Discover the Charm of Agana Heights, Guam

• HelloHåfa Adai
  [hah-fah ah-die]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesHågu
  [hah-goo]
• NoTi hu
  [tee hoo]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [pohr fah-bohr]
• Thank youSi Yu'os Ma'åse
  [see yoo-oss mah-ah-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa yo'
  [dees-pehn-sah yoh]
• How are you?Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh eh-stahs]
• Fine. And you?Ma'åse. Ya ti hu?
  [mah-ah-seh. yah tee hoo]
• Do you speak English?Hu sangan i Inglés?
  [hoo sahng-ahn ee een-glays]
• I don't understandTi hu entiende
  [tee hoo ehn-tyehn-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKao mohon gi menyu, por fabor
  [kow moh-hohn gee mehn-yoo, pohr fah-bohr]
• I don't eat meatTi kumåna karne
  [tee koo-mahn-ah kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [bee-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKao mohon gi pago, por fabor
  [kow moh-hohn gee pah-goh, pohr fah-bohr]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!Lågu!
  [lah-goo]
• Call the Police!Llamåt i Pulåsiya!
  [yah-maht ee poo-lah-see-yah]
• Call a doctor!Llamåt i duktur!
  [yah-maht ee dook-toor]
• I'm lostTi hu humåna
  [tee hoo hoo-mahn-ah]
• I'm illTi hu mohon
  [tee hoo moh-hohn]

• I'd like to buy...Kao mohon kumprå...
  [kow moh-hohn koom-prah]
• I'm just lookingTi man-måsåma'yo'
  [tee mahn-mah-sah-mah-yoh]
• How much is it?Kåntu esta?
  [kahn-too ehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveMunga' kumuentos
  [muhng-ah koo-mwehn-tos]
• Can you lower the price?Måtai kumuentos?
  [mah-tahy koo-mwehn-tos]

• What time is it?Kåntu na ora?
  [kahn-too nah oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockBai na ora
  [bahy nah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Måske (10)
  [mah-skay (tehn)]
• MorningTåtden
  [tah-tdehn]
• AfternoonAgupa'
  [ah-goo-pah]
• EveningGåba'
  [gah-bah]
• YesterdayKåhapon
  [kahn-hah-pohn]
• TodayYan
  [yahn]
• TomorrowÑalun
  [nyah-loon]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Kuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Singko
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Sais
  [sah-ees]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Otso
  [oht-soh]
• 9Nuebe
  [nwheh-beh]
• 10Dies
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?Åfok i...
  [ah-fohk ee]
• What's the address?Kåntu i direksion?
  [kahn-too ee dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Måtai kumuentos (gi mapå)?
  [mah-tahy koo-mwehn-tos gee mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kåntu na siguiente (bus)?
  [kahn-too nah seen-tee-ehn-teh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (gi...)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh gee]

Before European contact, Agana Heights was home to the indigenous Chamorro people. The Chamorro culture was rich with traditions, including unique architectural structures called latte stones, which were used as foundations for their homes. The area was part of a larger network of Chamorro villages that thrived due to their adept skills in navigation, fishing, and farming.

In 1668, Spanish missionaries led by Padre San Vitores arrived in Guam, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. Agana Heights, like the rest of Guam, saw significant changes during this period. The Spanish introduced Christianity, built churches, and imposed new systems of governance. The village of Agana Heights played a role as a strategic lookout point due to its elevated position.

After the Spanish-American War in 1898, Guam was ceded to the United States. Agana Heights became an important location for the U.S. Navy. The establishment of the Naval Hospital in 1900 was a significant event, serving not just military personnel but also the local population. The American influence brought new infrastructure and development to the area.

During World War II, Guam was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 to 1944. Agana Heights witnessed numerous wartime activities, including the construction of bunkers and fortifications by the Japanese. The Battle of Guam in 1944 saw fierce fighting in the area as U.S. forces recaptured the island. The war left a lasting impact on the community and landscape.

Following World War II, Agana Heights underwent significant reconstruction. The U.S. military and local government invested in rebuilding infrastructure, homes, and public facilities. The Naval Hospital was expanded, and new schools were established to serve the growing population. The post-war era marked a period of rapid development and modernization.

Today, Agana Heights is a vibrant community that honors its historical legacy while embracing modernity. The area is home to important landmarks such as the Governor's Complex and various historical sites that attract both locals and tourists. Cultural festivals and events celebrate the rich heritage of the Chamorro people, while contemporary amenities provide a high quality of life.

Agana Heights is located in the central part of Guam. The nearest airport is Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM), which is approximately a 20-minute drive from Agana Heights. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle service to reach Agana Heights. Public buses also operate from the airport to various parts of the island, including Agana Heights.

Once in Agana Heights, you have several transportation options. Taxis are readily available and convenient for short trips. Car rentals are a popular choice for tourists wanting to explore the island at their own pace. The Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) operates buses that connect Agana Heights with other parts of Guam. Additionally, many hotels offer shuttle services to popular tourist destinations.

The official currency in Guam is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Agana Heights, and major banks have branches in the area. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit establishments that do not accept cards.

Agana Heights is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. While Agana Heights does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to avoid poorly lit areas at night and to stay in groups if possible.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Agana Heights has a local police station and medical facilities to handle emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Always be considerate when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a handshake. A simple 'Hafa Adai' (Hello) is a warm and friendly greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Agana Heights like a local, visit the Chamorro Village Market where you can buy traditional Chamorro foods and crafts. Engage with the locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don’t miss the panoramic views from Fort Santa Agueda and explore the rich history of the area. Visiting during local festivals can provide an immersive cultural experience.