Mount Alava Trail
A ridge walk through the rainforest with views down to Pago Pago harbor.
American Samoa
The only US national park south of the Equator: rainforest cliffs and coral reefs, in a living Samoan culture.
The Mount Alava trail from Fagasa Pass is closed for trail work. You can reach the summit by the steeper Old Vatia trail, or walk the Sauma or Tuafanua trails instead.Checked November 2, 2026 · Latest
American Samoa is the far corner of the US, about 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. Its national park covers parts of three islands, with steep paleotropical rainforest, huge fruit bats and healthy reefs, and the land is leased from Samoan villages.
This is one of the country's least visited national parks. Traditional Samoan life, the fa'a Samoa, remains strong, with village rules and quiet Sundays.
- Best Time
- May–October, the drier season
- Time Needed
- 1 week
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round; flights are limited
- Getting There
- A flight of about 5.5 hours from Honolulu to Pago Pago (PPG), only a few days a week.
What to See
3 of 3 are freePola Island and Vatia
Sea cliffs and a huge rock rising from a bay on the north shore of Tutuila.
Ofu Beach
A nearly deserted beach and lagoon with some of the country's finest coral. Reached by small plane.
Know Before You Go
- Bring a passport: American Samoa runs its own entry rules, and even US citizens are checked on arrival. Check current rules before you go.
- Flights from Honolulu run only a few times a week; inter-island flights are small and change often.
- Ask before you swim or walk on village land, dress modestly, and respect Sunday prayer curfews (sa).
Where to Stay
Stay in the Pago Pago area on Tutuila.
Where to Eat
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Go Next
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Hawaii
Waikiki's famous beach, Diamond Head and the Pearl Harbor memorial, on Hawaii's busiest island.
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If You're NearbyGuam
Guam
America's far western outpost, where the day begins: Chamorro culture, Tumon Bay's beaches and major World War II sites.
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the US Territories list.