About halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa lies Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge – a remote, tropical getaway. Palmyra Atoll 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. The refuge’s lush vegetation supports over a million birds of 29 species – including the second largest red-footed booby colony in the world – and is the only nesting habitat for migratory seabirds and shorebirds within 450,000 square miles of ocean. Recreational diving and snorkeling programs offer visitors a chance to view the area’s colorful coral reef ecosystem, while hiking and kayaking tours give visitors the opportunity to see some of the refuge’s wildlife.

Top photo: Palmyra Atoll refuge wetlands by USFWS.

Middle photos (left to right): Strawn Island Lagoon by Laura M. Beauregard, USFWS. A Red-footed Booby at the refuge by Laura M. Beauregard, USFWS.

Bottom photo: Colorful coral reef ecosystem at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Jim Maragos, USFWS.

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.