The National Park of American Samoa is a welcoming portion of the South Pacific, offering so much to see and do. The park is situated on three different islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta’u. Each island offers something unique.
A Brief History
Learning about Samoan culture is also a significant part of visiting the park. The visitor center details intriguing information about the park in both Samoan and English. Exhibits inside the center offer interactive features that allow tourists to learn about the local culture, geography and animals of the islands.
Main Attraction
One of the most popular destinations between the three islands is the protected coral reef. Snorkeling is an intriguing activity for many visitors. In fact, more than 4,500 acres of coral reefs and ocean make up the park. Snorkelers will see nearly 1,000 species of fish, and Ofu especially has a reputation for amazing corals. Tutuila is also a great choice. Since there is no snorkeling shop nearby, visitors must bring their own gear.
The rainforests at National Park of American Samoa are particularly striking, and hiking offers a great environment to see them on an intimate level. No matter the visitor’s ability to hike, the park has something to offer. Trails fill in along the rainforests, beaches and majestic vistas. The opportunity to see animals is always just around the corner.
Those willing to travel out of the park on the island of Tutuila will find that Cape Taputapu and the Matafu Peak are both worthwhile endeavors. Several other landmarks are accessible via a short boat ride, and they offer everything from education to natural beauty.
The National Park of American Samoa offers an incredibly rich culture that visitors will not find anywhere else. Additionally, visitors will be surprised to learn that it is the only American national park located south of the equator.
Check out this video of the natural beauty that awaits you at the National Park of American Samoa!
When to Go
It’s best to visit American Samoa when the weather is dry and the humidity is a little lower. This means a trip time anywhere in-between April and October will net some great vacation days, with an average temperature of 83°F, it’s hard to go wrong!
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Featured Image from Brenda Smith DVM/Shutter Stock
