There are a lot of trails on Tutuila that you can hike and all of them are amazing, however not all of them are easy to find or well marked. The Mount Alava hike however is probably the most well marked hike on the island and is therefore the best hike for those travelers who do not have a local guide. There are 2 ways to do the trail: you can start at the service road and hike up turn around and come back down the same way. Or you if you're feeling adventurous and fit, you can keep going and come down the backside into Vatia. The first half (service road to the top) is fairly steep and about 2hrs up walking at a brisk pace. There is a small parking lot at the entrance to the service road. The second half down to Vatia is very steep, about 3 hrs (or more) down, and half of it is made up of steps that require the use of a rope hand hold to climb down. It is a lot of fun but definitely requires some physical fitness. Vatia is a far distance from the service road entrance so you will have to arrange a car to pick you up, catch a bus back, or hitch a ride. The view at the top of Mt Alava is breathtaking. You get a clear panoramic shot of Pago Pago Harbor and the surrounding villages. And the water is clear enough for you to see the coral all the way from up there.Mt Alava is a great way to get out of the city and see the natural beauty of American Samoa
Published by the NPS as "challenging" and 7mi roundtrip, we parked one truck at the trail head above Pago Pago and then drove to the end of the trail in Vatia in another truck. We would recommend you do the same, as that way you get the steep uphill climb out of the way first and have a more leisurely hike downhill from the summit on an old 4 wheel drive road. Nicely graded trail, lots of ladders with rope (secured with fairly new steel cables), saw many coconut crabs (up on the ridge line!) and an awesome view from the top. Took us nearly 4hrs to complete the trek. It was definitely challenging, but as it is the best hike on Tutuila, it is worth it!
Leave early, if possible just as the sun is rising. I went with a group of Samoan and we went from Vatia to Pago Pago. This requires help from a shuttle which we had all pre arranged. This may be arranged through the NPS. Or you can just drive up and walk to the tower and back on your own. The views are tremendous. Take lots of water.
Go on a fine day, probably not worth doing if there's rain. The walk isn't too hard but take plenty of water and the views are great from the top. Get a bus to the track start, it's a steep, hot walk up the road otherwise. The national park visitor centre in town was helpful too before the walk
I took my 15 year old son on this hike it's definitely worth the trip the greenery is beautiful and has amazing views. It totally looks like a scene outta Jurassic park! There wasn't a lot of wildlife and the hike was mild to moderate it took about an hour and half each way.
It is a breath taking panoramic view of the villages down below. You can also continue your journey and take a hike into the National Park Mt. Alava Scenic View just adjacent to this point.
The weather that whole week was not too great. But the view from the hotel was breathtaking.
the hike is about a good 2 hours up and two hours down. its very beautiful as long as you dont catched the smell from the cannery down below.
Its a fairly easy climb through rain forest along a 4 wheel drive track.The mountain is thick with lush rain forest all the way to the top with some great views along the way.When we got to the top we were surrounded by cloud and could not take advantage of ( what im told ) the magnificent view, however the atmosphere was fantastic.Just like Jurrasic Park.Well worth the climb if you dont mind a little mud and excercise.
Hiked the Mount Alava trail for some majestic views of Pago Pago Harbor!!! Was a heck of a hike, but it was well worth the effort!