There are more than 400 national parks across the United States and territories that come in different shapes, sizes, and naming designations, including battlefields, preserves, riverways, monuments, and more. All are set aside for current and future generations to experience the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. The National Park System also includes more than 100 other places outside of our park boundaries that also provide opportunities to experience history and heritage and explore nature.
With more than 500 years of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage in our history, many national parks preserve histories and have connections to Asian American and Pacific Islander cultural heritage today. Find a park to begin exploring these connections and discover some of these remarkable stories in these national parks.
Featured Places
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HAWAIIAla Kahakai National Historic Trail
The trail, a 175 mile corridor of cultural and historical significance, traverses through hundreds of ancient Hawaiian settlement sites.
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COLORADOAmache National Historic Site
Also known as "Granada Relocation Center", the site was used to unjustly incarcerate Japanese Americans during World War II.
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Northern Mariana IslandsAmerican Memorial Park
The memorial park honors the American and Marianas people who gave their lives during the Marianas Campaign of World War II.
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CALIFORNIAGolden Gate National Recreation Area
The San Franciso area and sites of the park are rich with national and international history and heritage from many cultural groups.
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UTAHGolden Spike National Historic Site
Many Asian Americans were involved in the building of the Transcontinental Railroad.
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HawaiiHaleakalā National Park
The park tells stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people.
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HawaiiHawai'i Volcanoes National Park
The park is located near the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes.
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HAWAIIPu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP
The Pu'uhonua, a sacred site, protected the kapu breaker, defeated warriors, as well as civilians during the time of battle.
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HawaiiKaloko-Honokōhau NHP
The park was once home to Hawaiian settlements and historic fishponds.
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HawaiiKalaupapa National Historical Park
When Hansen's disease (leprosy) was introduced to Hawaii, King Kamehameha V banished all afflicted to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula.
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HAWAIIHonouliuli National Historic Site
The park tells the history of incarceration, martial law, and the experience of prisoners of war in Hawaii during World War II.
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ALASKAKlondike Gold Rush NHP
The hope of finding gold brought a diverse group of people together in Alaska forever changing communities and lifestyle in the region.
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WASHINGTONKlondike Gold Rush NHP - Seattle Unit
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush as many people came from around the country and world.
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CALIFORNIAManzanar National Historic Site
Manzanar was one of ten camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were incarcerated during World War II.
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IDAHO, WASHINGTONMinidoka National Historic Site
Minidoka War Relocation Center was located in Jerome County, Idaho, 15 miles east of Jerome and 15 miles north of Twin Falls.
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WASHINGTONBainbridge Island Memorial
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is a unit of Minidoka National Historic Site.
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIANational Mall & Memorial Parks
The park is home to many monuments, international gifts, and festivities celebrating and commemorating AANHPI heritage.
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AMERICAN SAMOANational Park of American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa, in the heart of the South Pacific, protects the rich cultural and natural resources.
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HawaiiPu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS is open all year round and shares the history of the beginning stages of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
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CALIFORNIATule Lake National Monument
The monument includes both the Tule Lake Segregation Center and the Camp Tulelake, which was first a Civilian Conservation Corps camp.
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GUAMWar in the Pacific NHP
The park commemorates the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of those participating in the campaigns of the Pacific Theater of Word War II.
Last updated: May 4, 2024