Day 29 - National Park of American Samoa
📌APIA Every Day (29) - The National Park of American Samoa, established on October 31, 1988, stands as a testament to the heritage of American Samoa, a U.S. territory located some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii. Encompassing 13,500 acres, including 9,500 acres of land and 4,000 acres of marine environments, the park reflects the enduring connection between the people of American Samoa and their sacred land. In contrast to the independent nation of Samoa, American Samoa has a distinct political status as a U.S. territory, and the park serves as a symbol of the shared history and unique identity of this remote Pacific region.
Since the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers 3,000 years ago, the Samoan people have fostered a deep reverence for their island environment, managing it communally and considering it sacred. The park's rainforest, the only mixed-species paleotropical rainforest on U.S. soil, spans five distinct communities and safeguards hundreds of plant species. This unique ecosystem is a living testament to the enduring cultural practices of American Samoa. The coral reefs surrounding the islands, part of the park's marine environments, not only protect diverse marine life but also embody the Samoans' commitment to sustainable stewardship of their natural resources. The park, established through a collaborative effort with Samoan chiefs who signed a 50-year lease in 1993, emphasizes the importance of fa'asamoa—the customs, beliefs, and traditions of the Samoan people. The park's commitment to preserving the Samoan way of life is underscored by its unique homestay program, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the warmth and hospitality of the Samoan extended family, known as the aiga.
To embark on this cultural and natural journey, visitors can fly from Honolulu to Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, and explore the largest island, Tutuila, as well as the remote Manu'a Islands. It's crucial to distinguish between Samoa, an independent nation, and American Samoa, a U.S. territory, as each entity boasts its own distinct history, political status, and cultural tapestry. The National Park of American Samoa, with its focus on heritage and stewardship, stands as a living embodiment of the intertwined narratives that define this remote corner of the South Pacific, as the only National Park Service site south of the Equator.
LEARN MORE:
National Park Service: National Park of American Samoa
National Geographic: Visit This Unique, Tropical National Park
National Park Foundation: Diving into Deep Sea Research with an NPF Science Fellow, A Q&A with NPF Science Fellow Dr. Veronica Radice
Outside Magazine: The Hidden Adventures of National Park of American Samoa
American Samoa Historic Preservation Office
U.S. Department of Interior: American Samoa
U.S. Department of State: U.S. Relations with Samoa
Mooney Wieland Warren: History and Geography of the Territory
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation: American Samoa (Designated a Preserve America Community in February 2010.)
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