National Park of American Samoa Protects Coral‑Draped Rainforests and Flying Foxes

There’s no U.S. National Park more isolated than the National Park of American Samoa, and very few are less well-known. Located six hours southwest of Hawaii by plane, it’s not exactly a place that you’d end up by accident. But its isolation is exactly what makes this National Park so special: over ten hours from the mainland U.S., the National Park of American Samoa protects coral-draped rainforests and flying foxes — and it’s like no other park in the nation. If you’re one of the intrepid few to make the trek, few parks are more richly rewarding.

History and Geography of the Park

One thing you’ve got to know about the National Park of American Samoa is that its land area isn’t contiguous. American Samoa is not one island but a small cluster of them, and the park protects parts of three of those islands: Tutulia, Ta’ū, and Ofu. Most of this protected land is covered by tropical rainforest. But the park isn’t entirely terrestrial: 4,000 acres of the surrounding ocean are also included in the protected area.

At first glance, the stunning white-sand beaches and verdant mountains of this National Park might brook comparisons to seemingly similar Hawaiian landscapes. But biologically, that wouldn’t be quite accurate: Samoa is the rainforest of its kind in U.S. territory. That’s because Samoa is covered by paleotropical rainforest, a rare and ancient ecosystem populated by species that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s also home to some of the world’s healthiest coral reefs, which are characteristic of the Indo-Pacific region and home to over a thousand species found nowhere else in the United States.

But it’s not only the biogeography of this fascinating place that makes it special. Samoa is also home to the oldest continuous human culture in the South Pacific, which dates back over 3,000 years. Fa’asamoa — “the Samoan way,” or the practices, beliefs, and worldviews of the Samoan people — plays an important role in the protection of this park, and in turn becomes a part of what makes it so precious. It’s because of the Samoan people’s strong connection to their land that the National Park of American Samoa is jointly administered by the National Park Service and local villages.

The land that would become the National Park of American Samoa was approved by Congress for National Park status in 1988. However, because the land that the NPS wanted to protect was held communally by the Samona people, it couldn’t be incorporated into the park without their agreement and cooperation. It wasn’t until 1993 that the National Park Service entered into an agreement with the chiefs of Samoan villages that enabled the inclusion of that land, which the villagers still use for traditional subsistence activities like fishing. Two additional villages were added to the original in 2002.

When thinking about this park, it’s easiest to understand it as a subleasing situation. The Samoan people still own their traditional land, but the National Park Service is allowing it to be administered. The initial 1993 lease lasts 50 years and, if not renewed, will expire in 2043. It may be extended so that the NPS can continue operating the park, but whether this will happen has yet to be determined.

Only in Samoa: Unique Park Features

We’ve already touched on a lot of what makes the National Park of American Samoa stand out. It’s the only paleotropical rainforest in the U.S., with some of its very few coral reefs. Samoan traditions and culture are deeply woven into the fabric of this park, and their role in its administration is also entirely unique. But there are a few other endemic features of this park, and one of those is more adorable than you’d expect.

Because Samoa is so isolated, not many land mammals have managed to establish themselves on the islands. There are none of the typical deer, bears, or even rodents here: just like visitors, any mammals that arrived on these islands had to fly. So the only native mammals in the National Park of American Samoa are fruit bats, also known as flying foxes. They play a vital role in the health of Samoa’s ecosystems by acting as pollinators and dispersing seeds, among other things.

Of the three species on the islands, the Samoan Flying Fox (or fruit bat, depending on your source) is the largest, and it’s found exclusively in Samoa and Fiji. They’re so unusual that protecting the Samoan Flying Fox was actually part of the rationale for establishing this park. Samoa’s fruit bats don’t make themselves scarce, so you’re very likely to spot them.

Beautiful beaches are another draw of this park. The beaches and coral reefs of Ofu are said to be some of the most beautiful in the South Pacific, and you’ll find few as secluded and pristine. If you’re looking for a tropical adventure complete with all the palm-fringed trappings you’d expect, this is the National Park for you.

And finally, there’s one more element of this park that is integral not to forget: its people. The National Park of American Samoa protects land that the Samoan people have lived on for millennia, and their culture, values, and worldview inform any visit to this park. At no other park might you be invited to participate in evening prayers by the people who steward the land you’re exploring, and at no other park does the rhythm of local life so influence your explorations. (An example of this: many commonplace activities like swimming are expressly prohibited on Sundays to respect local religious customs.)

But more than just a culturally immersive experience, a visit to this park is often a chance to experience the hospitality of some of the warmest and most generous people you’ll ever meet. Don’t imagine a trip to the National Park of American Samoa is a solitary journey into the wilderness - you might not see anyone else on the trail, but you’ll be reminded of the people who call this land home at every turn.

Things to Do

If you’ve made it to Samoa, chances are you probably landed in Pago Pago. This capital of American Samoa is home to the park’s visitors center, so start there to get your bearings: you’ll want to know how to prepare for your exploration of the park before you head out for more remote areas.

That’s located on Tutuila Island, the largest of the three that make up the park. While you’re there, the best way to get out into the wilderness is on the Mount 'Alava Trail. This seven-mile round-trip hike isn’t easy, but it leads to a spectacular view of Pago Pago and the outlying islands from the highest point on the island. Also of interest on the island is a tree where flying foxes are known to roost, which makes it a favorite spot for a guaranteed sighting. It’s located along Route 001 near a parking lot that’s pretty hard to miss.

If you’re making your way out to the outlying islands, there’s one thing you should know about the island of Ofu: you might never find a more breathtaking beach anywhere else. Ofu Beach is secluded, postcard-perfect, and offers excellent snorkeling, all of which reward the few people who tough out the tricky logistics it takes to get themselves to this remote island. And Ta’ū offers views of Mount Lata, the highest point in Samoa.

Also, keep in mind that much of this park is underwater, so snorkelers and divers will have plenty to occupy them on Samoa’s coral reefs. Catching a ride on a local fishing boat is also a favorite aquatic activity here, and from August through November, be on the lookout for humpback whales. And this far removed from major landmasses, the National Park of American Samoa is an unparalleled place to stargaze - especially if you want to check some of those southern hemisphere constellations you can’t see back home off your bucket list.

Visiting the National Park of American Samoa takes planning, flexibility, and a sense of adventure. But if you’re looking for a demanding adventure without the cookie-cutter feel of modern tourism, there are few parks more rewarding than this one. Not for no reason is this beautiful place the pride of its people - so, with a mind to the Samoan way of doing things and to leaving no trace, explore this rugged island paradise to your heart’s content. Few escapes from the rat race of modern life could be more rewarding.