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General Information Manu'a Islands

Samoa Islands Tutuila Island

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General Information

As a visitor to the National Park of American Samoa, you have the opportunity to see lands and waters that are largely undeveloped.

You will not see the usual facilities of most national parks. Instead, with a bit of explorer's spirit, you will discover secluded villages, rare plants and animals, coral sand beaches, and vistas of land and sea. The 10,500 acre park includes sections of three islands, Tutuila (pronounced too-too-EE-lah), Ta'u (tah-OO), and Ofu (oh-foo). Almost all the land area of these volcanic islands, from the mountaintops to the coast, is rainforest. About 2,500 acres of the park is underwater, offshore from all three islands.

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Tutuila Island

On the main island of Tutuila, the park encompassas the northcentral part of the island, from steep ridgelines above Pango Pango (PAHNG-go PAHNG-go) Harbor to the north coast. For a sweeping view of Pango Pango Harbor and Rainmaker Mountain (North Pio Mountain), hike to the top of 1,610 foot Mount Alava. The village of Fagasa is a short drive away. There is another panoramic view of the harbor area along the road from Pango Pango through Afono Pass, between Rainmaker Mountain and Maugaloa Ridge. Allow a few hours for this drive, including stops. You may wish to stay overnight in the village of Afono or Vatia. This road continues down the other side of the pass, through the village of Afono, and around the headlands on the north side of Tutila to the Village of Vatia.

From Vatia you can view Pola Island (The Pola), a tiny uninhabited island just offshore, whose sheer cliffs rise more than 400 feet abruptly out of the ocean. The craggy rocks are home to numerous seabirds, including frigatebirds, boobies, white (fairy) terns, tropicbirds, and noddy terns.

Along the road to Vatia is the Amalau Valley. The Amalau Valley is home to many forest bird species and to Samoa's two rare species of flying fox (fruit bats). One species has the habit of flying around during the day. You are likely to see this bat in early morning or late afternoon. Look for its 3 foot wingspan. In flight, they can easily be confused with birds.

On the island of Ofu a section of pristine shoreline and fringing reef is protected within the national park. The beach is fine coral sand, ideal for walking long stretches uninterrupted. The coral communities are some of the healthiest in the South Pacific. This is an ideal place to snorkel. Your must bring gear from Tutuila. Before you visit Ofu check with park staff about special rules that apply.

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Manu'a Islands

Sixty miles to the east of Tutuila, a 30 minute flight, are the Manu'a Island: Ta'u, Ofu and Olosega (oh-low-SENG-ah). The island of Ta'u, according to Samoan tradition, is the birthplace of all Polynesia. It is believed that ancient people voyaged by sea from the sacred site of Saua to settle all of the Polynesian islands. On Ta'u the park area includes the southeastern half of the island. Stay overnight in the village of Fitiuta on the northeast coast or in Faleasao or Tau in the northwest. You can rent cars locally. From Saua around Si'u Point is the dramatic southern coast of Ta'u, where waves crash against rocky coast and sea cliffs stairstep to the 3,000 foot summit of Lata Mountain. These are some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world. Ta'u is also where anthropologist Margaret Mead conducted studies in the 1920s for her controversial book Coming of Age in Samoa. Hike along the beaches; if you hike in remote areas, go with a guide. Arrange guide service through the park staff. Watch the sky for flying foxes.

On the island of Ofu, you will find coconut palms swaying in the warm ocean breeze along a secluded beach, views of distant mountains of Olosega, and the best snorkeling waters in the park. The park section offshore from Ofu has one of the best examples of a coral reef in this part of the South Pacific, an ideal place to observe hundreds of species of fish, corals, and other marine life.

Visiting Ofu

The National Park area on Ofu includes sand beach and coral reef with a mountain backdrop. There is also and excellent view of Lata Mountain (3,170 feet) on Ta'u, the tallest peak in American Samoa.

A section of Ofu's pristine shoreline and fringing reef is protected within the National Park. The beach is fine coral sand, ideal for walking long stretches uninterrupted.

Coral communities are some of the prettiest in the South Pacific. This is an ideal place to snorkel in the protected back-waters of the reef. You must bring gear from Tutuila. Before you visit Ofu, check with the park staff about special rules that may apply.

Visiting Ta'u

Ta'u's national park area is accessible by road to the south of Fiti'uta. The park area includes the southeastern half of Ta'u. Here you can view coastal forest, and rugged coastal cliffs. Ta'u is where Margaret Mead did anthropological research.

Stay overnight in the village of Fitiuta on the northeast coast or in Faleasao or Ta'u in the northwest. You can rent cars locally. Visit Saua, a sacred site considered by many to be the birthplace of the Polynesian people. Hike along the beaches on a plantation road southward from Fitiuta. Beach walking on Ta'u is across coral rubble and rocky coast. If you hike in remote areas, go with a guide. Park staff may be able to arrange a guide service. Watch the sky for flying foxes, particularly at dusk and dawn. The south shore has sea cliffs over 2,000 feet high, quite imposing for humans, but seabirds find safe roosts there.

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Samoa Islands

The nation of Samoa lies 60 miles to the west of Tutial. The main islands of "Upolu and Savai'i constitute a much larger land area than the American Samoa. Between the two large islands are the small islands of Manono and Apolima. Several uninhabited islets lie just off the eastern shore of 'Upolu.

'Upolu: just outside Apia is Vailima, Robert Lewis Stevenson's home for the last years of his life, 1890-94: Vailima is now open to the public. On the southern part of the island is O Le Pupu Pu'e National Park, one of several areas that preserve the natural environment.

Savai'i: With less modern development than on 'Upolu, this island provides a setting where the principles and practices of fa'asamoa are prevalent. A canopy walkway located in the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve takes you through the treetops.

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American Samoa National Park Links

Accessibility Activity & Calendar Page Address, Email & Phone Guide Bats Biking Biodiversity Birds Brochures, Maps, Written Info Camping Guide Cliffs Coral Reefs Creation Legend Deep Blue Ocean Establishment

Fa'asamoa Fees Follow the Samoan Way Hiking Guide History Home Stay Information Island Streams Jobs, SCA, Volunteer Positions Location Lodging Guide Mammal Checklist Map Guide Manu'a Island Group Natural Resources Nature Guide

Park Information Rainforest Samoa Islands Search Secretary Babbitt's Dedication Sights Guide Size & Visitation Snorkeling Travel Guide Tutuila Visitors Guide Visitor Safety Volcano Weather Whales

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