Tutuila Island: The Heart 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?Ua mai oe?
  [Oo-ah my oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. O a ou te oe?
  [Leh-leh-ee Oh ah oh-oo teh oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?E te le tautala i le fa'ainglisi?
  [Eh teh leh tow-tah-lah ee leh fah-ah-een-glee-see]
• I don't understandO le a le mafai ona ou te malamalama
  [Oh leh ah leh mah-fai oh-nah oh teh mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseFa'amalie, ou te fia va'ai i le mea'ai
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee oh teh fee-ah vah-ah-ee ee leh meh-ah-ah-ee]
• I don't eat meatO le a ou te ai ni mea
  [Oh leh ah oh teh eye nee meh-ah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFa'amalie, ou te fia totogi
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee, oh teh fee-ah toh-toh-gee]

• Help!Sosoo!
  [Soh-soh]
• Go away!Aumaia!
  [Ah-oo-my-ah]
• Call the Police!Fa'afeso leoleo!
  [Fah-ah-feh-soh leh-oh-leh-oh]
• Call a doctor!Fa'afeso foma'i!
  [Fah-ah-feh-soh foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostUa ou taumafa
  [Oo-ah oh tah-oo-mah-fah]
• I'm illUa ou mati
  [Oo-ah oh mah-tee]

• I'd like to buy...Ou te fia fa'atau...
  [Oh teh fee-ah fah-ah-tow]
• I'm just lookingOu te va'ai fa'apea
  [Oh teh vah-ah-ee fah-ah-pay-ah]
• How much is it?E leai se su'esu'e?
  [Eh leh-ai seh soo-eh-soo-eh]
• That's too expensiveO lelei le tele
  [Oh leh-leh-ee leh teh-leh]
• Can you lower the price?E mafai ona ou te fa'atamali'i le su'esu'e?
  [Eh mah-fai oh-nah oh teh fah-ah-tah-mah-lee-ee leh soo-eh-soo-eh]

• 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 i sefulu
  [Ee leh vah leh ee seh-foo-loo]
• MorningAo
  [Ah-oh]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningIli
  [Ee-lee]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayLenei aso
  [Leh-neh-ee ah-soh]
• TomorrowAso
  [Ah-soh]
• 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
  [Say-foo-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)?E mafai ona ou te faafofoga (i le mapa)?
  [Eh mah-fai oh-nah oh teh fah-ah-foh-foh-ngah ee leh mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?O le a le taua atu?
  [Oh leh ah leh tow-ah ah-too]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i le ....)
  [Tee-keh-tee ee leh]

Tutuila Island, part of the American Samoa archipelago, was first settled by Polynesians over 3,000 years ago. These early settlers brought with them a rich culture, including navigation skills, agricultural practices, and social structures. The island's early history is deeply rooted in the traditions and customs of these Polynesian voyagers.

The first recorded European contact with Tutuila Island occurred in 1722 when Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen sighted the island. Later, in 1768, French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville also visited the island. These encounters marked the beginning of increased European interest in the Pacific region.

In 1878, the United States signed a treaty with the Samoan chiefs, allowing the U.S. to establish a naval station at Pago Pago Harbor on Tutuila Island. This strategic port became a crucial coaling station for American ships, particularly during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The Battle of Pago Pago was a key event that solidified American interest in the island.

On April 17, 1900, Tutuila Island officially became part of the United States when the Treaty of Cession was signed by local chiefs. This marked the beginning of American Samoa as a U.S. territory. The naval station at Pago Pago played a significant role in the island's development, influencing its infrastructure and economy.

During World War II, Tutuila Island was strategically important for the United States. The island served as a forward base for the Allied forces in the Pacific theater. Numerous military installations were built, and the island's population increased significantly due to the presence of American troops. The war left a lasting impact on the island's infrastructure and cultural landscape.

In recent times, there has been a strong movement to revive and preserve the traditional Samoan culture on Tutuila Island. Efforts include the promotion of the Samoan language, traditional arts, and cultural practices. The establishment of the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Pago Pago is a testament to these efforts, showcasing the island's rich history and cultural heritage.

Tutuila Island is the main island of American Samoa and the gateway to the territory. The primary entry point is Pago Pago International Airport (PPG), which receives flights from Honolulu, Hawaii, and sometimes from other Pacific islands. There are no direct flights from the mainland United States, so travelers will need to connect through Honolulu. Alternatively, you can arrive by sea via cruise ships or private yachts, which dock at the Port of Pago Pago.

Transportation on Tutuila Island includes taxis, rental cars, and local buses known as 'aiga buses'. Taxis are readily available at the airport and major hotels, but it is advisable to agree on a fare before the journey. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Pago Pago, offering the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Aiga buses are a unique and colorful way to get around; they follow set routes and are very affordable, but schedules can be unpredictable.

The official currency of American Samoa is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and in more remote areas. ATMs are available in Pago Pago and other major areas, but fees may apply for international cards.

Tutuila Island is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant. Petty theft can occur, especially in popular tourist spots.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The main hospital on the island is the LBJ Tropical Medical Center located in Faga'alu. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Pago Pago and other major towns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including covering your head and shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and greet the driver and passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a 'Talofa' (hello). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tutuila Island like a local, visit the local markets such as the Fagatogo Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Samoan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the chance to attend a traditional 'ava ceremony or a fiafia night featuring traditional Samoan dance and music. Exploring the island's natural beauty, such as the National Park of American Samoa, is a must for an authentic experience.