Fa’a Samoa: Responsible Travel in America's Most Unusual National Park

The National Park of American Samoa is a dream destination for many people. As the only American national park south of the equator, this park offers visitors a chance to experience breathtaking tropical rainforests, pristine coral reefs and a rich cultural history that stretches back thousands of years. For many, visiting this island paradise is a dream come true, but it’s important to understand that American Samoa is more than just a beautiful landscape — it’s a place steeped in the “Samoan Way,” or Fa’a Samoa, where traditional values and respect for the land are woven into everyday life.

For this reason, NPCA’s Travel Program uses local guides when taking park lovers to the National Park of American Samoa. They offer invaluable insight into this distinctive natural and cultural setting, creating an unforgettable experience that also respects the land and those who live there.

What makes this park special?

Visitors to American Samoa will quickly notice that this park isn’t like other U.S. national parks. The park spans over 8,000 acres across the islands of Tutuila, Ta’u and Ofu, and is home to a diverse ecosystem that includes endangered species such as fruit bats, coconut crabs and sea turtles. The coral reefs here are some of the most vibrant and untouched in the Pacific, making them a haven for snorkelers and marine biologists alike. The park also contains numerous archaeological sites that teach us about ancient Samoan culture.

What truly sets this park apart, however, is how it was created. Unlike other U.S. national parks, the land in American Samoa is not federally owned. Instead, it is leased from local families, in keeping with the territory’s traditional land ownership by aiga, or family groups, led by a matai, or chief.

This communal ownership is a cornerstone of Fa’a Samoa. It ensures that Samoans retain control over their land, which is passed down through generations.

Foreigners can lease land, but they are not allowed to buy it. This system ensures the continuation of Samoans’ cultural traditions, even as they welcome visitors from around the world to explore and appreciate it.

The cultural heart of Fa’a Samoa

For the people of American Samoa, the land and sea are more than just resources — they are integral to their way of life. Peter “Pika” Taliva’a, a local guide for NPCA’s Travel Program, is a chief and respected member of the community who has guided people visiting the territory for over seven years. His deep connection to nature goes back generations.

“This is how our ancestors started,” he explained. “Planting crops, fishing and making use of everything that God has blessed us with. It’s how we survive, and it’s part of who we are.”

Traditional practices, from farming and fishing to family gatherings and community rituals, reflect the Samoan people’s reverence for their land and heritage. This respect extends to their customs, which encourage humility, mindfulness and care for the environment. It’s also why, as visitors, it’s crucial to honor these values by learning about and respecting the local way of life.

How visiting American Samoa differs from some other Polynesian islands

It is important to understand how visiting American Samoa differs significantly from Hawaii. While both are Polynesian islands with communal cultures that value respect, modesty and reverence for the land, Hawaii has experienced a much greater loss of Indigenous control due to colonization and development. In contrast, the communal land ownership system in American Samoa has largely prevented the sale of land to foreigners and has helped preserve many traditional aspects of Samoan culture.

The establishment of the National Park of American Samoa reflects this difference, through lease agreements with local families rather than through government ownership and acquisition.

Respecting Samoan culture

If you choose to travel to American Samoa, be ready to embrace and respect their local customs and traditions. Here are some tips to ensure you are a responsible visitor. NPCA encourages all who venture here, whether you travel with NPCA or another organization to keep these things in mind:

• Dress modestly: In Samoan culture, modesty is a sign of respect. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially shorts or skirts that are above the knee. Covering up is a simple way to show respect for local customs. Local men and women often wear a lavalava, or a wrap-around skirt or kilt. This local apparel’s thin cotton fabric stays comfortable in the tropical heat and is useful over shorts and bathing suits.

• Be mindful of private spaces: In American Samoa, village areas often include private family spaces that may not be immediately obvious to visitors. If you’re unsure, look for signs of family gatherings, traditional structures or spaces where people are gathered in groups. Avoid getting too close unless you’ve been clearly invited. Always ask permission if you need to pass through a village area, and if you’re passing by someone or near a private space, say “tulou” (excuse me) as a gesture of respect.

• Observe meal etiquette: Eating or drinking while walking is considered impolite. If you’re hungry or thirsty, take a moment to sit down and enjoy your meal or drink before continuing on your way.

• Honor local quiet times: Many villages in American Samoa observe a nightly curfew signaled by the sound of three bells. This is a time for families to come together, pray and reconnect. Visitors should respect these quiet moments, which usually occur in the early evening and last 10-20 minutes. During this time, visitors should avoid making loud noises and stay off the streets. After curfew ends, it’s respectful to keep noise levels low for the rest of the evening. Additionally, many locals consider 9 p.m. as bedtime, so it’s best to limit outdoor activities after that hour to honor the community’s traditions.

• Remember Sundays are sacred: Sundays are a day of rest and worship for many Samoan families. While some beaches may allow swimming, it’s generally considered respectful to avoid recreational activities on Sundays unless you have permission.

Help protect a delicate environment

Unfortunately, climate change is threatening American Samoa’s ecosystems through rising sea levels, extreme temperatures and coral bleaching. Bleached corals are not dead, but the once vibrant and abundant organisms are weakened and more susceptible to disease, starvation and damage.

As Pika also explained, the islands are “sinking slowly” due to rising sea levels, which is killing mangroves and local trees. The record-breaking heat is pushing marine life to deeper waters, stressing both flora and fauna. Invasive species also threaten the biodiversity on which the local culture depends. To learn more about these impacts, check out NPCA’s podcast episode Holding Back the Sea.

Become a steward for future generations

The National Park of American Samoa is a testament to the resilience and strength of Samoan culture and values. It’s a place where visitors can learn from the wisdom of ancient practices and contribute to the preservation of a vibrant way of life.

As you explore this remote and incredible part of the world, remember that you’re not just a visitor — you’re part of a community of people dedicated to honoring and protecting this special place. By embracing Fa’a Samoa, being mindful of local customs and the threats posed by climate change, you can help ensure that the National Park of American Samoa remains a source of pride for its people and a place of wonder for all who visit or dream of visiting.

Want to visit?

Explore NPCA’s Travel Program website for a full listing of our trips. If you want to visit this park on your own, check out the National Park Service’s National Park of American Samoa website.