National Park of American Samoa guide · 1 min read
The Scenic Road to Vatia and Pola Island
The scenic road from Pago Pago to the north coast gives you a good look at the landscape of Tutuila.
Begin at the visitor center in Pago Pago, where exhibits draw links between Samoan traditions and the natural world. From there, the road winds toward the north. Plan on a few hours for the trip once you add in stops along the way.
Afono Pass is one of the best places to stop along the way. The road here offers panoramic views from the pass. Plan for a few pauses rather than a straight run through, so you can take in the scenery at your own pace.
As you approach Vatia, Pola Island comes into view. The island climbs more than 400 feet directly from the sea off Tutuila. From Vatia village, the island is only a short walk away. Many kinds of seabirds nest there, so keep an eye out for them as you walk.
For a different angle, the Tuafanua Trail shows the far side of Pola Island. Together, the drive and the trail show the park's land and sea from several angles. A visit along this stretch of the north coast suits anyone who wants to slow down and look at the landscape closely.
