Secret National Parks: The National Park of American Samoa

June 10, 2008 at 1:01 PM | by kjb | 3 Comments

Nothing screams summer fun like a national park, but who wants to visit Yellowstone again? This week, we're bringing you some secret spots to enjoy.

If you're feeling a little homesick on your next journey to the South Pacific, then just swing by the US Territory of American Samoa--it's on the way! Here you'll find the second of our secret national parks, the National Park of American Samoa.

You'll likely reach the park by taking a flight into Pagu Pagu International Airport, which is served by two flights a week from Honolulu. If that doesn't jive with your schedule, you can fly into Upolo, Samoa. Either way, you'll still have to take some sort of plane to get to island of Tutulia--that's where the action is.

The park is actually split between four different islands, and each reveals its own unique beauty and splendor. On Tutulia you can hike the 1,610-foot Mt. Alava to check out the views of the harbor and northern coastline. The park on this island contains road-accessible forests, so if you signed the collision waiver back at the airport, enjoy your exploration!

Next, you'll have to catch a flight to either Ta'u or the islands of Ofu and Olosega. On Ta'u scope the sea cliffs of Lata Mountain, some of the world's tallest. This densely wooded section of the park is perfect for hiking.

If heights aren't your thing, catch a ride to Ofu or Olosega. These islands, 60 miles east of Tutulia, are the ones to hit up if you are looking for some excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The white coral beaches extend for miles and offer some of the best conditions in the region.

One of cool things about this park is that it is a relative child compared to its National Park siblings. The US government authorized the park in 1988, and a few years later entered a 50-year lease with Samoan village councils to use the land.

Related Stories:
· National Park of American Samoa [Official Site]
· National Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: BruceandLetty]

Some corrections to your article

Airport and town are Pago Pago, not Pagu Pagu. And by the way, that's pronounced Pongo Pongo.

There is no air service to Apia, which you referred to as Upolu (island) from the U.S. There is service via Fiji on Air Pacific, which is quite out of the way and won't be cheap.

Flights from Honolulu to Pago (as it is called) will cost about $1200 RT.

http://beatofhawaii.com

June 10, 2008 at 3:01 PM

3 Comments

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beatofhawaii com
Jaunted Member
Some corrections to your article
1. Airport and town are Pago Pago, not Pagu Pagu. And by the way, that's pronounced Pongo Pongo.
2. There is no air service to Apia, which you referred to as Upolu (island) from the U.S. There is service via Fiji on Air Pacific, which is quite out of the way and won't be cheap.
3. Flights from Honolulu to Pago (as it is called) will cost about $1200 RT.
Aloha, http://beatofhawaii.com

June 10, 2008 at 3:01 PM

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tamafaalii
Jaunted Member

correction to beatofhawaii.com who was incorrect
regarding her comment number 2. - Air New Zealand offers direct flights from Los Angeles to Apia, Samoa.....or you can catch interisland flights between Pago Pago and Apia via Polynesian Airlines/Blue or soon Pago Pago based South Pacific Express......
Cheers!

June 11, 2008 at 10:55 PM

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beatofhawaii com
Jaunted Member

I stand corrected
NZ does, at least at this time, still offer once a week service from Los Angeles to Apia. That's it from the U.S. Lowest fare appears to be approx. $1,600 RT.
http://beatofhawaii.com

June 12, 2008 at 2:04 PM

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