11 Best Walks & Hikes in American Samoa

Adventurous travellers seeking panoramic views and rainforest exploration will find the Mt 'Alava Trail an unmissable hiking experience on Tutuila.

This 11.3 km (7 mi) one-way trail climbs steadily from Fagasa Pass up to the summit of Mt 'Alava, which towers above Pago Pago Harbor with breathtaking views of the island's rugged coastline and central valleys.

The trail follows a ridgeline through lush tropical forests and restoration zones where native trees are being reintroduced. Along the way, you'll pass old communication towers and likely spot native birds circling overhead.

The path is well-defined but steep in places with limited shade, so pack plenty of water, bug spray and sun protection.

This hike is considered challenging due to its length and terrain, but the payoff is unmatched. It's best done in the morning for cooler temperatures and clearer views from the summit.

Open year-round, so you can visit at your convenience. No guide or permit needed either, making it wonderfully hassle-free.

For the ultimate physical and adrenaline-pumping challenge, tackle the combined Mt 'Alava and Fatifati Auala Trail; the Mt 'Alava Adventure Trail represents the most demanding test in the National Park of American Samoa.

This 9.2 km (5.6 mi) loop takes hikers along steep ridgelines, through dense jungle and up a series of 56 ladders and 783 steps, all leading to the summit of Mt 'Alava with jaw-dropping views over Pago Pago Harbor and Tutuila's northern coast.

Unlike the standard out-and-back trail, this route loops through more rugged and remote terrain, offering solitude and a wilder hiking experience. Sections of the trail can be narrow, muddy and physically demanding, especially after rain, so it's only recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear.

Again, there are no permits or guides required—you're free to tackle this trail whenever the mood strikes! The trail is open year-round. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

The Blunts Point Trail offers a fascinating journey through World War II history, featuring two massive gun turrets positioned at scenic viewpoints overlooking Pago Pago Harbor.

This uphill forest hike begins behind the Fresh Laundromat on a wide, well-defined path that gradually ascends through a series of switchbacks.

The first viewpoint rewards hikers with stunning harbour views and the opportunity to explore one of the towering WWII guns up close. A short continuation leads to the second gun turret positioned higher up the trail, offering even more impressive vantage points of the surrounding landscape.

For those wanting to extend their historical exploration, the trail connects to the broader WWII Heritage Trail system. Be prepared for mosquitoes.

This scenic trail offers one of the most accessible aerial views of Pago Pago Harbor with minimal hiking required.

The route connects the Blunts Point Gun Battery to the historic Aerial Tramway site, winding through lush rainforest and past fascinating World War II installations along the way.

The highlight is an abandoned 1960s tramway car that once carried passengers from the harbour to the top of Mount 'Alava before hurricane damage in 1992 ended its service. From the tramway car, a short uphill walk leads to a pavilion offering spectacular panoramic views over Pago Pago Harbor - arguably better than those from the Blunts Point Trail itself.

While the forest trail can be slippery, the reward is worth the effort, making this the closest hiking experience to Pago Pago with genuinely impressive harbour vistas.

Escape to the untouched beauty of Aunu'u Island for a unique and peaceful walking adventure.

This flat, 3.2 km (2 mi) round-trip walk takes you past the serene Pala Lake to a secluded beach where dramatic coastal cliffs feature a stunning natural rock archway.

The hour-long trek offers breathtaking views of Tutuila Island and the rare opportunity to experience true remoteness; you'll encounter only a handful of friendly villagers along the way. The trail concludes at a beautiful but intimate beach, perfect for quiet contemplation and photography.

Since there are no facilities on the island, you'll need to bring your own food, water and supplies for the journey. The adventure begins with a short boat ride from 'Au'asi, where captains typically wait at the marina for passengers.

Tucked away in the National Park of American Samoa, the Pola Island Trail offers hikers a perfect mix of accessibility and adventure, delivering stunning coastal views and dramatic landscapes in a compact, manageable trek.

Located on Tutuila, this brief coastal walk leads you through lush vegetation to a stunning lookout of the rugged coastline and Pola Island, a protected sanctuary for nesting seabirds.

The trail begins after you pass the last house in Vatia Village and continue along a rough road. You'll pass trailhead markers and exhibits before arriving at the viewpoint. Keep an eye out for birds soaring overhead and crashing waves below.

Taking 30-45 minutes return, this hike is perfect for those with limited time but still looking for a real slice of American Samoan beauty.

There's no need for a guide, and no fee is required to access the trail. Just wear sturdy footwear and bring water, it can get hot despite the short distance.

The powerful currents here pose a real risk to swimmers. We'd strongly recommend staying out of the water at this beach and exercising extra care when you're close to the shoreline.

Nestled along Tutuila's northern coastline, the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail offers an incredible combination of natural beauty, historical highlights and breathtaking panoramic vistas that make it an essential experience.

Taking around 15–20 minutes to complete at 600 m (656 yards), the one-way trail is moderately challenging with a gentle incline, perfect for a quick adventure with big payoff.

The main event is that it leads to an ancient star mound, an archaeological site used in traditional ceremonies and navigation.

Along the way, you'll find interpretive exhibits highlighting the area's cultural significance and biodiversity.

The trail ends with stunning views over the Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark, with Pola Island visible in the distance; an iconic, narrow rock formation and nesting site for seabirds.

This is a popular trail for walking, birdwatching and photography. It's open year-round and beautiful in any season. No guide or fee is required.

For those seeking a brief yet challenging rainforest escape, the Tuafanua Trail offers an invigorating trek through lush vegetation and dramatic coastal cliffs, concluding at a secluded beach paradise.

This 3.5 km (2.2 mi) roundtrip trail starts at the edge of Vatia Village on Tutuila, winding through dense vegetation before descending via steep ladders and ropes to a secluded rocky beach.

Though short in distance, this trail is considered challenging. Expect slippery paths, narrow ridgelines and overgrown sections. You'll want proper footwear, water and a downloaded map, as signage can be minimal.

The trail ends at a quiet, wave-battered beach, where strong currents make swimming unsafe, but the setting is perfect for a rest and photos.

No guides or fees are required, but it's best to hike with others for safety. Allow 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is open year-round.

For those craving cultural discovery and untouched island vistas, the Si'u Point Trail on Ta'ū Island delivers a tranquil coastal adventure winding through forest and ancient historical sites.

This 9.2 km (5.7 mi) out-and-back trail begins just beyond the last homes in Fiti'uta Village and follows a rough dirt road along the southeastern coast.

The path winds through coastal vegetation, leading past the culturally significant Saua Site, believed to be the birthplace of Polynesian culture - you can learn more about it in the 10 Best Historical Sites in American Samoa.

At the trail's end, you'll reach the remote point of Si'u Point, where rocky headlands meet the vast Pacific.

Though the route is relatively gentle, the distance and heat can make it moderately challenging, so come prepared with water, sun protection and good shoes.

No guide or fee is required. The trail is open year-round. We recommend starting early to avoid the midday heat. Allow 2 to 2 hrs 30 mins to complete the hike.

Steeped in history and offering breathtaking scenery at every turn, the Fatifati Auala Trail stands out as one of American Samoa's most challenging yet rewarding hiking experiences for adventurous souls willing to push their limits.

This rugged rainforest trail on Tutuila Island winds uphill along an ancient path, featuring rope-assisted sections, steep ridgelines and sweeping viewpoints.

Starting near the Mt 'Alava area, the trail climbs through dense jungle to the Fagaloa Viewpoint, taking approximately 3 hours return, with the option to continue onward to the summit of Mt 'Alava to make it around 5 hours return.

Along the way, hikers encounter sacred sites, including a traditional star mound and a historic village.

No guide or permit is required. The trail is open year-round; we recommend going early to avoid the afternoon heat.

The Massacre Bay trail is not within the national park boundaries but it still offers an unforgettable journey through some of Samoa's most remote and historically significant terrain.

This challenging hiking trail offers an unforgettable journey through some of Samoa's most remote and historically significant terrain.

Starting from the isolated village of A'oloaufou, the four-hour (4 km/2.5 mi) return trek leads you to the even more remote A'asau, where just one family calls this pristine location home.

The trail culminates at the hauntingly beautiful Massacre Bay, a site steeped in tragic history from 1787, when a violent skirmish between French sailors and Samoan villagers claimed 51 lives.

Due to the challenging and sometimes unreliable trail conditions, hiring a local guide from A'oloaufou village is strongly recommended for both safety and to fully appreciate the cultural and historical significance of this remarkable journey.