Several weeks ago, we decided to hike Mt. Alava Ridge, which is the border of the American Samoa National Park and overlooks Pago Harbor to the South and then into the Park to the North. The Ridge hike has several different access points, but the one we chose is 7 miles round-trip which takes you up and then back down an access road. 
Most other trails to the top involve ropes and ladders and I wasn't quite sure my almost-healed tibia was ready for anything more than a steady climb. Periodically along the way the National Park Service had mini tree nurseries with saplings growing in bunches shaded by roofs made of palm fronds.
We actually ended up running into some NPS workers along our hike who informed us that they do a hike every Saturday to "keep fit." Admittedly, they may not have been the most fit Samoans we've seen on-island, but at least they were out and doing something in the heat of the day (in flip flops, of course).
As it turned out, the majority of our hike left us surrounded by lush jungle, with only occasional glimpses to the ridges, valley, and villages below.
Once we got to the top, we took a sweaty break in a fale which had been built for weary hikers like ourselves. We also took the opportunity to sign our names to the guest book.
And, naturally, we also took some time to enjoy the incredible views...
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