|
The Park
The National Park samples the best of American Samoa scenery, shorelines, reefs, and rainforest. In essence, it is really “three parks” on four separate islands. All the units have fine scenery and tropical rainforests. Lata Mountain on Ta’u excels in its wild and remote forests, free-flowing streams, and rugged coastline. Ofu and Olosega have the most accessible coral reefs and miles of breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Tutuila has road accessible forests, native wildlife, and scenic coastline.
All the four islands are extinct volcanoes heavily eroded to rugged peaks. They were formed as the "Pacific plate" moved across a stationary hot spot where eruptions from the Earth's mantle pierced the lithosphere forming a line of volcanic islands.
Things to do
As a new national park you will not find the usual facilities of parks on the mainland. Instead, with a bit of explorer's spirit, discover secluded villages, observe tropical forest plants and wildlife, snorkel coral reefs containing overwhelming biodiversity, and explore the magnificent island and sea vistas.
If interested in local Samoan culture consider staying with a local family rather than a hotel (check out the park's homestay program).
Culture
The Samoan culture is Polynesia's oldest. It is believed that, the first people on the Samoan Islands came by sea from southwest Asia some 3,000 years ago. Over the centuries, distinct cultural traits emerged that we now call fa'asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah). From Samoa, seafaring explorers and settlers journeyed to other Polynesian island groups hundreds of miles away.
Animals
The animal life of National Park of American Samoa is unique among the U.S. national parks. Key animal forms (from the flying foxes, or fruit bats, in the mountains to the massive coral reefs along the shorelines) shape all natural ecosystems here. Flying foxes are important terrestrial pollinators and thus, not surprisingly, this rain forest is dominated by fruit-bearing species--in contrast to Hawaii where the native forests are pollinated largely by nectar seeking birds and insects. The coral fringing reefs of the park shelter the greatest marine biodiversity in the U.S. and its possessions. The more than 800 native fish and 200 coral species of the park are bewildering and awesome.
The Natural History Guide to the Park has a checklist of mammals of the park. View the list of marine mammals and reptiles. View the list of land mammals and reptiles.
Climate
Samoa is warm, humid and rainy year-round with a long, wet summer (October - May) and a slightly cooler and drier season (June - September). A tropical climate prevails. Temperatures are warm year-round (high 70's to low 90's F) with high humidity. Rain showers are frequent and may last only for a few minutes, or last all day. Average annual rainfall is 125 inches at the airport and 200 inches elsewhere. . |
