Travel guide to hiking trails, Aunu’u Island, Flying Fox bats, and cultural highlights of American Samoa.

In November 2024, we visited the National Park of American Samoa, the only U.S. national park south of the equator. Remote and rarely visited, this tropical place in the South Pacific offers rainforest hikes, volcanic landscapes, and deep-rooted Samoan traditions making it one of the most unique national park experiences.

How to Reach American Samoa National Park

We flew from Seattle → Honolulu → Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa located on the island of Tutuila. Renting a car (we chose Avis) made exploring both the park and nearby attractions convenient. We stayed at Sadie’s by the Sea, a beachfront hotel that also offered easy access to snorkeling.

Day 1: Arrival in Pago Pago

• Flight from Seattle → Honolulu → Pago Pago
• Rental car pickup at the airport
• Check-in at Sadie’s by the Sea

Day 2: Hiking Trails, Flying Fox Bats & Snorkeling

We began at the National Park Visitor Center, where we picked up maps and cultural insights. Since this was the completion of our 63 U.S. National Park journey, the staff issued us commemorative certificates—a special moment to cherish.

Driving toward the Lower Sauma Ridge Trailhead, we spotted enormous Flying Fox fruit bats, the world’s largest species of bat, hanging from trees. Due to recent rains, the trail was muddy and we could only hike a short section.

Our next hike, the Pola Island Trail (0.8 mile), rewarded us with dramatic ocean views.

Later in the evening, we enjoyed a refreshing snorkel at Sadie’s by the Sea Beach, surrounded by vibrant marine life just steps from our hotel.

Day 3: Aunu’u Island & Scenic Coastal Drives

From Utumea East, we took a short boat ride to Aunu’u Island, known for its quiet villages and volcanic landscapes.

Though the popular Two Dollar Beach was closed, the day was filled with scenic stops:

• Fagasa Pass – lush mountain pass with panoramic views; also the trailhead of the Mt. Alava Trail (closed for the season)
• Turtle and Shark Point – where waves crashed through blowholes, reminding us of Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park
• Fatumafuti Beach – home to the famous Flowerpot Rock, a striking coastal formation

On the way back, we stopped at a local farmers’ market in Pago Pago, where tropical fruits and vegetables were fresh, delicious, and priced far lower than on the mainland.

Day 4: Ocean Center, Trails & Local Culture

Our final day blended nature with history before our return flight:

• National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa Ocean Center – interactive exhibits on coral reefs and marine ecosystems
• Cape Taputapu Trail (1 mile) – a short coastal hike with beautiful views
• Fagatele Bay Trail – we began the hike but skipped the steep rope descent
• Museum of American Samoa – cultural exhibits, including a moon rock gifted by NASA

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Overall The National Park of American Samoa offered a rare combination of:

• Rainforest hikes with sweeping ocean views
• Snorkeling in pristine waters
• Unique wildlife like Flying Fox bats
• Rich Samoan culture and traditions

Its remoteness is part of the charm. For travelers who have explored other U.S. national parks, American Samoa provides a refreshing perspective. Truly an unforgettable addition to the national park journey.