Aua: The Hidden Gem of American Samoa

• HelloTalofa
  [Tah-loh-fah]
• GoodbyeFa
  [Fah]
• YesIoe
  [Ee-oh-eh]
• NoLeai
  [Leh-eye]
• Please/You're welcomeFa'amalie
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• Thank youFa'afetai
  [Fah-ah-feh-tie]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [Too-loh-oo]
• How are you?O a mai oe?
  [Oh-ah-mah-ee-oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. O a oe?
  [Leh-leh-ee. Oh-ah-eh]
• Do you speak English?Ou te lea fa'ainglisi?
  [Oh-oo-teh-leh-fah-ah-eeng-lee-see]
• I don't understandO le a ou te malamalama
  [Oh-leh-ah-oh-teh-mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOu te fia vaega i le menu, fa'amalie
  [Oh-teh-fee-ah-vah-eh-gah-ee-leh-meh-noo-fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• I don't eat meatE le ou ai ni mea
  [Eh-leh-oh-oo-eye-nee-meh-ah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOu te fia totogi, fa'amalie
  [Oh-teh-fee-ah-toh-toh-gee-fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]

• Help!Fesoasoani!
  [Feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee]
• Go away!Alu i le auala!
  [Ah-loo-ee-leh-ah-oo-ah-lah]
• Call the Police!Faaofi le Polisi!
  [Fah-ah-oh-fee-leh-poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Faaofi se foma'i!
  [Fah-ah-oh-fee-seh-foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostUa ou taulima
  [Ooh-ah-oh-oo-tah-oo-lee-mah]
• I'm illUa ou mativa
  [Ooh-ah-oh-oo-mah-tee-vah]

• I'd like to buy...Ou te fia faatau...
  [Oh-teh-fee-ah-fah-ah-tah-oo]
• I'm just lookingOu te le taliina
  [Oh-teh-leh-tah-lee-ee-nah]
• How much is it?E fia le tau?
  [Eh-fee-ah-leh-tah-oo]
• That's too expensiveO lelei le tau
  [Oh-leh-ley-leh-tah-oo]
• Can you lower the price?E te faauma le tau?
  [Eh-teh-fah-ah-oo-mah-leh-tah-oo]

• What time is it?O le a le taimi?
  [Oh-leh-ah-leh-tah-ee-mee]
• It's one o'clockO le tasi i le tasi
  [Oh-leh-tah-see-ee-leh-tah-see]
• Half past (10)I le mavae (ese)
  [Ee-leh-mah-vah-eh]
• MorningTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ah-oh]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningAso
  [Ah-soh]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayA le aso nei
  [Ah-leh-ah-soh-nay-ee]
• TomorrowAso ma le lagi
  [Ah-soh-mah-leh-lah-gee]
• 1Tasi
  [Tah-see]
• 2Lua
  [Loo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Fa
  [Fah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Valu
  [Vah-loo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Sefulu
  [Seh-foo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?O fea le...
  [Oh-feh-ah-leh]
• What's the address?O le tusi tupe?
  [Oh-leh-too-see-too-peh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E te fesoasoani mai ia te a'u (i le mapa)?
  [Eh-teh-feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee-mah-ee-ee-ah-teh-ah-oo-ee-leh-mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?O le a le taimi e ao ai le susu?
  [Oh-leh-ah-leh-tah-ee-mee-eh-ah-oh-ah-ee-leh-soo-soo]
• A ticket (to ....)Se lipoti (i le...)
  [Seh-lee-poh-tee-ee-leh]

Aua, located on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa, is one of the oldest villages in the region. The area has been inhabited for over a thousand years by the Samoan people, who are believed to have migrated from Southeast Asia and Polynesia. The village of Aua was strategically positioned along the coast, providing its inhabitants with rich fishing grounds and fertile lands for agriculture.

The first significant European contact with Aua occurred in the 18th century when European explorers and traders began to arrive in the Samoan islands. In the late 1830s, Christian missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived in Aua, bringing with them new religious beliefs, education, and Western customs. The introduction of Christianity had a profound impact on the social and cultural fabric of the village, leading to the establishment of churches and schools.

In 1899, following the Second Samoan Civil War, the Treaty of Berlin was signed, which divided the Samoan islands between Germany and the United States. Aua, along with the rest of Tutuila, became part of American Samoa, a territory of the United States. This marked the beginning of significant political and infrastructural changes in the village, including the construction of roads, schools, and health facilities by the U.S. government.

During World War II, Aua and the rest of American Samoa played a crucial role as a strategic military base in the Pacific theater. The U.S. military presence brought economic growth and modernization to the village. Infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of roads and the development of the Pago Pago Harbor, were undertaken to support military operations. Many locals were employed by the military, and the village saw an influx of soldiers and military personnel.

In the decades following World War II, Aua experienced a period of cultural revitalization, as efforts were made to preserve and promote traditional Samoan customs and practices. The establishment of cultural centers and the organization of traditional ceremonies helped reinforce the village's cultural identity. Today, Aua is a vibrant community that harmoniously blends its rich cultural heritage with modern influences. The village is known for its warm hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and commitment to preserving its historical legacy.

Aua is located on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa. The nearest airport is Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), located about 12 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to Aua, which typically takes around 20 minutes by road. Alternatively, car rental services are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Aua is a small village and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses, known as 'aiga buses,' are readily available and provide an affordable way to get around. Taxis are also available but may be more expensive. Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the island at your own pace. Be aware that driving is on the right-hand side of the road in American Samoa.

The official currency in American Samoa is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Pago Pago, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Aua to ensure you have enough funds.

Aua is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in the nearby village of Fagatogo, and medical facilities are available in Tafuna and Pago Pago. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Pago Pago where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight nod. A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aua like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Samoan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the village's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby Tisa's Barefoot Bar, a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. For a unique experience, take a hike to the nearby Rainmaker Mountain for breathtaking views of the island.