Amalau Valley Trail -- Ofu Island

Ofu Island in the Manu'a Group -- the most remote section of American Samoa accessible by small aircraft from Pago Pago -- contains some of the finest coral reef in the National Park of American Samoa and a small trail network through the island's interior rainforest. The Amalau Valley trail explores the forested hillside above Ofu village, climbing through stands of breadfruit, Tahitian chestnut, and the enormous strangler fig that dominates the mature forest canopy. The valley walls shelter a remarkable diversity of land birds including the rare Manu'a Islands fruit dove.

Ofu's primary attraction is its fringing reef, consistently ranked among the healthiest coral reefs in the US national park system and accessible directly from the beach at the park's primitive campsite. Giant clams, sea turtles, and an extraordinary diversity of reef fish inhabit the coral gardens in water clear enough to see bottom at 40 feet of depth. The combination of the inland trail and the reef snorkeling makes Ofu Island a unique multi-day destination for visitors willing to arrange the inter-island flight. Accommodation is extremely limited; the park campsite is the primary option and reservations should be arranged well in advance through the park visitor center in Pago Pago.