Samoa. There is only one flight in and out of American Samoa, two times a week. The airport is so tiny, that our plane had to circle the island until it stopped raining to land. The island is also tiny and there are only 2 hotels! The park itself is spread across multiple islands and it's very difficult to find a way to get to them. We were not aware of the local team that takes tourists on a tour to those islands until we arrived. We were staying at the same hotel as the current tour group, so they were kind enough to take us on the tours they did on the island. The park on the main island is very small on land and has some preserved water sections. So, we hiked the one established trail as far as we could, until we were ankle deep in mud. We also snorkeled off the two beaches that allowed it. It was a very unique experience and pretty cool to see how they live on American Samoa.