Not to miss

National Park of American Samoa

Created in 1988 in one of Ronald Reagan's last presidential actions, this national park spreads across three islands. The section on Tutuila is the easiest to get to and provides protection for areas of coral reef as well as mixed species old-world rainforests.

The secluded Amalau Valley is home to many forest bird species and the Samoas' two rare species of fruit bat. The charming and friendly village of Vatia, on the edge of one of the park's coral-fringed bays, has basic accomodation and boat and fishing tours. Just offshore from the village is The Pola, a tiny uninhabited island with magnificent sheer cliffs and a huge seabird population.

Ofu Beach

Ofu island's crown jewel is the beach along the south coast - 4km (2.5mi) of shining, palm-fringed white sand. The offshore waters are deep enough for some excellent viewing of coral and tropical fish. Almost 300 species of fish have been identified and the reef is believed to contain about 150 species of coral.

Leone church

The village of Leone is the second-largest settlement on Tutuila and once served as the Polynesian capital of the island. It was also the landing site of the first missionary, John Williams, who arrived on 18 October 1832 after spending two years in Samoa. One result of his work is this imposing church, the first in American Samoa.

Leone actually has two imposing churches - head for the one with three towers and facing the sea. It's well maintained and has lovely stained-glass windows and some beautiful woodwork on the ceiling. There's a monument to Williams' efforts in front of the church.

National Park of American Samoa (Ta'u)

The Ta'u island section of this national park (the other sections are on the islands of Tutuila and Ofu) occupies 2160 hectares (5335 acres) of land, including a spectacular escarpment along the southern side, cliffs as high as 900m (2952ft), and the impressive Judds Crater. The protected lowland and rainforest host fruit bats and many native birds.