Dogs at National Park of American Samoa

Know where dogs are allowed, where they are restricted, and what to expect before visiting this remote South Pacific park.

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National Park of American Samoa Dog Policy

National Park of American Samoa has a very limited pet policy. Official NPS guidance says pets are not allowed on hiking trails or inside park buildings, and the park does not offer general overnight camping for visitors.

Leash Required Yes, pets must be physically controlled where allowed; dogs are not allowed on park hiking trails.
Dogs on Trails No - pets are not allowed on hiking trails.
Dogs in Campgrounds Not applicable - the park does not allow general overnight camping.
Restricted Areas All hiking trails, park buildings, public transportation vehicles, swimming beaches, and structures.
Entrance Fee No entrance fee.
Kennel Available No kennel listed by NPS.
Visitor Centers Pets are not allowed inside park buildings, including visitor facilities.
Overnight Use No overnight camping allowed in the park except by special permit or authorized exception.

Because this park protects sensitive wildlife, village lands, and cultural resources, visitors traveling with dogs should plan for sightseeing outside park trails and buildings. If you are staying nearby, confirm pet rules with your lodging or host village before arrival.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Dog-Friendly Trails

There are no official dog-friendly hiking trails in National Park of American Samoa. The trails below are real park trails included to help visitors understand where dogs are not permitted under current NPS policy.

Pola Island Trail

Natural footpath

Easy, 0.1 mi round trip. A short coastal walk near Vatia with views of Pola Island and the rugged shoreline.

Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails in the park.

Vatia Village, Tutuila Island, American Samoa

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Lower Sauma Ridge Trail

Natural footpath

Easy, 0.4 mi round trip. A gentle climb to an archaeological site with views of the northeast coastline and Vai'ava Strait.

NPS lists pets as not allowed on this trail.

Near Vai'ava Strait, Tutuila Island, American Samoa

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Upper Sauma Ridge Trail

Natural footpath

Strenuous, 3.2 mi total. A steep rainforest climb with major elevation gain and summit views over Vatia village and Pola Island.

Park-wide pet policy says dogs are not allowed on hiking trails.

Tutuila Island, American Samoa

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Tuafanua Trail

Natural footpath

Moderate, 2.2 mi round trip. Switchbacks climb from Vatia through rainforest to a secluded rocky coastline with ladders and ropes on the descent.

Dogs are not allowed on park hiking trails.

Vatia Village, Tutuila Island, American Samoa

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Si'u Point Trail

Old road and natural footpath

Moderate, 5.7 mi round trip. A longer coastal hike on Ta'u Island past the Saua site to the island's southeastern tip.

Dogs are not allowed on park hiking trails.

Ta'u Island, American Samoa

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Mount 'Alava Trail

Dirt, rock, and mud trail

Strenuous, 7 mi round trip. A challenging rainforest route to the summit above Pago Pago Harbor with steep and slippery sections.

Dogs are not allowed on park hiking trails.

Tutuila Island, American Samoa

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Tips for Visiting National Park of American Samoa with Your Dog

If you are traveling to American Samoa with a dog, plan this park as a mostly human-only stop. The official NPS pet policy prohibits dogs on hiking trails and inside park buildings, so you will need to arrange pet-safe downtime elsewhere before heading out to hike. Heat and humidity can be intense year-round, so never leave your dog in a parked vehicle and always carry more water than you think you need. Coastal areas can be hot, exposed, and slippery, while rainforest routes can be muddy and steep after rain. Wildlife and free-roaming animals may also create stress for pets, so keep your dog securely managed outside the park and confirm rules with your hotel, rental, or village host in advance. Because some park areas are interwoven with village lands, respectful planning matters here even more than at many mainland parks.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Pago Pago

Near the Tutuila park unit

The territory's main harbor town and the location of the park visitor center.

Vatia

Within and beside the Tutuila park area

A north-shore village near Pola Island Trail, Lower Sauma Ridge, and Tuafanua Trail access.

Fagasa

Near Mount 'Alava access on Tutuila

A village associated with historic access routes toward Mount 'Alava and the park's Tutuila interior.

Ofu

Near the Manu'a park unit

A small island community near the park's Ofu area and famous beaches.

Fitiuta

Near the Ta'u park unit

A Ta'u Island village near access for Si'u Point Trail and eastern Manu'a exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed on trails in National Park of American Samoa?

No. The park's official pet policy says pets, including dogs, are not allowed on hiking trails.

Can I bring my dog into the visitor center or other park buildings?

No. Pets are not allowed within park buildings.

Are dogs allowed on beaches in the park?

No. The NPS pet policy lists swimming beaches among the areas closed to pets.

Does National Park of American Samoa have any dog-friendly trails?

No official dog-friendly hiking trails are listed by NPS for this park. If you are traveling with a dog, plan non-hiking activities outside park trail areas.

Can I camp in the park with my dog?

For most visitors, no. The park does not allow general overnight camping, so there is no standard campground option for visitors with dogs.

Is there an entrance fee for National Park of American Samoa?

No. NPS says there is no fee to enter the park.

Does the park provide a kennel or pet boarding?

No kennel service is listed by the National Park Service for National Park of American Samoa.