American Samoa National Park Visitors Guide
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
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Visitors Guide
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Accessibility
The visitor center at Pago Plaza, one scenic over-look (Amalau Valley), and the 1/4 mile gravel trail to the Pola is wheelchair accessable. No other pull-outs or over-looks have been developed at this time and trails are unimproved, extremely steep and rugged.
Biking
The roads are generally too narrow and the traffic to busy for bicycles.
Camping
Camping is prohibited.
Cliffs
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.
Entrance Fees
There are no entrance fees.
Hiking
There is a foot trail out towards Pola Island from the village of Vatia.
Mount Alava lies to the north of Pago Pago Harbor. A hiking trail along the maintenance road leads to the 1610 foot summit; the trailhead is located at Fagasa Pass, a short drive west of Pago Pago. The hike is 6 miles round trip; allow 3 hours for your hike up and 2 hours for your return to the pass.
Lodging
There is hotel-style lodging on all three islands. Camping is prohibited within the park. Samoan people are hospitable and eager to share their culture with park visitors. For a cultural experience visitors should consider staying with local families in their fale (FAH-lay) or house. This unique opportunity will allow you to learn about the Samoan culture and lifestyle first-hand, as well as assisting the village economy. Homestays can be arranged in the village of Vatia. Contact the park office for more information.
See the Lodging Page for more information.
Snorkeling
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. Your must bring gear from Tutuila. Before you visit Ofu check with park staff about special rules that apply.
Visitor Center
A new park visitor center is located in Pago Plaza office building located on the island of Tutuila.
See the Calendar Page for more information.
Visitor Safety
- Drive with a buddy
- Solar radiation is intense! Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing.
- Carry insect repellent.
- Always snorkel with a partner.
- While on beach areas, watch out for falling coconuts.
- Whatever beach you are on be aware of the tidal movements and be alert for the avas, tidal outflows from the reef. These are dangerous, their currents and undertows should not be underestimated.
- Coral rubble beaches are difficult to walk on; watch your step. Be especially careful of rocky areas, which are slippery. Ask the Visitor Center about trail conditions.
- Never hike without water; carry 2 to 3 liters per person.
- Don't touch the coral! Cuts from coral take a long time to heal.
- Medical treatment is available on Tutuila.
Weather
American Samoa is in the South Pacific Ocean, between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. A tropical climate prevails. Temperatures are warm or hot year-round (high 70's to low 90's F) with high humidity. Rain showers are frequent. Rain showers may last only for a few minutes, or last all day. The average annual rainfall in the drier portions of the island is 125 inches and 200 inches elsewhere. Tropical storms are more prevalent during the rainy season (November to May).
Plan to dress lightly; sandals, shorts and short sleeved shirts are suggested. Rain gear is always appropriate, but remember the high humidity; you may get just as wet wearing your raincoat as not! If you plan to hike in the park's interior, wear sturdy boots. Since the islands are volcanic in nature, lava rubble is found everywhere; it can be rough on lesser quality boots and shoes.
Bring your own snorkel equipment, especially when visiting Ofu island. Lastly, if you'd like to be closer to the local culture, you may wish to try a "lava lava", a skirt-like garment worn by both men and women in various styles and lengths. They are available at many local stores.
It is customary in Samoa to cover much of the body. Even when swimming, be sure to wear modest clothing; no bikinis, please.
See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.
American Samoa National Parks Page
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by John William Uhler
