National park · American Samoa

American Samoa National Park

The only U.S. national park south of the equator, spanning three South Pacific islands of rainforest, coral reef, and traditional Samoan villages where the park is leased from local matai chiefs.

Entrance
No fee listed by NPS
Hours
Varies by day National Park of American Samoa
Established
October 31, 1988
Region
Islands & Shores
American Samoa National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The American Samoa National Park patch

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History

The National Park of American Samoa is the only U.S. national park located south of the equator, highlighting its unique ecological and cultural significance. It plays a crucial role in protecting the habitat for endemic species and preserving the Samoan culture.

Key events

  1. The park was established following a bill introduced in 1984 to protect the habitat of the flying fox and the rainforest.
  2. In 1993, the National Park Service secured a 50-year lease for the park land from local village councils due to traditional communal land systems.
  3. A significant earthquake and tsunami in September 2009 caused major damage to the park, destroying the visitor center and main office.
  4. In 2002, Congress approved a 30% expansion of the park on Olosega and Ofu islands.

Trails

  • Mount Alava Trail 7 miles round trip · Hard
  • World War II Heritage Trail 1 mile · Moderate
  • Pola Island Trail 0.2 miles · Easy

Plan your visit

Hours · National Park of American Samoa

Monday8:00AM - 3:00PMTuesday8:00AM - 3:00PMWednesday8:00AM - 3:00PMThursday8:00AM - 3:00PMFriday8:00AM - 3:00PMSaturdayClosedSundayClosed

* The National Park of American Samoa is open 24-hours per day, year round, including holidays. However, some areas of the park maybe temporarily closed due to trail maintenance and/or safety measures. * No fees or reservations are required to visit the national park. * The visitor center and park store is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. and closed on weekends and federal holidays (except when cruise ships are in port).

Entrance fees

NPS lists no entrance fee for this park.

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • May–September (dry season). Cooler temperatures, less rain, calm seas for snorkeling
  • October–April (wet season). Lush vegetation, fewer visitors; daily afternoon rain showers

Wildlife

Pacific flying foxes (largest fruit bats in the world)Sea turtles (green and hawksbill)Tropical reef fish (300+ species)Hump-headed parrotfishTropicbirds and frigatebirdsCoconut crabs (largest land crab in the world)
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