One Of America's Least Visited National Parks Offers A Tropical Escape During Winter

Visiting national parks is cherished among Americans, with many having national parks on their bucket lists. These protected lands draw millions each year. In 2024, the park system recorded a record breaking 331.9 million visits across its sites. Popular destinations like Great Smoky Mountains saw 12.2 million visitors, while Zion National Park saw nearly five million visitors, as part of Utah's Mighty 5. Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon saw about the same, often for their ability to actually see wildlife within the park.  These numbers underscore how crowds flock to these iconic spots, yet one park stands out for its solitude: National Park of American Samoa, which saw just 22,567 visitors in 2024, making it one of the least-visited in the system.

This hidden treasure in the U.S. territories offers pristine rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and a chance to immerse oneself in Polynesian traditions far away from mainland hustle. Its allure lies in its untouched beauty that feels worlds away, providing a serene escape with warm waters and lush scenery.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, between the equator and Tropic of Capricorn, the park spans parts of three volcanic islands: Tutuila, Ta'ū, and Ofu, siting about 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii. To reach them, travelers can fly into Pago Pago International Airport on the main island Tutuila. Hawaiian Airlines operates the only direct service from the U.S. with two round-trip flights weekly from Honolulu — book early! If traveling from Western Samoa or other Pacific destinations, fly into the International Airport in Samoa and catch a daily connecting flight. Notably, the park offers a seasonal escape for those dealing with the winter blues, consistently featuring warm temperatures. It's a truly great tropical winter destination.

National Park of American Samoa was established on October 31, 1988 to protect its unparalleled ecosystems and cultural heritage. Spanning about 8,000 acres, it serves as an example of harmony between nature and human traditions. The park preserves the only paleo-tropical rainforest in the U.S. national park system, covering landscapes from shoreline to mountain peaks with over 475 plant species and 50 animal species, including two native fruit bats that are essential for pollination.  Its coral reefs, part of the Indo-Pacific ecosystem, host more than 230 coral species and 900 fish species, showing remarkable resilience to ocean warming and aiding in climate research. This area is a mosaic of biodiversity, critical for both ecology and Samoan practices like medicine and ceremony.

Samoan history dates back to around 3,000 years ago when Polynesians first arrived from Southeast Asia, establishing what's considered Polynesia's oldest culture. They settled the islands, developing a society rooted in communal living and respect for the environment. The Samoan people, who number about 50,000 today, maintain fa'asamoa — the Samoan way of life — which emphasizes family, community, and land stewardship. This cultural framework deeply influences the park: unlike most U.S. parks, the land is actually leased from local villages rather than owned by the government, honoring the traditional land tenure systems of the locals. Visitors can witness how Samoans live in balance with their surroundings, relying on the ocean for food and spiritual connections.

Sacred sites like Saua on Ta'u Island mark the believed birthplace of Polynesian culture, where early settlers landed. The park seeks to sustain these ancient ways during modern times, ensuring fa'asamoa thrives. The integration of culture elevates the park beyond scenery. For deeper insights check out the visitor center in Pago Pago.

Hiking ranks high on the list of things to do while making your winter escape to National Park of American Samoa, with trails winding through lush forests teeming with rare wildlife. On Tutuila, the Pola Island trail offers a short 0.1-mile walk to stunning coastal views and bird nesting sites. For a challenge, the Mount Alava Trail is just under six miles to panoramic views. On Ta'u, Si'u Point Trail covers 5.7 miles of ancient footpaths to the culturally vital Saua site. Trails can be steep and slippery when wet, so bring proper footwear.

Snorkeling and scuba diving showcase the park's marine life wonders, with pristine reefs alive with fish and coral. Top snorkeling spots include Ofu Islands clear waters, where reefs hug the shore, ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. Bring your own gear, as the island doesn't have rentals. Aunu'u Island provides remote, less-visited sites with abundant sea life, and Fagatele Bay in the national marine sanctuary, hosts large sea species like turtles and sharks. For scuba, Tutuila is the spot: explore Pago Pago Harbor or the south coast with private charters. Alega Beach suits beginners while Fagatele Bay offers deep dives. Only air tanks are provided, so bring the rest of your necessary scuba gear. 

Visitors to the National Park of American Samoa typically seek the extraordinary natural diversity and authentic cultural immersion, all in an extremely isolated part of the world. Exploring the villages lets you step into the Samoan pace of life, where time moves slowly. Share communal meals with popular dishes such as palusami, taro leaves backed with coconut cream often filled with fish or veggies. If a local invites you to share a meal, this is a deep sign of respect, so consider the offering. This winter, when temperatures turn cold and nights grow long, consider heading to National Park of American Samoa. It's like being transported back to summertime.