About National Park of American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa is a U.S. national park that protects tropical rainforest, coral reef, and culturally important land across three Samoan islands. The park unit was established in 1988 to conserve the islands’ terrestrial and marine ecosystems and Samoan cultural sites.
The park’s main attractions are its reef-protected lagoons, fringing coral reefs and intact tropical forest. Snorkeling, village cultural visits and short coastal hikes are the most common activities; steep ridgelines on Tau support seabird colonies and offer airy viewpoints.
Congress established the park to protect both marine and terrestrial habitats important for endemic species and traditional Samoan subsistence. The lands and waters were long-used by Samoan communities before formal park designation.
Geographically the park covers parcels on the islands of Tutuila, Ofu-Olosega and Tau in the South Pacific. Tutuila and the territorial capital Pago Pago are the nearest major settlement and visitor gateway.
- Access: Most visitors arrive via Pago Pago on Tutuila by air; inter-island travel between units may require small boats or local flights.
- Top activity: The Ofu lagoon is the park’s best-known snorkeling site, with coral reef habitat close to shore and shallow, clear water in summer months.
What to See#
- Tutuila unit: The largest unit located on Tutuila island that contains the park visitor center, coastal trails, and several shoreline villages; it is the primary arrival point for most visitors.
- Ofu-Olosega unit: A largely marine and reef-protected unit around the islands of Ofu and Olosega noted for a wide, shallow lagoon and established snorkeling sites.
- Tau unit: A smaller land unit on Tau island containing steep ridges, seabird colonies and cultural sites important to Samoan history and traditions.
Nearby Attractions to National Park of American Samoa
Best Time to Visit National Park of American Samoa
The dry season offers calmer seas and better snorkeling; travel logistics are easier but plan and book well in advance due to limited services.
Weather & Climate near National Park of American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (3917 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 22° - 27° | 25° | 672 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 22° - 27° | 25° | 416 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 22° - 27° | 25° | 421 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 234 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 22° - 26° | 24° | 215 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 21° - 26° | 24° | 162 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 25° | 23° | 154 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 21° - 26° | 23° | 181 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 21° - 26° | 23° | 168 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 314 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 21° - 27° | 24° | 458 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 22° - 27° | 24° | 522 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to National Park of American Samoa
The park is reached primarily via Pago Pago International Airport on Tutuila; from there, charter flights or ferries connect to Ofu and Ta’ū. Inter-island logistics are limited and often weather-dependent-book travel and accommodations well in advance.
Tips for Visiting National Park of American Samoa
- If planning to snorkel, arrange equipment shipped ahead or rent from the main visitor center-local services on the islands are limited.
- Respect village rules on Tutuila and Ofu-some villages restrict access to certain beaches and trails.
- Inter-island travel can be infrequent; allow extra days for ferry or flight delays and charter logistics.