National Park of American Samoa: A Tropical Paradise Awaiting Discovery

• HelloTalofa
  [Tah-loh-fah]
• GoodbyeFa
  [Fah]
• YesIoe
  [Ee-oh-eh]
• NoLeai
  [Leh-eye]
• Please/You're welcomeFa'amalie atu
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
• Thank youFa'afetai
  [Fah-ah-fey-tie]
• Excuse me/SorryFa'amalie atu
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
• How are you?O a mai oe?
  [Oh ah my oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. Pe a ou te oe?
  [Leh-leh-ee. Peh ah oh-oo teh oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Ou te lea fa'apea ma le fa'ainglisi?
  [Oh-oo teh leh-ah fah-ah-pay-ah mah leh fah-ah-eeng-lee-see]
• I don't understandLe mafai ona ou te malamalama
  [Leh mah-fah-ee oh-nah oh-oo teh mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOu te fia va'ai i le faila, fa'amalie atu
  [Oh-oo teh fee-ah vah-ah-ee ee leh fah-ee-lah fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
• I don't eat meatO le a leai ou te 'ai pisupo
  [Oh leh ah leh-eye oh-oo teh ah-ee pee-soo-poh]
• Cheers!Fa'amalie atu!
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOu te fia totogi, fa'amalie atu
  [Oh-oo teh fee-ah toh-toh-gee fah-ah-mah-lee-eh ah-too]

• Help!Fesoasoani!
  [Feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee]
• Go away!Alu iai!
  [Ah-loo ee-ah-ee]
• Call the Police!Fa'afeso'ota'i leoleo!
  [Fah-ah-feh-soh-oh-tah-ee leh-oh-leh-oh]
• Call a doctor!Fa'afeso'ota'i foma'i!
  [Fah-ah-feh-soh-oh-tah-ee foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostOu te tula'i
  [Oh-oo teh too-lah-ee]
• I'm illO ou lelei
  [Oh oh-oo leh-leh-ee]

• I'd like to buy...Ou te fia fa'atau...
  [Oh-oo teh fee-ah fah-ah-tah-oo]
• I'm just lookingO le a ou 'au'u
  [Oh leh ah oh-oo ah-oo-oo]
• How much is it?E fia fa'afeso'ota'i?
  [Eh fee-ah fah-ah-feh-soh-oh-tah-ee]
• That's too expensiveO le lelei le tele
  [Oh leh leh-leh leh teh-leh]
• Can you lower the price?O le mafai e te fa'asa?
  [Oh leh mah-fah-ee eh teh fah-ah-sah]

• What time is it?O le a le taimi?
  [Oh leh ah leh tah-ee-mee]
• It's one o'clockE le tasi i le taimi
  [Eh leh tah-see ee leh tah-ee-mee]
• Half past (10)I le vaaitasi (10)
  [Ee leh vai-ee-tah-see]
• MorningTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ah-oh]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningAoauli
  [Ah-oh-ah-oo-lee]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayLe taeao
  [Leh tah-eh-ah-oh]
• TomorrowAso taeao
  [Ah-soh tah-eh-ah-oh]
• 1Tasi
  [Tah-see]
• 2Lua
  [Loo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Fa
  [Fah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Valu
  [Vah-loo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Ulu
  [Oo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?O fea le...?
  [Oh feh-ah leh]
• What's the address?O le a le fa'ailoga?
  [Oh leh ah leh fah-ah-ee-loh-gah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O ou te fa'ailoa (i le mapa)?
  [Oh oh-oo teh fah-ah-ee-loh-ah ee leh mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?O le a le aso muamua (autapola)?
  [Oh leh ah leh ah-soh moo-ah-moo-ah ow-tah-poh-lah]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i le ....)
  [Tee-keh-tee ee leh]

The National Park of American Samoa is rich with evidence of ancient Polynesian settlement. Dating back around 3,000 years, the earliest settlers were skilled navigators who arrived in double-hulled canoes. They brought with them agricultural practices, notably the cultivation of taro, breadfruit, and bananas, which are still grown in the region today. Archaeological sites within the park, including stone tools and pottery shards, offer insights into their daily lives and cultural practices.

The Tui Manu'a was a powerful and influential dynasty that ruled over the Manu'a Islands, including areas now encompassed by the National Park of American Samoa. This era saw the construction of significant monuments and structures, such as star mounds (tia seu lupe) used for pigeon hunting and perhaps ceremonial purposes. The legacy of the Tui Manu'a is still celebrated in oral traditions and cultural practices, reflecting a deep reverence for the past.

European explorers first made contact with the Samoan Islands in the early 18th century. Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen was among the first Europeans to sight the islands in 1722, followed by French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1768. These early encounters introduced new goods and ideas but also brought diseases that significantly impacted the local population. The influence of these initial contacts is still evident in the cultural and historical narratives of American Samoa.

The Treaty of 1899 marked a pivotal moment in the history of American Samoa. Signed by Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the treaty divided the Samoan Islands into German Samoa (now independent Samoa) and American Samoa. This agreement led to the establishment of the U.S. Naval Station Tutuila in 1900, which played a crucial role in the development and protection of the islands, including what is now the National Park of American Samoa.

During World War II, American Samoa, including the areas now within the National Park, served as a significant strategic military base for the United States. The island of Tutuila was fortified with numerous installations, including coastal defense guns and airfields. Remnants of these military structures can still be found within the park, serving as a testament to the region's critical role in the Pacific theater of the war.

The National Park of American Samoa was officially established on October 31, 1988, through a lease agreement with the American Samoan government. It became the first U.S. national park in the Southern Hemisphere. Covering parts of the islands of Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū, the park was created to preserve the unique tropical rainforest, coral reefs, and Samoan culture. Its establishment represents a collaboration between local communities and the U.S. National Park Service to protect and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of American Samoa.

Today, the National Park of American Samoa is not only a haven for biodiversity but also a living repository of Samoan culture. The park actively engages in cultural preservation efforts, including traditional fishing practices, craft demonstrations, and the maintenance of historical sites. Local villages within and around the park boundaries continue to practice and pass down traditional Samoan customs, making the park a vibrant fusion of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

National Park of American Samoa is located in American Samoa, a U.S. territory in the South Pacific. The primary gateway to the park is Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) on the island of Tutuila. Flights to Pago Pago are available from Honolulu, Hawaii, which serves as the main connecting hub. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the park.

Within the islands, transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and the public 'aiga' buses, which are an affordable way to travel but follow no fixed schedule. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the park and surrounding areas. Be aware that driving is on the right side of the road, and some roads may be narrow and winding.

The official currency in American Samoa is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Pago Pago and other major towns.

National Park of American Samoa is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel, it is important to remain vigilant. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on beaches or in vehicles. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always wise to exercise standard precautions, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The main hospital, LBJ Tropical Medical Center, is located in Faga'alu, near Pago Pago. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available to purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for tropical weather. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially in villages. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remove your hat. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous when using 'aiga' buses. They may stop frequently to pick up passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'talofa' (hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local Samoan delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience National Park of American Samoa like a local, consider joining a guided tour led by residents who can share insights into the park's natural and cultural history. Visit local markets to purchase fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals to learn about traditional Samoan practices and participate in communal activities such as 'ava (kava) ceremonies.