Ofu Island, American Samoa
Farther afield than most U.S. beaches, the National Park of American Samoa encompasses 9,000 acres of mountainous rainforest and tropical marine habitat. It's located about 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii and more than 7,000 miles from the National Park Service headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The south coast of Ofu Island is one of the park's real gems, featuring over two miles of white-sand beaches backed by palm trees and spectacular volcanic terrain. The snorkeling in the warm South Pacific waters offshore is terrific.
Ofu Island lies about 70 miles east of Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa. It is accessible via short inter-island flights from Pago Pago International Airport, with loosely scheduled passenger service aboard small twin-engine aircraft.
The island has two tiny family-run inns, the larger of which, Vaoto Lodge, abuts the beach near the western border of the National Park. Homestay accommodations can sometimes be arranged through the National Park office in Pago Pago.
Minimal visitor services are available on Ofu Island, with no park facilities at the beach itself, so visitors should come prepared for a rustic outdoor experience.
Information
American Samoa Office of Tourism, 011-684-699-9411
National Park of American Samoa, 011-684-633-7082
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