Fagatogo: The Heart of American Samoa

• HelloTalofa
  [Tah-loh-fah]
• GoodbyeFa
  [Fah]
• YesIoe
  [Ee-oh-eh]
• NoLeai
  [Lei-eye]
• Please/You're welcomeFa'amalie
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• Thank youFa'afetai
  [Fah-ah-feh-tie]
• Excuse me/SorryFa'amalie atu
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
• How are you?O ai oe?
  [Oh-eye oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. Pe a ou te oe?
  [Lay-lay. Pay-ah oh-teh oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Ou te lea fa'ailoa i le fa'aperetania?
  [Oh-teh lay-ah fah-eye-low-ah ee lay fah-ah-peh-reh-tah-knee-ah]
• I don't understandO le a le mafai ona ou te manatu
  [Oh lay-ah lay mah-fie oh-na oh-teh mah-nah-too]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOu te fia va'ai i le meaai, fa'amalie atu
  [Oh-teh fee-ah vah-ah-ee ee lay meh-ah-eye, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
• I don't eat meatO le a ou te ai ni mea'ai
  [Oh lay-ah oh-teh eye knee meh-ah-eye]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOu te fia tu'u, fa'amalie atu
  [Oh-teh fee-ah too-oo, fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]

• Help!Fa'amalie!
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• Go away!Toe fa'aaoga atu!
  [Toh-eh fah-ah-ah-ngah ah-too]
• Call the Police!Fesoasoani i leoleo!
  [Feh-so-ah-so-ah-nee ee lay-oh-lay-oh]
• Call a doctor!Fesoasoani i le foma'i!
  [Feh-so-ah-so-ah-nee ee lay foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostUa ou te lopa
  [Oo-ah oh-teh low-pah]
• I'm illUa ou te malosi
  [Oo-ah oh-teh mah-low-see]

• I'd like to buy...Ou te fia faatau...
  [Oh-teh fee-ah fah-ah-tow]
• I'm just lookingO le a ou te tatala
  [Oh lay-ah oh-teh tah-tah-lah]
• How much is it?E leai se uiga e fesoasoani
  [Eh lie-eye seh wee-gah eh feh-so-ah-so-ah-nee]
• That's too expensiveO le mea lelei atu
  [Oh lay meh-ah lay-lay ah-too]
• Can you lower the price?E te le fa'asa'i le tau
  [Eh teh lay fah-ah-sah-ee lay tow]

• What time is it?O le a le taimi?
  [Oh lay ah lay tah-ee-me]
• It's one o'clockUa se le tasi
  [Oo-ah seh lay tah-see]
• Half past (10)I le itu e sefulu
  [Ee lay ee-too eh seh-foo-loo]
• MorningTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ah-oh]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningAso
  [Ah-so]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayLenei
  [Lay-nay-ee]
• TomorrowTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ah-oh]
• 1Tasi
  [Tah-see]
• 2Lua
  [Loo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Tow-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...?Pe fea se/i le...?
  [Peh feh-ah seh/ee lay]
• What's the address?O le a le tuatusi?
  [Oh lay ah lay twah-too-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E te fa'amatala mai ia te a'u (i le mapa)?
  [Eh teh fah-ah-mah-tah-lah mah-ee ee-ah teh ah-oo (ee lay mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Aso e leai se taimi
  [Ah-so eh lie-eye seh tah-ee-me]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i le ....)
  [Tee-keh-tee (ee lay)]

Fagatogo, located on Tutuila Island in American Samoa, has a rich Polynesian heritage dating back over 3,000 years. The original settlers were Austronesian-speaking peoples who navigated vast distances across the Pacific Ocean using stars and ocean currents as their guides. These early inhabitants established complex societies with distinct social structures, traditions, and languages, many of which continue to influence modern Samoan culture.

The 18th century marked the beginning of European contact with Fagatogo. The arrival of Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen in 1722 and French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville in 1768 brought new influences to the area. However, it wasn't until the 1830s that significant changes occurred with the arrival of Christian missionaries. These missionaries, particularly from the London Missionary Society, played a crucial role in transforming the local culture by introducing Christianity, Western education, and new agricultural practices.

In 1899, following the Tripartite Convention, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom agreed to divide the Samoan Islands. American Samoa, including Fagatogo, came under U.S. control. The Treaty of Cession was signed on April 17, 1900, officially making Tutuila a U.S. territory. This event marked the beginning of a new era of American influence, which brought infrastructural development and new governance structures to Fagatogo.

During World War II, American Samoa played a strategic role in the Pacific theater. Fagatogo became a central hub for military operations, with the U.S. Navy establishing bases and infrastructure throughout the island. The military presence led to significant economic activity and modernization, including the construction of roads, airstrips, and medical facilities. The war also brought a wave of cultural exchange as American servicemen interacted with the local population.

Today, Fagatogo serves as the administrative and commercial center of American Samoa. It is home to the territory's government buildings, including the Fono (legislative assembly) and the Governor's Office. Despite modernization, Fagatogo remains deeply rooted in Samoan traditions. The community continues to celebrate its heritage through festivals, traditional dance, and the practice of fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way of life that emphasizes family, respect, and communal living.

Fagatogo is the main commercial hub of American Samoa, located on the island of Tutuila. The primary way to get there is to fly into Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), which is located about a 20-minute drive from Fagatogo. Hawaiian Airlines provides regular flights from Honolulu to Pago Pago. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a rental car to reach Fagatogo.

Once in Fagatogo, getting around is relatively straightforward. The island has a network of buses known as 'aiga buses,' which are brightly colored and run on fixed routes. Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a viable option; just keep in mind that driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore the town, as many attractions are within close proximity.

The official currency in American Samoa is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Fagatogo. ATMs are available, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and market purchases. Tipping is not customary in American Samoa, but it's appreciated for exceptional service.

Fagatogo is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets. Petty theft can occur, but violent crime is rare. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, as healthcare facilities are limited.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station is located in Fagatogo, and there is a hospital in nearby Pago Pago. It is advisable to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications, as pharmacies may not carry a wide range of products. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest embassy or consulate for additional support.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or attending community events. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before photographing people or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly or those in need on the 'aiga buses.' Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple hello. A handshake is common but not required. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be polite when offered food. It is customary to eat with your right hand.

To experience Fagatogo like a local, visit the Fagatogo Market, where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend a traditional Samoan church service, known for its beautiful singing and community spirit. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to nearby Manu'a Islands for snorkeling and exploring untouched beaches.