Visiting The National Park of American Samoa: The Complete Guide for 2024

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the National Park of American Samoa offers an unparalleled experience of tropical beauty and rich cultural heritage. This remote park spans three volcanic islands—Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū—each boasting lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you’re eager to hike through verdant landscapes, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or immerse yourself in the unique Samoan culture, we’ll provide you with all the essential information and tips to make the most of your adventure in this breathtaking national park.

If you are planning a trip to the National Park of American Samoa and need some help planning your trip, this is our starter guide. We often have detailed, in-depth guides for National Park of American Samoa trip planning and will link to these where appropriate to make your trip planning as easy as possible.

The article will discuss all aspects of visiting the National Park of American Samoa, including:

• Maps of the National Park of American Samoa
• General Information about American Samoa
• How to Make the Most of Your Visit
• Best Things to Do in National Park of American Samoa
• Nearby National Parks

Planning to explore the National Parks? Download your free 63 National Parks Checklist HERE.

Looking for an easy-to-follow National Park itinerary? Check out our National Park Itineraries. Let National Park Obsessed’s founder design the perfect itineary just for you. Get a Custom National Park Itinerary Here. Or do you just want to chat 1-on-1 with a Natioanl Park planning expert? Book a National Park Travel Consultation.

Map of the National Park of American Samoa

Click on the main American Samoa National Park Map above to download the official brochure map. If you’d like a PDF copy of this National Park of American Samoa Map click here.

Click on the American Samoa lands on Manu’a Islands Map above to download the official brochure map. If you’d like a PDF copy of this American Samoa lands on Manu’a Islands Map click here.

National Park of American Samoa Basics

• Region: Pacific-West / West Coast / Pacific
• Territory: American Samoa
• Park Size: 13,500 acres (21.09 sq miles) (54.63 sq km)
• Closest Cities: Pago Pago, American Samoa
• Busy Season: October to December and April
• Visitation: 12,135 (in 2023)
• Official Website: NPS.gov

How much does the National Park of American Samoa Cost?

National Park of American Samoa is free to visit.

Get Free Entrance to the National Parks

Get free admission to all 116 fee-charging National Park Units with the America the Beautiful Pass.

Order Your Park Pass Here

When is the National Park of American Samoa Open?

National Park of American Samoa is open year-round.

Are dogs allowed in the National Park of American Samoa?

Your pet is best left at home when traveling to American Samoa. While a US. Territory, bringing your pet to American Samoa is equivalent to importing your animal to a foreign country.

Pets are not allowed in public buildings, public transportation vehicles, swimming beaches, and structures. They are also not allowed on hiking trails.

Where are the National Park of American Samoa’s visitor centers?

• National Park of American Samoa Visitor Center Center – Open Year Around

Land Acknowledgment

Unlike other National Park units, the National Park of American Samoa is not owned by the National Park Service. NPS currently has a 50-year lease on the land that makes up the National Park of American Samoa this is due to the communal land ownership system in American Samoa.

Most of the land in American Samoa is owned via a communal system known as ‘aiga. ‘Aiga is a family unit that includes a wide family group of blood relatives and associated marriages or adoptions. Samoan’s can be members of multiple ‘Aigas and can gain members through the female or male ancestral lines.

How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting the National Park of American Samoa?

If you have a couple of hours in the National Park of American Samoa, head over to Vatia and hike Tuafanua Trail and Pola Island.

If you have one day in the National Park of American Samoa, hike the WWII Heritage Trail and explore Pago Pago.

If you have two days in the National Park of American Samoa, hike to the summit of Mount ‘Alava.

If you have three or more days in the National Park of American Samoa, take a tour to ‘Aunu’u Island and hike to Fagatele Bay and go snorkling.

Looking for an easy-to-follow National Park itinerary? Check out our National Park Itineraries. Let National Park Obsessed’s founder design the perfect itineary just for you. Get a Custom National Park Itinerary Here. Or do you just want to chat 1-on-1 with a Natioanl Park planning expert? Book a National Park Travel Consultation.

Things to do in the National Park of American Samoa

Hiking in the National Park of American Samoa

• Tuafanua Trail – 1.1 miles (round trip) – 420 ft elevation gain – A short but challenging hike with views of Pola Island.. This hike has ladders and is steep.
• Si’u Point Trail – 5.4 miles (round trip) – 460 ft elevation gain – This trail follows an old road past a culturally important Saua site.
• Tumu Mountain Trail – 5.4 miles (round trip) – 1,600 ft elevation gain – This trail follows Sourdough Ridge to Mt. Fremont with amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
• Mount ‘Alava Trail – 6.1 mile (round trip)-1,550 ft elevation gain – This trail climbs to the top of Mount ‘Alava. This trail has sweeping views of the island. There is also an adventure trail option.

Best Things to Do in the National Park of American Samoa

• Go Snorkeling
• Beach Walking
• Junior Ranger Badge
• Rainforest Hiking
• Wildlife Watching
• Visit Mauau Islands

Best Things to See in the National Park of American Samoa

• Vatia Bay
• Mount ‘Alava
• Fagasā Bay
• Pola Island
• Si’u Point
• Ofu Beach

Best Guided Tours of the National Park of American Samoa

National Park of American Samoa Wildlife

• Humpback Whale
• Hawksbill Sea Turtle
• Green Sea Turtle
• Samoa Fruit Bat
• Nautilus
• Golden Plover

Where to stamp your National Parks Passport Book in the National Park of American Samoa?

The National Park Passport Book is the BEST and cheapest National Park souvenir. Every National Park Obsessed person should have one of these books.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT stamp your government-issued passport.

There are four official stamps for the National Park of American Samoa. Here is the list of National Park Passport Stamps you can get in the National Park of American Samoa:

• Manua Islands, AS
• Manua, Islands, AS
• NPS Centennial (Reported Missing In September 2023)
• Pago Pago, AS

Bonus Stamps

• National Park of American Samoa With Bat
• Junior Ranger
• U.S. Department Of The Interior National Park Service (Reported Missing In September 2023)

National Park of American Samoa Passport Stamp Locations

Here are all the locations to find the National Park of American Samoa Passport Stamps. Not every stamp is available at every location.

• Vaoto Lodge
• Visitor Center

National Parks Near the National Park of American Samoa

National Park Service units within a 6 hours flight

• Haleakala National Park
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Honouliuli National Historic Site
• Kalaupapa National Historical Park
• Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial
• Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
• Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Final Thoughts on the National Park of American Samoa

Do you have any questions about the National Park of American Samoa, let us know in the comments below or need help planning your National Park trips. Let me know in the comments or join me in my National Park Trip Planning Community!

Pin for Later: The Complete Guide to Visiting the National Park of American Samoa in 2024