Aiwo: Heart of Nauru's Charms

• HelloIa orana
  [ya oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeAere ra
  [eye-reh rah]
• YesE
  [eh]
• NoAita
  [eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMaeva
  [my-eh-vah]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryTatou
  [tah-toh]
• How are you?E aha ta oe?
  [eh ah-hah tah oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Maitai. O oe?
  [my-tie. oh oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Ua haere oe i te reo anga?
  [oo-ah ha-eh-reh oh-eh ee teh reh-oh ahng-ah]
• I don't understandUaore au i te haamataa
  [oo-ah-oh-reh oh ee teh hah-ah-mah-tah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE mea haere mai au e titau i te manu, maruru
  [eh meh-ah ha-eh-reh my oh eh tee-tow ee teh mah-noo mah-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatUaore au i te kai e kai pararaa
  [oo-ah-oh-reh oh ee teh kai eh kai pah-rah-rah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE mea haere mai au e utu, maruru
  [eh meh-ah ha-eh-reh my oh eh oo-too mah-roo-roo]

• Help!Aide!
  [eye-day]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [ha-eh-reh ah-too]
• Call the Police!Taitai i te farani!
  [tie-tie ee teh fah-rah-nee]
• Call a doctor!Taitai i te faatere!
  [tie-tie ee teh fah-ah-teh-reh]
• I'm lostUa haere au i te haere
  [oo-ah ha-eh-reh oh ee teh hah-eh-reh]
• I'm illUaore au i te ora
  [oo-ah-oh-reh oh ee teh oh-rah]

• I'd like to buy...E mea haere mai au e hoko...
  [eh meh-ah ha-eh-reh my oh eh hoh-koh]
• I'm just lookingE manuia au e titau
  [eh mah-noo-ee-ah oh eh tee-tow]
• How much is it?E aha te moni?
  [eh ah-hah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveTeitei te moni
  [tay-ee-tay teh moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?E taea e te faatei te moni?
  [eh tah-eh-ah eh teh fah-ah-tay teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?E aha te haa e haapiti?
  [eh ah-hah teh hah-ah eh hah-ah-pee-tee]
• It's one o'clockTe haa e te tahi
  [teh hah-ah eh teh tah-hee]
• Half past (10)E haapiti o te tekau
  [eh hah-ah-pee-tee oh teh teh-kow]
• MorningPō
  [poh]
• AfternoonArepō
  [ah-reh-poh]
• EveningAfu
  [ah-foo]
• YesterdayAroa
  [ah-roh-ah]
• TodayA tenei ra
  [ah teh-neh-ee rah]
• TomorrowApareira
  [ah-pah-reh-ee-rah]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Wha
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Valu
  [vah-loo]
• 9Iva
  [ee-vah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?E aha ia te...?
  [eh ah-hah ee-ah teh]
• What's the address?E aha te tuhinga?
  [eh ah-hah teh too-hee-ngah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E taea e te faaahow mai ia au (i te mahere)?
  [eh tah-eh-ah eh teh fah-ah-hoh mah-ee ee-ah oh (ee teh mah-heh-reh)]
• When's the next (bus)?E aha te haa o te ra e haere mai?
  [eh ah-hah teh hah-ah oh teh rah eh ha-eh-reh my]
• A ticket (to ....)Te tiketi (ki ...)
  [teh tee-keh-tee (key)]

Long before European contact, Aiwo was one of the areas inhabited by the indigenous Nauruan people. The inhabitants lived a subsistence lifestyle, relying heavily on the island's natural resources, including fishing, coconut farming, and the cultivation of pandanus and other local plants.

In the late 19th century, European explorers and missionaries began to arrive in Aiwo. The London Missionary Society established a presence on the island, introducing Christianity and Western education. This period marked significant changes in the social and cultural fabric of Aiwo and the rest of Nauru.

The discovery of rich phosphate deposits in Aiwo in the early 20th century transformed the area's economy. The British Phosphate Commissioners began large-scale mining operations, which brought considerable economic activity and migration to Aiwo. This period saw the construction of infrastructure, including the Aiwo Boat Harbor, to facilitate the export of phosphate.

During World War II, Aiwo and the rest of Nauru were occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation had a profound impact on the local population, with many Nauruans being forcibly relocated to other islands. The Japanese also fortified Aiwo, leaving remnants of bunkers and coastal defenses that can still be seen today.

After World War II, Aiwo underwent significant reconstruction as part of Nauru's recovery efforts. The phosphate industry resumed, and Aiwo became one of the key administrative and commercial centers. Nauru gained independence in 1968, and Aiwo played a central role in the newly formed Republic of Nauru, housing several important government and industrial facilities.

Today, Aiwo is a vibrant district that reflects both its historical legacy and modern developments. The Aiwo District is home to a mix of traditional Nauruan culture and contemporary influences. Visitors can explore the Aiwo Boat Harbor, historical mining sites, and local markets that offer a glimpse into the daily life and enduring traditions of the Nauruan people.

Aiwo is located on the island nation of Nauru in the Pacific Ocean. The only international gateway to Nauru is the Nauru International Airport (INU) located in Yaren District, a short drive from Aiwo. Flights to Nauru are limited and primarily serviced by Nauru Airlines, which operates routes from Australia, Fiji, and other Pacific islands. There are no direct flights from Europe or the Americas, so travelers will need to connect through one of these locations.

Nauru is a small island, and Aiwo is easily navigable. Car rentals are available, and driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Taxis are also available but may need to be arranged in advance. There is no formal public transport system, but locals often use bicycles and motorbikes for short distances. Walking is a viable option for exploring Aiwo given its compact size.

The official currency of Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. There are limited ATMs on the island, so it is wise to bring sufficient cash for your stay. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and some banks.

Aiwo is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. The local community is friendly and welcoming.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police, 111 for the fire department, and 112 for medical emergencies. The Republic of Nauru Hospital is located in Yaren District and provides basic medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation if necessary. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies available in Aiwo and other districts.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting public places. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of local religious practices and dress codes. Public Transport: Do be respectful when using local transport options. Don't expect formal schedules or routes. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good day'. Locals appreciate politeness and friendliness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and specialties. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aiwo like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Nauruan 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 remnants of the phosphate mining sites, which have played a significant role in Nauru's history. For a unique experience, take a walk along the coastal areas to enjoy the stunning Pacific Ocean views and visit the Buada Lagoon in the central part of the island.