A true tropical paradise, National Park of American Samoa is the ideal island getaway. Photographer Ian Shive explains “The park is spectacularly beautiful. I was able to walk up the beach alone, without seeing any other people, just the occasional crab climbing out of a hole in the sand.” National Park of American Samoa is really ‘three parks’ on three separate islands–Ta'u, Ofu, and Tutuila in the South Pacific. Relax in the shade, learn about the area’s rich culture, snorkel and see an abundance of fish, and enjoy a walk along the beach. It’s time to recharge. Photo courtesy of Ian Shive.

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, National Park of American Samoa offers an escape from the everyday and is one of our most remote parks. With a bit of explorer’s spirit, you can discover secluded villages, snorkel coral reefs, observe tropical forest plants and wildlife, and explore the magnificent island and sea vistas. Check out more public lands that are the perfect escape from the cold: http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, National Park of American Samoa offers an escape from the everyday. National Park of American Samoa is like no other national park in the U.S. and is the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. One of the most remote parks, it includes sections of three volcanic islands –Tutuila, Ta’ū, and Ofu – most of which are rainforest. With a bit of explorer’s spirit, you can discover secluded villages, observe tropical forest plants and wildlife, snorkel coral reefs and explore the magnificent island and sea vistas.

Top Photo: Tuafanua Trail takes you from Vatia village through lush tropical rainforest to a hidden coastline. Enjoy ocean views of the park before a steep descent on several ladders with ropes to a quiet, rocky beach and view of Pola island. National Park Service Photo.

Middle Photo: Pola Island in the Vai'ava Strait rises more than 400 feet straight out of the ocean off Tutuila. A short walk from Vatia village, Pola is an ideal nesting site for many species of seabirds. National Park Service Photo.

Bottom Photo: With a secluded sand beach and fringing reef, the park’s Ofu Island is an ideal place to snorkel or simply enjoy the solitude. The island of Olosega rises in the distance. National Park Service photo.

About halfway between Hawai‘i and American Samoa lies Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Palmyra consists of a circular string of about 50 islets nestled among several lagoons and encircled by 15,000 acres of shallow turquoise reefs and deep blue submerged reefs. It is the northernmost atoll in the Line Islands in the equatorial Pacific.

Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Need a break from the cold weather? Here’s a photo of some of the nearly 9500 acres of rainforest in the National Park of American Samoa.

Photo: National Park Service

Almost a year to the day since she laid her last egg, Wisdom has done it again! At almost 63, Wisdom is the oldest, banded wild bird in the world. Midway Atoll NWR is the nesting site for 71% of the world’s population of Laysan albatross.

Watch live video of Wisdom laying her egg: http://bit.ly/19kfDEy and view more photos of Wisdom, her mate, and her egg: http://bit.ly/1hAU1fs

Photo: Pete Leary/USFWS