National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS · Public domain
National Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa invites you to discover the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of the South Pacific. Experience a world unlike any other, where natural beauty and cultural heritage are protected for future generations. Join us in exploring these islands of sacred earth!
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances & departure points
- Directions to Visitor Center (Pago Pago, Tutuila) (opens in a new tab)
Visitor Center (Pago Pago, Tutuila)Main
Pago Pago, AS · Park open 24 hours; visitor center weekdays (hours vary)
- Directions to Ofu Airport (Ofu unit) (opens in a new tab)
Ofu Airport (Ofu unit)
Ofu, AS · Inter-island flights from Pago Pago (Tafuna) International Airport · Year-round; inter-island service can be infrequent
Separate island unit in the Manuʻa Islands
- Directions to Fitiuta Airport (Taʻū unit) (opens in a new tab)
Fitiuta Airport (Taʻū unit)
Fitiuta, AS · Inter-island flights from Pago Pago (Tafuna) International Airport · Year-round; inter-island service can be infrequent
Separate island unit in the Manuʻa Islands
Airports
- PPG
Pago Pago International Airport · Pago Pago, AS
ClosestSmall airportFew flights: Hawaiian Airlines flies from Honolulu only about twice a week.
Flights land at Pago Pago on Tutuila, where the park's Tutuila unit is reached by road; small inter-island planes fly to Ofu and Taʻū a few days a week, but schedules are limited and unreliable.
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Activities
Top Hikes
5.6 mi · 1,600 ft gain · loop
Features 56 ladders and 783 steps along ridgelines to the Mount Alava summit with panoramic island views.
Starts at: Vatia Village, Tutuila Island
7 mi · 1,600 ft gain · out & back
Full-day adventure through lush tropical rainforests to panoramic summit views of the entire island.
Starts at: Fagasa Pass, Tutuila Island
2.2 mi · 600 ft gain · out & back
Switchbacks through rainforest to a hidden coastline. Descent requires navigating ladders and ropes.
Starts at: Vatia Village, Tutuila Island
5.7 mi · 400 ft gain · out & back
Old road through coastal forests to the culturally significant Saua archaeological site on Ta'u Island.
Starts at: Ta'u Village, Ta'u Island
Upcoming Events
Interpretive Talk
Attend our daily interpretive talk by a Park Ranger. Call the Visitor Center to see what program is being presented at this time. Topics will range from Volcanoes, Fruit Bats, History of the Park, Samoan Fale, The Coconut, to Samoa Legends. Can't wait to see you there! Most programs will take place at the Visitor Center. However, some may be presented elsewhere; double check with the Visitor Center when you call. Mondays: Establishing the National Park at the Visitor Center Tuesdays: Tree of Life with Coconut Husking Demonstration at the Visitor Center Wednesday: Fruits Bats at the Historic Tramway Look Out Thursday: Samoan Legends at the VIsitor Center Friday: Volcanic Formation of the Samoan Islands at the Visitor Center
Guided Hike - Lower Sauma Trail
Meet a Park Ranger at the Lower Sauma Trailhead for a one hour guided hike. This is an easy half mile hike. Call the Visitor Center for more information.
Guided Hike - Fatifati Trail
Meet a Park Ranger at the Tuafanua trail parking lot for a one hour guided hike. This is a moderate hike, please plan accordingly. Call the Visitor Center for more details.
Best Time to Visit American Samoa
Best time to visit: June–September
The best time to visit the National Park of American Samoa is June–September. This is the drier, slightly cooler season, with lower humidity and less risk of the tropical storms that peak November to May.
In those months, average highs are 85–86°F at Pago Pago airport, Tutuila. Fewer than 10,000 people visit even in the busiest month, so crowds are rarely a concern.
Monthly averages at Pago Pago airport, Tutuila (10 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): NOAA NCEI.
Weather & Climate
American Samoa is in the South Pacific Ocean, between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. A tropical climate prevails with warm or hot temperatures year-round and high humidity. Rain showers are frequent and can last only for a few minutes or all-day. The average annual rainfall is 125-inches in the dryer areas to as much as 300-inches in the highest mountains. Tropical storms are more prevalent during the long, wet summer season (October -May) and a slightly cooler and drier season (June-September)
