America Samoa National Park Travel Guide

Discover the tropical wonders of American Samoa National Park, where emerald rainforests tumble down volcanic ridges to coral-fringed beaches shimmering in the South Pacific sun. Here, the scent of frangipani drifts through the air as waves lap against black lava shores, and traditional Samoan culture thrives alongside rare wildlife. From snorkeling over vibrant reefs to hiking cloud-kissed peaks, every moment offers a vivid blend of nature and tradition in one of the most remote and unspoiled U.S. national parks.

HIKING

BACKPACKING

CAMPING (in park)

CAMPING (outside park)

Hiking in America Samoa National Park

Step onto lush jungle trails where tropical birds call overhead and the ocean glimmers far below, weaving through breadfruit trees, wild orchids, and sweeping mountain ridges. American Samoa’s hikes reveal untouched Pacific beauty—from secluded coves to panoramic summits—where each footstep carries the scent of salt air and the rhythm of island life.

Polauta Ridge Trail – This short but breathtaking climb winds through dense tropical rainforest alive with the songs of wattled honeyeaters and the rustle of palm fronds. From the ridge, sweeping ocean vistas open toward Polauta Bay, the turquoise water contrasting sharply with the lush green slopes. (**Tutuila Island – 3 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Scenic Hike / Rainforest Ridge
    Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
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Lower Sauma Ridge Trail – A gentle, family-friendly trail that meanders along the coastline, offering interpretive signs about Samoan culture and native plants. The salty breeze and rhythmic crash of waves accompany views of sea arches and volcanic rock formations. (**Tutuila Island – 2 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Easy Coastal Walk
    Distance: 0.4 miles round-trip
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Mount ‘Alava Trail – Ascend through cloud forest draped in mosses and ferns, crossing suspension bridges with sweeping harbor views. At the summit, panoramic vistas stretch across Pago Pago Harbor and the deep blue Pacific. (**Tutuila Island – 4 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Strenuous Summit Hike
    Distance: 7 miles round-trip
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Blunts Point Trail – A steep climb rewards with World War II gun placements hidden in the jungle and spectacular coastal views. The air is rich with the scent of wet earth and the hum of insects. (**Tutuila Island – 1.5 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Historic Site / Viewpoint Hike
    Distance: 1 mile round-trip
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Vatia Village Coastal Trail – Wander from a traditional Samoan village through lush coastal forest to hidden beaches where the coral reef glimmers just offshore. The sound of laughter from the village fades into the crash of waves. (**Tutuila Island – 5 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Cultural Walk / Coastal Trail
    Distance: 2 miles round-trip
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Tuafanua Trail – This rugged route drops steeply into a secluded cove, with wooden ladders and ropes assisting over volcanic rock. The reward: solitude, soft sand, and the scent of the sea. (**Tutuila Island – 6 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Challenging Coastal Descent
    Distance: 2 miles round-trip
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Si’u Point Trail – A gentle path that reveals dramatic sea cliffs where seabirds wheel overhead and waves crash below. Sunset paints the ocean gold and crimson. (**Ofu Island – 0.5 miles from Ofu Airstrip Entrance**)
    Type: Coastal Viewpoint Walk
    Distance: 1 mile round-trip
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Ofu Beach Walk – Stroll along one of the world’s most pristine beaches, where powdery sand meets crystal-clear waters teeming with reef fish. The only footprints are likely your own. (**Ofu Island – Adjacent to Park Entrance**)
    Type: Beach Walk
    Distance: Up to 2 miles one way
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Olosega Village to Asaga Bridge – A casual walk between two tiny islands connected by a bridge over turquoise water. Children wave from yards lined with coconut palms. (**Olosega Island – 0.2 miles from Park Boundary**)
    Type: Village Walk / Scenic Stroll
    Distance: 1 mile round-trip
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Aunu’u Island Loop – Accessible by boat, this loop circles through taro fields, rainforest, and volcanic tide pools filled with colorful sea life. The scent of ocean mingles with that of tropical fruit. (**Aunu’u Island – Boat trip from Pago Pago Harbor**)
    Type: Island Loop Hike
    Distance: 3 miles loop
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Backpacking in America Samoa National Park

Embark on remote treks where steep ridges drop to turquoise bays and rainforest canopies hum with island life, carrying everything you need on your back. American Samoa’s multi-day routes offer rare solitude, nights under a blanket of southern stars, and the rhythmic lull of Pacific waves just beyond your tent.

Mount ‘Alava Ridge Traverse – A challenging point-to-point hike linking the Mount ‘Alava summit to secluded coastal coves, requiring overnight gear and self-sufficiency. Views shift from misty mountain ridges to brilliant reef-lined bays, with campsites tucked into palm groves. (**Tutuila Island – 4 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Multi-Day Ridge & Coastal Trek
    Distance: 12+ miles point-to-point
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Ofu to Olosega Island Traverse – Cross two remote islands via beach and jungle paths, camping in permitted areas along the way. Days end with reef snorkeling and sunsets over the Pacific, with night skies ablaze in the southern hemisphere’s constellations. (**Ofu & Olosega Islands – Adjacent to Park Entrance**)
    Type: Multi-Day Island Trek
    Distance: 10–14 miles total
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Tutuila Island Coastal Circuit – A rugged combination of trails and village paths encircling much of the island’s parklands. Expect steep climbs, rope sections, and nights in beachside clearings where waves lull you to sleep. (**Tutuila Island – Various park entrances**)
    Type: Island Circumnavigation Trek
    Distance: 20+ miles total
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Vatia to Pola Island Coastal Route – A demanding shoreline traverse connecting Vatia Village to Pola Island, with camping possible on small beaches between headlands. Views include sheer cliffs and rich seabird colonies. (**Tutuila Island – 5 miles from Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Coastal Backpacking Route
    Distance: 11 miles round-trip
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Pago Pago Harbor to Blunts Point Loop – This overnight loop follows a mix of jungle tracks and old military roads, offering panoramic views and hidden WWII relics. Campsites along the ridge allow sunrise over the Pacific. (**Tutuila Island – From Pago Pago Entrance**)
    Type: Historic Ridge Trek
    Distance: 10 miles loop
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Aunu’u Island Overnight Loop – Accessed by boat, this island offers a full circumnavigation through taro fields, mangroves, and volcanic tide pools. Nights are spent under swaying coconut palms with the sound of surf. (**Aunu’u Island – Boat trip from Pago Pago Harbor**)
    Type: Island Loop Backpack
    Distance: 10+ miles loop
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Lata Mountain Traverse – Trek from Ofu’s coastline to the highest peak in American Samoa, climbing through cloud forest alive with rare birds and orchids. Camp on the summit ridge with unmatched views. (**Ofu Island – 2 miles from Park Entrance**)
    Type: Summit Backpacking Route
    Distance: 12 miles round-trip
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Savai’i South Coast Trek – (Outside the park) Samoa’s largest island offers an epic coastal backpack following lava cliffs, blowholes, and fishing villages. Overnight stays in beach fales (thatched huts) offer cultural immersion. (**Savai’i Island, Samoa – Ferry from Tutuila, then 20 miles**)
    Type: Cultural & Coastal Trek
    Distance: 15+ miles point-to-point
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Upolu Island Cross-Island Trek – (Outside the park) A challenging inland route crossing waterfalls, rainforest ridges, and volcanic craters. Nights in eco-lodges or village stays add cultural richness. (**Upolu Island, Samoa – Flight from Tutuila, then 10 miles**)
    Type: Inland Rainforest Traverse
    Distance: 14 miles point-to-point
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Manono Island Perimeter Trek – (Outside the park) A relaxed multi-day walk circling a tiny, vehicle-free island, with homestay accommodations and reef snorkeling along the way. (**Manono Island, Samoa – Ferry from Upolu, then 3 miles**)
    Type: Island Perimeter Backpack
    Distance: 10 miles loop
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Camping in Name National Park

Wake up to the gentle rush of palm fronds and the rhythmic lull of waves on a remote South Pacific shore—this is camping inside America’s only U.S. National Park south of the equator. Nestled between lush rainforest and turquoise lagoons, in-park sites bring you close to coconut groves, vibrant coral reefs, and the soft calls of seabirds at dawn. As night falls, the air fills with the earthy scent of tropical blooms while constellations blaze overhead, unspoiled by city lights.

Tausaga Village Beach Camping – Sleep steps from a golden sand beach framed by volcanic headlands, where kids can wade in gentle shallows and evenings glow with fiery island sunsets. Facilities are basic, so expect an immersive, off-grid experience rich in culture and nature. (**Tutuila Island – inside park boundaries**)
    Type: Beachfront Primitive Camp
    Cost: $$
    Reservations
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Fagatele Rainforest Camp – Set deep within lush jungle alive with tropical bird calls, this small hike-in site offers the scent of damp earth and panoramic views of the bay. Mornings start with dappled sunlight breaking through the canopy, perfect for wildlife spotting. (**Tutuila Island – inside park boundaries**)
    Type: Hike-in Primitive Camp
    Cost: $$
    Reservations
    More Info

Ofu Island Beachside Camp – A rare chance to pitch your tent near one of the most pristine reefs in the world. White sands, warm breezes, and crystalline water teeming with tropical fish make this a bucket-list overnight. (**Ofu Island – inside park boundaries**)
    Type: Beachfront Primitive Camp
    Cost: $$
    Reservations
    More Info

Olosega Coastal Camp – Nestled between lava rock outcrops and the ocean, this site offers hypnotic surf sounds and close access to traditional village life. Nights bring the scent of salt air and distant drumming from cultural gatherings. (**Olosega Island – inside park boundaries**)
    Type: Coastal Primitive Camp
    Cost: $$
    Reservations
    More Info

Camping outside Name National Park

Beyond the park’s boundaries, the islands of American Samoa offer family-run beach fales, eco-lodges, and rustic seaside campgrounds that blend warm hospitality with breathtaking views. Picture falling asleep to the soft lull of waves under a thatched roof, then waking to a sunrise painting the horizon in molten gold. Outside-park camping often comes with village connections, fresh island meals, and the easy laughter of locals eager to share their culture.

Tisa’s Barefoot Bar & Eco-Resort – A beachfront gem with thatched huts, hammocks, and reef access for snorkeling right from shore. Evenings feature fresh-caught seafood and a bonfire under the stars. (**Alega Village – 5 miles from park entrance**)
    Type: Eco-Lodge / Beach Camp
    Cost: $$$
    Reservations
    More Info

Vaoto Lodge Camping Area – Adjacent to Ofu Airport, this grassy beachfront area caters to travelers seeking simplicity and direct access to Ofu’s coral reefs. Sunsets here are famously brilliant. (**Ofu Island – 1 mile from park entrance**)
    Type: Lodge Grounds / Tent Camping
    Cost: $$
    Reservations
    More Info

Sadie’s by the Sea Camping Lawn – Though known for its hotel, Sadie’s offers limited lawn camping for budget travelers wanting ocean breezes and easy access to Pago Pago. (**Pago Pago – 7 miles from park entrance**)
    Type: Hotel Grounds / Tent Camping
    Cost: $$
    Reservations
    More Info

Places to Eat

From open-air seaside cafés to bustling market stalls scented with grilled seafood and fresh taro, dining in and around American Samoa is a cultural experience as much as a meal. Imagine savoring oka i’a—tender raw tuna marinated in coconut cream—while watching the sun sink behind volcanic peaks. Here, the rhythm of mealtime is unhurried, flavors are bold, and the ocean is never far from view.

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Places to Stay

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Balance Rock Inn (Hotel/B&B) – Historic boutique inn with refined rooms, ocean views, and landscaped gardens, steps from the shore path.
Type: Boutique Hotel/B&B
Cost: $$$–$$$$
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Around Town

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For the Kids

Kids write up

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Link:Seashore Tidepooling – Explore sand beach and shoreline tidepools with starfish, crabs, and scallops—great for curious explorers.

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For the Pets

Pets write up

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Gifts & Keepsakes

Gifts write up

Boondockers Cafe (Online/Etsy) – Handcrafted National Park–inspired gifts, stickers, coasters, and decor featuring Acadia and all 63 U.S. National Parks.
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