Travel Blog: National Parks of the Pacific Islands

After researching the U.S. National Parks of the Pacific Islands, I was struck with the biodiversity, volcanic activity, and climate science that is unique to the area. In addition to the Hawai'i parks, NPS also has parks in Guam and the American Samoa. The geography, cultural and natural history of the Pacific Islands make them a must-see destination.

The sites that interested me most were Haleakala National Park (HALE) and the National Park of American Samoa (NPSA). I have added them to my national park bucket list, which grows as I learn more about the NPS Pacific West Region through my fellowship. The Pacific Islands inventory and monitoring program piqued my interest after watching and reading about it. Within this program, park scientists monitor the long-term health of the islands' ecosystems and take inventory of natural resources such as geology, soils, water, plant species, and vegetation.

The area unofficially referred to as "Pele's Paint Pot," known for its vibrantly colored cinder.

Jonathan Irish, National Geographic

Haleakala National Park

The Hawaiian island of Maui is home to HALE. This mountain park features sub-tropical and volcanic landscapes. The park used to be a dormant volcano, Haleakala. At HALE they monitor land birds, plant communities, invasive plant species, climate, stream animals and water quality. A conservation project that I am interested in learning more about is the management response to the mosquito population in the park. In 2023, HALE, the state of Hawai'i, and other conservation organizations will embark on a campaign to reduce mosquito populations. Non-biting male mosquitos that are incapable of breeding will be released on Maui creating a mosquito birth control to give endangered forest birds a fighting chance against avian malaria.

If I ever visit this park, I will prioritize a hiking day trip. The path that fascinated me the most was the Keonehe‘ehe‘e (Sliding Sands) trail. This is an 11-mile full day hike with a 7,990ft-elevation gain. Some notable viewpoints are the crater floor, Pele’s Paint Pot, and Kawilinau. This alpine desert hike can feel like traveling back in time. Visitors can see the prevalent ‘āhinahina (Silversword), other small plants, ancient lava flows, and pu‘u (hills denoting old eruption sites) during the hikes.

National Park of the American Samoa
NPSA is an island park located in the South Pacific. It has three volcanoes, a tropical rainforest, beaches, and a coral reef. I first learned about the American Samoa through an archeology class I took during my undergraduate career. NPSA is known for its archeological research. Within the park boundaries, there are archeological sites where park staff work with local experts to study the island's cultural and environmental history.

There have been many projects conducted with local communities that provide traditional ecological knowledge about the island's local history. When traveling to NPSA it is important to respect the local culture and native people. The Fa'a-samoa is one of the oldest Polynesian cultures and an example of a traditional communal lifestyle where they value the land and the resources it provides. One way that the park is different from other federal lands is that a large majority of the staff at the park are local Native American Samoans. The park recognizes indigenous people’s opinions and voices when managing the land.

If you ever have the privilege to travel to the NPSA, bring a comprehensive identification guide to help learn about the native plants and animals in the park. In the rainforest at the park, there is a tree called the Fogãmamala. This tree is used to treat illnesses and stomach aches, making it particularly important to protect because of its remedial uses in traditional medicine. The ifi tree is also edible and its fruit is eaten by humans as well as the fruit bats found on the island. Along with the notable bat and land species, the island is also home to a diverse marine animal population.

Christmas-tree Worm

*Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain.

Snorkeling is a popular recreational activity at the American Samoa islands. The park has one of the most unique coral reefs in the world. Unfortunately, due to climate change, the corals are bleaching white as a result of warmer water temperatures. Click here to learn more about the Coral Reef Program and ongoing research at NPSA. These studies are important to keep in mind when traveling to the island and being in the water. Tourists should not disturb the habitats and when swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Make sure to check with the park staff to ensure you are keeping the marine habitats safe. If you are lucky, you may observe a marine worm called a Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus).

The national parks of the Pacific Islands may be logistically harder to travel to but are worth the visit. The eight national parks range from rainforests, islands, deserts, and volcanoes. This region is home to rich cultural history that visitors are encouraged to learn more about. Some of the recreational activities that await you are exploring the tropical beaches, hiking, camping, and snorkeling. I used to dream of visiting Hawai’i and after watching the NPS videos and exploring their websites, I feel ready to book a trip. Click here to plan your visit today.

Travel Blog written by Abigail Stone Lauer
for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series
National Park Service - Workforce Management Fellow
in Partnership with Northwest Youth Corps