History & Culture

Historical, Cultural and Natural Significance of the National Park of American Samoa

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, the National Park of American Samoa offers an unparalleled experience of natural beauty, cultural richness, and ecological diversity. Spread across the islands of Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū, this park is a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and the Samoan way of life. Established in 1993, the park covers over 8,000 acres of lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and vibrant coral reefs, preserving these ecosystems for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

What Makes the Park Special

Paleotropical Rainforest Ecosystem

The National Park of American Samoa is home to the only paleotropical rainforest ecosystem within the U.S. national park system. These forests are composed of species originating from the ancient ecosystems of Southeast Asia. The rainforest is a stunning mosaic of biodiversity, with over 475 plant species and 50 animal species, including two species of native fruit bats. These bats, known locally as pe‘a, are vital for pollination and seed dispersal, helping to maintain the health of the ecosystem.

The park’s rainforests cover the landscape from the shorelines to the mountain peaks, creating a sanctuary for countless endemic and native species. The intact forest ecosystems provide critical habitat and are culturally significant, being used for traditional Samoan practices, medicines, and ceremonies.

Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Ecosystems

The park contains some of the most pristine and ecologically diverse coral reefs in the world. It is the only U.S. national park with an Indo-Pacific coral reef ecosystem. These reefs are teeming with life, sheltering more than 230 species of coral and over 900 species of fish. The coral reefs are particularly resilient, with certain areas like the Ofu Lagoon showing resistance to rising ocean temperatures, making them a crucial area for scientific research on the effects of climate change.

These underwater ecosystems are not just ecologically significant—they also have deep cultural value to the Samoan people, who rely on the ocean for sustenance and spiritual connections.

Fa’asamoa – The Samoan Way of Life

Samoan culture is Polynesia’s oldest. The first people of the Samoan Islands are believed to have arrived by sea from southwest Asia around 3,000 years ago. Over the centuries, distinct cultural traits emerged that are now known as fa’asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah), which forms the foundation of Samoan identity and daily life. From Samoa, seafaring explorers and settlers journeyed across the vast Pacific, reaching other Polynesian island groups hundreds of miles away.

The National Park of American Samoa preserves this ancient cultural heritage and ensures that fa’asamoa, or the Samoan way of life, continues to thrive. Unlike most national parks, where the land is federally owned, the National Park of American Samoa is unique in that the land is leased from local villages. This collaborative arrangement reflects the respect for traditional Samoan land tenure, where land is owned and managed communally under the guidance of village chiefs, or matai.

The park works closely with these local communities to ensure that the preservation of natural resources aligns with the continuation of traditional subsistence practices, such as fishing, gathering, and farming. Visitors can see firsthand how the Samoan people have lived sustainably in harmony with their environment for thousands of years, and how these practices continue to shape daily life.

3,000 Years of Human History

American Samoa has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest human settlements in Polynesia. The park protects important cultural and archeological sites, including ancient village locations, star mounds, and stone tool production areas. The sacred site of Saua on Ta‘ū Island is considered by many Samoans to be the birthplace of Polynesian culture, where the ancestors of modern Samoans first settled.

These cultural resources offer a unique opportunity to understand the history of the Polynesian people and their extraordinary navigational skills, which allowed them to explore and settle vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean. The park’s preservation of these historical sites ensures that future generations can learn about and appreciate the deep cultural heritage of the Samoan people.

Scientific Significance and Conservation

The National Park of American Samoa serves as a living laboratory for scientific research, offering unique opportunities to study rainforest and marine ecosystems. Scientists from around the world visit the park to conduct research on a range of topics, from biodiversity and species conservation to climate change resilience. The park’s coral reefs, in particular, are a focus of global attention due to their apparent resistance to rising ocean temperatures and changes in pH levels, which could provide key insights into the future health of coral reefs worldwide.

In addition to scientific research, the park plays a critical role in conservation efforts. It protects species that are under threat from habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change, ensuring that these ecosystems remain intact for future generations.

Scenic Beauty and Remote Wilderness

The breathtaking beauty of the National Park of American Samoa is another key feature that sets it apart. Visitors can experience a dramatic landscape of rugged sea cliffs, verdant rainforests, and white sandy beaches, all set against the backdrop of the vast Pacific Ocean. The islands are the peaks of ancient underwater volcanoes, with landscapes that tell the story of their formation over millions of years.

The remoteness of the park adds to its allure, offering a sense of tranquility and isolation rarely found in other national parks. Whether hiking to the summit of Mt. Lata on Ta‘ū, the highest point in American Samoa, or exploring the untouched beaches of Ofu Island, the park provides a unique opportunity to experience wilderness in its most pristine form.