Savai'i: The Untouched Gem of 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-fey-tie]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [Too-loh-oo]
• How are you?O a mai oe?
  [Oh-ah-mah-ee-oh-eh]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. O a oe?
  [Leh-leh-ee. Oh-ah-oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?E te lelei ona fai le fa'ailoa?
  [Eh teh-leh-leh-ee oh-nah-fie leh-fah-ee-low-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, pleaseE fia vaai le tusi 'aina, fa'amalie
  [Eh fee-ah-vah-eye-leh-too-see-eye-ai-nah-fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• I don't eat meatE le auai ai pisupo
  [Eh leh-ow-eye-eye-pisoo-poh]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE fia tausaga, fa'amalie
  [Eh fee-ah-tow-sah-ngah-fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]

• Help!Tulou!
  [Too-loh-oo]
• Go away!Alu i le mālō
  [Ah-loo-ee-leh-mah-low]
• Call the Police!Fa'afeso leoleo!
  [Fah-ah-fey-soh-leh-oh-leh-oh]
• Call a doctor!Fa'afeso foma'i!
  [Fah-ah-fey-soh-foh-mah-ee]
• I'm lostUa ou te lētē
  [Oo-ah-oh-teh-leh-teh]
• I'm illOu te mālō
  [Oh-teh-mah-low]

• I'd like to buy...E fia fa'atau...
  [Eh fee-ah-fah-ah-tow]
• I'm just lookingOu te va'ai atu
  [Oh-teh-vah-eye-ah-too]
• How much is it?E fia fa'apea?
  [Eh fee-ah-fah-ah-peh-ah]
• That's too expensiveO lelei lava
  [Oh-leh-leh-ee-lah-vah]
• Can you lower the price?E mafai ona fa'ataga le totogi?
  [Eh mah-fai-oh-nah-fah-ah-tah-ngah-leh-toh-toh-ngi]

• What time is it?O le taimi e?
  [Oh-leh-tie-mee-eh]
• It's one o'clockO le tasi i le tinitonu
  [Oh-leh-tah-see-ee-leh-tee-knee-toh-noo]
• Half past (10)I le itula i le sefulu
  [Ee-leh-ee-too-lah-ee-leh-seh-foo-loo]
• MorningTaeao
  [Tie-ah-ow]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningIli
  [Ee-lee]
• YesterdayNa
  [Nah]
• TodayNei
  [Neh-ee]
• TomorrowAso
  [Ah-so]
• 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 tusitusiga
  [Oh-leh-too-see-too-see-ngah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E mafai ona fa'ailoa mai (i le mapa)?
  [Eh mah-fai-oh-nah-fah-eye-low-ah-mah-ee-ee-leh-mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?O le a toeititi (autalavou)?
  [Oh-leh-ah-toh-eh-tee-tee-ah-ow-tah-lah-vow]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (i le ....)
  [Tee-keh-tee-ee-leh]

Savai'i, the largest island in Samoa, was settled by Polynesians over 3,000 years ago. The early settlers brought with them their rich culture, traditions, and navigational skills. Archaeological evidence, such as ancient stone platforms and tools, suggests a sophisticated society that thrived on agriculture, fishing, and inter-island trade.

In the early 19th century, European missionaries, particularly from the London Missionary Society, arrived in Savai'i. They played a significant role in converting the local population to Christianity. The missionary John Williams was notable for his efforts in spreading the Christian faith across the island. These missions had a profound impact on the social structure and cultural practices of the Samoan people.

Savai'i, along with the rest of Samoa, was subjected to colonial rule by various powers, including Germany and New Zealand. The German period (1900-1914) saw the introduction of commercial plantations, particularly for copra and cocoa. Following World War I, New Zealand administered Savai'i under a League of Nations mandate until Samoa gained independence in 1962.

The Mau movement was a significant non-violent resistance campaign against colonial rule in Samoa. Savai'i was a stronghold of this movement, which aimed to achieve Samoan independence. Leaders like Lauaki Namulauulu Mamoe played essential roles in mobilizing the people. The movement's influence was pivotal in eventually securing Samoa's independence.

Between 1905 and 1911, Mount Matavanu erupted, dramatically altering the landscape of Savai'i. Lava flows destroyed several villages and created new landforms. The eruptions had a profound impact on the island's ecology and the lives of its inhabitants, who had to rebuild their communities in the aftermath.

The culture of Savai'i is deeply rooted in the principles of Fa'a Samoa, or the Samoan way. This traditional lifestyle emphasizes community, respect, and familial ties. Key cultural practices include the 'ava ceremony, traditional tattooing (tatau), and the matai system of chiefly titles. Festivals, dance, and music are integral parts of Savai'i's cultural expression.

Savai'i is the largest island in Samoa. The main gateway to Savai'i is through the Faleolo International Airport on the nearby island of Upolu. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to the Mulifanua Wharf, where ferries regularly operate to Salelologa Wharf on Savai'i. The ferry ride takes approximately 1-2 hours. It is advisable to check the ferry schedule in advance, as services can vary.

Once on Savai'i, transportation options include taxis, buses, and rental cars. Taxis are available at the main ferry terminal and in larger villages. Buses are the most economical option and run on a set schedule, though they can be less frequent in remote areas. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the island at your own pace, and several rental agencies operate on Savai'i.

The official currency of Samoa is the Samoan Tala (WST). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are available in Salelologa and other larger villages. Ensure you have enough cash before traveling to more remote parts of the island.

Savai'i is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure. While crime rates are low, petty theft can occur. Be respectful of local customs and traditions to avoid any misunderstandings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The main hospital on Savai'i is located in Tuasivi, near Salelologa, and provides medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in larger villages.

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 a church and dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient, as buses can be crowded and may not run on a strict schedule. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Talofa' (hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Savai'i like a local, visit the island's markets, such as the Salelologa Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Samoan crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's culture and history. Don't miss visiting the Afu Aau Waterfall and the Alofaaga Blowholes for stunning natural beauty. For a unique experience, attend a fiafia night, featuring traditional Samoan dance and music.