The Enchanting Pago Pago Harbor

• HelloTalofa
  [Tah-lo-fah]
• GoodbyeFa'amalie atu
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee eh-to]
• YesIoe
  [Ee-oh-eh]
• NoLeai
  [Leh-eye]
• Please/You're welcomeFa'amalie
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee]
• Thank youFa'afetai
  [Fah-ah-feh-tai]
• Excuse me/SorryFa'amalie
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee]
• How are you?O ai oe?
  [O ah-ee oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. O a oute?
  [Leh-leh-ee. Oh-ah oh-oo-teh]
• Do you speak English?E iloa le fa'ailoa i le ʻo le mea faigofie?
  [Ee ee-loh-ah leh fah-ai-loh-ah ee leh oh leh meh-ah fah-ee-go-fee-eh]
• I don't understandE le mafai ona ou te malamalama
  [Eh leh mah-fai oh-nah oh-oo teh mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE fia vaʻaia i le fa'amanuia, fa'amalie atu
  [Eh fee-ah vah-ah-ee-ah ee leh fah-ah-mah-noo-ee-ah fah-ah-mah-lee eh-to]
• I don't eat meatE leai ona ou te 'ai fia
  [Eh leh-eye oh-nah oh-oo teh ah-ee fee-ah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE fia ona toe tu'u, fa'amalie atu
  [Eh fee-ah oh-nah toe-eh too-oo, fah-ah-mah-lee eh-to]

• Help!Tulou!
  [Too-low]
• Go away!Alu i le tasi!
  [Ah-loo ee leh tah-see]
• Call the Police!Fa'afesootai i le Fa'apitoa!
  [Fah-ah-feh-soh-oh-tai ee leh fah-ah-pee-toh-ah]
• Call a doctor!Fa'amalie i le foma'i!
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee ee leh foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostOu te loku
  [Oh-oo teh loh-koo]
• I'm illOu te mati
  [Oh-oo teh mah-tee]

• I'd like to buy...E fia ona fa'atau...
  [Eh fee-ah oh-nah fah-ah-tow]
• I'm just lookingOu te va'ai
  [Oh-oo teh vah-ah-ee]
• How much is it?O lea e leai seaga?
  [Oh leh-ah eh leh-eye seh-ah-gah]
• That's too expensiveE leai seai se mea faigaluega
  [Eh leh-eye seh-eye seh meh-ah fah-ee-gah-loo-eh-gah]
• Can you lower the price?O le mafai ona ou te fa'aitu
  [Oh leh mah-fai oh-nah oh-oo teh fah-ah-ee-too]

• What time is it?O le taimi e
  [Oh leh tah-ee-mee eh]
• It's one o'clockO le taimi e le tasi
  [Oh leh tah-ee-mee eh leh tah-see]
• Half past (10)I le aso e le lima
  [Eh leh ah-so eh leh lee-mah]
• MorningTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ow]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningAso
  [Ah-so]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayAso
  [Ah-so]
• TomorrowAso ma le po
  [Ah-so mah leh poh]
• 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 fa'ailoa o le tuatusi?
  [Oh leh fah-ai-loh-ah oh leh too-ah-too-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O le mafai ona ou fa'ailoa mai (i le mapa)?
  [Oh leh mah-fai oh-nah oh-oo fah-ai-loh-ah mah-ee ee leh mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?O le a le taimi o le afea?
  [Oh leh ah leh tah-ee-mee oh leh ah-feh-ah]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi
  [Tee-keh-tee]

Before European contact, Pago Pago Harbor was inhabited by the Samoan people for thousands of years. The harbor was a crucial part of their daily life, serving as a center for fishing, trade, and cultural activities. The Samoan people developed advanced navigation techniques and built large canoes called 'alia' to traverse the open ocean.

Pago Pago Harbor was first encountered by European explorers in the 18th century. The harbor caught the attention of the French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1768, followed by English explorer Captain James Cook in 1774. These early encounters opened the door for increased European interest in the region.

In the late 19th century, the strategic importance of Pago Pago Harbor became apparent to the United States. The harbor was ceded to the U.S. in 1878, and by 1900, it became an official American naval station. This transformed Pago Pago into a critical refueling and repair station for both merchant and military vessels navigating the Pacific Ocean.

During World War II, Pago Pago Harbor played a pivotal role in the Pacific theater. The harbor was fortified and used as a major base for the U.S. Navy. The construction of defensive installations and airstrips turned the harbor into a bustling hub of military activity, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort.

Pago Pago Harbor has faced its share of natural disasters, including the devastating tsunami of 2009. Triggered by an undersea earthquake, the tsunami caused significant damage to the harbor and surrounding areas. The event highlighted the resilience and strength of the local community as they rebuilt and recovered from the disaster.

Today, Pago Pago Harbor is a vibrant blend of historical significance and modern development. It serves as the main port for American Samoa, handling both commercial and recreational vessels. The harbor is also a popular destination for tourists, offering stunning views, rich cultural experiences, and a gateway to the natural beauty of the islands.

Pago Pago Harbor is located on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa. The nearest international airport is Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), which is approximately 12 miles away from the harbor. Direct flights are available from Honolulu, Hawaii. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the harbor. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes.

Within Pago Pago Harbor, taxis are readily available, and car rentals are also an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. For a more local experience, the 'aiga buses' (family buses) offer a colorful and affordable way to get around. They operate on flexible schedules and routes, so it's best to ask locals about the current routes and timings.

The official currency 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 local markets. ATMs are available in Pago Pago, but they may not always be reliable, so it's a good idea to have enough cash on hand.

Pago Pago Harbor is generally safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Pago Pago. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town 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 ask for permission before taking photos of religious ceremonies. 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 friendly 'Talofa' (hello). 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 Pago Pago Harbor 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 island's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Jean P. Haydon Museum to learn about the island’s history. For a unique experience, take a hike up Mount Alava for breathtaking views of the harbor and the island.