Pago Pago: The Heartbeat of American Samoa

• HelloTalofa
  [Tah-loh-fah]
• GoodbyeFa
  [Fah]
• YesIoe
  [Ee-oh-eh]
• NoLeai
  [Leh-ai]
• Please/You're welcomeFa'amalie
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• Thank youFa'afetai
  [Fah-ah-feh-tah-ee]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [Too-loh-oo]
• How are you?O ai oe?
  [Oh-ai-oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. O a oute?
  [Leh-leh-ee. Oh-ah-oh-oo-teh]
• Do you speak English?O lea e tautala i le fa'ailoa?
  [Oh-leh-ah-eh-tah-oo-tah-lah-ee-leh-fah-ai-loh-ah]
• I don't understandE le mafai ona malamalama
  [Eh-leh-mah-fai-oh-nah-mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseFa'amalie, ou te fia vaega i le menu
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee, oh-oo-teh-fee-ah-vah-eh-gah-ee-leh-men-oo]
• I don't eat meatE le auai i le kuka
  [Eh-leh-ah-oo-ah-ee-ee-leh-koo-kah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFa'amalie, ou te fia totogi
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee, oh-oo-teh-fee-ah-toh-toh-gee]

• Help!Fesoasoani!
  [Feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee]
• Go away!Alu atu!
  [Ah-loo-ah-too]
• Call the Police!Vala'au le Ofisa o le Fa'amasinoga!
  [Vah-lah-ah-oo-leh-oh-fee-sah-oh-leh-fah-ah-mah-see-noh-gah]
• Call a doctor!Vala'au le foma'i!
  [Vah-lah-ah-oo-leh-foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostUa ou te luku
  [Oo-ah-oh-oo-teh-loo-koo]
• I'm illUa ou te mae'a
  [Oo-ah-oh-oo-teh-mah-eh-ah]

• I'd like to buy...Ou te fia fa'atau...
  [Oh-oo-teh-fee-ah-fah-ah-tah-oo]
• I'm just lookingOu te vaai
  [Oh-oo-teh-vah-ah-ee]
• How much is it?E lelei le totogi?
  [Eh-leh-leh-ee-leh-toh-toh-gee]
• That's too expensiveO lelei le taavale
  [Oh-leh-leh-ee-leh-tah-ah-vah-leh]
• Can you lower the price?Mafai ona fa'ataga le totogi?
  [Mah-fai-oh-nah-fah-ah-tah-ngah-leh-toh-toh-gee]

• What time is it?O le a le taimi?
  [Oh-leh-ah-leh-tah-ee-mee]
• It's one o'clockUa le tasi
  [Oo-ah-leh-tah-see]
• Half past (10)I le va le aso (10)
  [Ee-leh-vah-leh-ah-soh-ten]
• MorningTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ah-oh]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningIli
  [Ee-lee]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayAso nei
  [Ah-soh-nay-ee]
• TomorrowAso ma le po
  [Ah-soh-mah-leh-poh]
• 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 tuatusi?
  [Oh-leh-ah-leh-too-ah-too-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mafai ona fa'ailoa mai ia te a'u (i le mapa)?
  [Mah-fai-oh-nah-fah-ah-ee-loh-ah-mah-ee-ee-ah-teh-ah-oo-ee-i-leh-mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Aso e pei o le a toe sau (autapā)
  [Ah-soh-eh-peh-ee-oh-leh-ah-toh-eh-sow-ah-oo-tah-pah]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i le ....)
  [Tee-keh-tee-ee-leh]

Long before European explorers arrived, the Samoan archipelago, including what is now American Samoa, was settled by Polynesians around 1000 BCE. The indigenous Samoan culture is rich with traditions, including the 'fa'a Samoa' or 'The Samoan Way,' which emphasizes community, family, and respect for elders. Pago Pago, located in the Tutuila island, served as a central hub for these early communities, fostering trade, social gatherings, and cultural ceremonies.

The first Europeans to make contact with the Samoan islands were Dutch explorers Jacob Roggeveen in 1722 and French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1768. However, it was the arrival of missionaries in the 1830s that began to significantly influence Samoan culture and society. Pago Pago became a point of interest due to its natural harbor, which was crucial for refueling and restocking ships.

In 1878, the United States signed a treaty with the Samoan chiefs, establishing a naval station in Pago Pago Harbor. This agreement marked the beginning of American involvement in the region. The treaty allowed the U.S. to build a coaling station for its Pacific fleet, significantly impacting the local economy and infrastructure.

The Tripartite Convention of 1899 between the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom resulted in the partition of the Samoan Islands. The eastern islands, including Tutuila and its Pago Pago harbor, came under American control, forming what is now known as American Samoa. This division shaped the political boundaries and international relationships of the islands.

During World War II, Pago Pago played a critical role as a strategic military base for the United States. The harbor and surrounding areas were fortified, and troops were stationed there to protect the Pacific routes. This period brought significant military infrastructure and an influx of American personnel, influencing local culture and economy.

After World War II, Pago Pago transitioned from a primarily military outpost to a more civilian-focused community. The development of tuna canneries, particularly the StarKist plant, became a major economic driver. The establishment of the American Samoa government in 1967 further spurred infrastructure and social development. Today, Pago Pago remains the administrative and economic center of American Samoa, blending traditional Samoan culture with modern influences.

Pago Pago is accessible primarily via air travel. The main gateway is Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), located in Tafuna. There are regular flights from Honolulu, Hawaii, which is the most common route for international travelers. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for shuttle services to get to different parts of the island.

Pago Pago has limited public transport options, but taxis are readily available and offer a convenient way to get around. Car rentals are also an option and allow for more flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Local buses, known as 'aiga buses', are colorful and inexpensive, providing a more authentic experience, although they may not run on a fixed schedule.

The official currency in American Samoa is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand before you arrive.

Pago Pago is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's important to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Pago Pago has medical facilities, including the LBJ Tropical Medical Center located in Faga'alu, which can handle most medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, over-the-counter medications are available at local pharmacies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before entering churches and take off your shoes when entering homes. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Seating is often limited on 'aiga buses.' Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Talofa'. A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pago Pago like a local, visit the local markets such as Fagatogo Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Samoan goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the National Park of American Samoa for breathtaking natural beauty and hiking opportunities. For a unique experience, attend a traditional 'fiafia' night to enjoy Samoan dance, music, and food.