National Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa (English National Park of American Samoa, Samoan Paka O America Samoa) is a national park in the United States in American foreign territory of American Samoa in the South Pacific. The park is spread over three islands: Tutuila, Ofu and Tau.
The national park includes coral reefs, rainforests and white sand beaches and is popular for hiking, snorkelling and diving. However, the primary objective of the park is to protect the unique natural resources of Samoa. Animals at the National Park include the flying fox, the Pazifikboa, sea turtles, and nearly 900 species of fish, over 200 species of coral and more than 35 species of birds.
After the authorization by the U.S. Congress on 31 October 1988, the National Park Service took over the administration of the estates on 9 September 1993 by the local municipal authorities for a lease period of 50 years. Here, the leased land spread exactly in half on public land of the community and private land. In addition to the 36.4 km ² land area of the park is 10.1 km ² water surface protected. In 2010, 3,006 visitors came. A majority of the visitors are limited to the area of Tutuila. However, not all areas offer good opportunities to observe the natural resources of the Samoan Islands, on land and under water.
Visitor
The area of Tutuila on the largest island of American Samoa is accessible by car. There are two easy journeys. From Pago Pago on a paved road towards Fagasā begins on the ridge ( Fagasā Pass) at a small parking lot, a signposted footpath. It runs along the hillside above Pago Pago to Mount Alava. For the eastern part of the park to get over a ridge above the north side of Pago Pago Harbor, from the village of Aua towards Afono. From Afono to the west on a paved road to reach the boundary of the park above Afono Bay. The road runs through the park to the village Vatia. Behind the school on the western edge of Vatia a walking trail in the direction of Pola Tai.
The visitor center of the park with a museum dedicated to the culture of Samoans was destroyed in September 2009 when a tsunami. It also roughly half the exhibits were lost. A temporary visitor center at Ottoville is open on working days.
For subregion of Ofu one comes with a small plane of Tutuila. Nights are at the airport of Ofu possible and in Asaga.
The range of Ta'u can be reached by a flight of Tutuila after Fiti'uta on Ta'u. On Ta'u there are places to stay.
Ofu
Ta'u