National Park of American Samoa

The only U.S. national park south of the equator.

Rainforest, coral reef, and volcanic shoreline on Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu. It is remote, humid, and more village than visitor center. Respect faʻasamoa, snorkel Ofu if you can get there, and do not expect Yellowstone infrastructure American Samoa.

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Location

14.17° S, 169.68° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

June–September (drier southeast trade winds)

Trip planner

A National Park of American Samoa itinerary

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Field guide

National Park of American Samoa is a U.S. National Park in American Samoa. The only U.S. national park south of the equator.

When to go

June–September (drier southeast trade winds) is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with ofu Beach if the flight and boat line up. Then pola Island lookout on Tutuila. If you have a second day, a snorkel on a guided reef, not a random cut. Keep one spare hour for talk to rangers about village protocols before hiking.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

This is not a drop-in park. Flights, Sunday closures, and village land rules shape the trip.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Elena V.

8/10

Start early in National Park of American Samoa

A snorkel on a guided reef, not a random cut. Talk to rangers about village protocols before hiking. Give National Park of American Samoa days, not hours, and go in June–September (drier southeast trade winds). The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Jun 6, 2025

Amelia K.

6/10

National Park of American Samoa is bigger than the postcard

Pola Island lookout on Tutuila. The only U.S. national park south of the equator. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. June–September (drier southeast trade winds) is the window I would book again.

May 5, 2025

Rae S.

10/10

Start early in National Park of American Samoa

Ofu Beach if the flight and boat line up. Pola Island lookout on Tutuila. Give National Park of American Samoa days, not hours, and go in June–September (drier southeast trade winds). The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Apr 4, 2025