Pola Island rises over 400 feet straight out of the ocean off Tutuila. A short walk from Vatia village, Pola is an ideal nesting site for many species of seabirds. NPS Photo / Michael Larson
Overview
The National Park of American Samoa invites you to discover the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of the South Pacific. Experience a world unlike any other, where natural beauty and cultural heritage are protected for future generations. Join us in exploring these islands of sacred earth!
Easy = 0.4mi/0.64km total; 232ft/7m elevation gain; 30-45 minutes. A gentle climb to an archaeological site featuring ancient grinding stones, this trail combines history with incredible views of the northeast coastline and the Vai’ava Strait.
Easy = 0.1mi/0.16km total; 30ft/9m elevation gain; 15-30 minutes. This short, easy trail leads you to the untouched shores of the South Pacific; delivering big rewards with views of the rugged coastline and Pola Island, a sanctuary for nesting seabirds.
Strenuous = 3.2mi/5.15km total; 1,489ft/454m elevation gain; 3-4 hours. Hike a challenging trail through a dense rainforest, surrounded by native trees and birds. Enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful views of Vatia village and Pola Island at the summit.
Fruit bats are the only native mammals found in American Samoa. The two species of fruit bat and one insect-eating bat species are harmless to people. They have a wingspan close to three feet. As fruit eaters, fruit bats are excellent and vital pollinators. Plants rely on the fruit bat to spread its seeds through droppings. A colony of fruit bats ensures that the tropical rainforest remains healthy and full of new trees.
Each island of American Samoa supports a coral reef ecosystem in its coastal waters. These coral reefs support a variety of marine life typical of tropical Indo-Pacific waters. To date, over 950 species of fish and over 250 species of coral have been documented.
About one mile southeast of Tutuila’s eastern tip is the volcanic island of ‘Aunu’u, the smallest inhabited island. It can be reached by boat and explored by foot. 'Aunu'u Island is an excellent exposure of a relatively young flow of basalt inter-bedded with layers of tuff. The site also illustrates erosion by wave action and is covered with dense tropical vegetation.
