This park is a place that seems to occupy its own world. The islands of Tutuila, Ta\u2019u, Ofu, and Olosega are some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawai\u2018i. Because the national park is leased, local villages have a large stake in its success and management. Villagers who had plantations before the park was established continue to work them. No construction is permitted without an agreement between park management and village chiefs<\/p>\n
How to Visit<\/h2>\n
American Samoa is reached by air. Except for a few villages and the scenic drive that skirts the Pago Pago Harbor and the southern coastline there is little level ground on the park\u2019s main island of Tutuila,<\/strong> where the majority of the population lives. For a bird\u2019s-eye view, climb one of the many trails leading to the 1,610- foot volcanic summit of Mount \u2018Alava.<\/strong> You may see white-collared kingfishers, cardinal honeyeaters, and purple-capped fruit doves along the way. <\/p>\n The smaller islands of Ofu<\/strong> and Olosega<\/strong> have excellent coral reefs and the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the area. Ofu also has what many consider to be the prettiest beach in American Samoa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The park is accessed through Pago Pago International Airport. Here you can rent a car as well as arrange for charter flights or boat trips to other islands. Taxis serve Pago Pago, as do buses. (Note: It\u2019s okay to sit on someone\u2019s lap if the seats are all taken.) Hitchhiking is a way of life on the islands<\/p>\n American Samoa lies around 14 degrees south of the Equator. The islands are pretty much always hot and humid. The hot\/wet season runs Oct. through May; the slightly cooler season, from June through Sept.<\/p>\n The visitor center<\/strong> and park headquarters<\/strong> are in Pago Pago, open weekdays year-round. This is the best resource for finding routes to the more remote park areas.<\/p>\n National Park of American Samoa Pago Pago, AS 96799 nps.gov\/npsa<\/a> 684-633-7082<\/p>\n Camping is prohibited within the park.<\/p>\n Tutuila has everything from classic colonial hotels to chain hotel\u2013style lodging (americansamoa.travel). On Ta\u2019u,<\/strong> you\u2019ll need a homestay; Ofu<\/strong> has one lodging, Vaoto Lodge<\/strong> (vaotolodge.com<\/a>). Ask for a room that is catching the wind; the ones that don\u2019t can be very hot.\n<\/div>\nUseful Information<\/h2>\n
How to get there<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When to go<\/h3>\n
Visitor Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Headquarters<\/h3>\n
Camping<\/h3>\n
Lodging<\/h3>\n
US National Parks Map<\/a><\/h2>\n
About the Guide<\/h2>\n
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