Nuʻuuli is a village on the central east coast of Tutuila Island, American Samoa. It is located on a peninsula several miles up from Pago Pago International Airport. Nuʻuuli is located between Pago Pago International Airport and Coconut Point. It is a shopping district which is home to stores, groceries and many more shops.[2]
Nuʻuuli | |
|---|---|
Village | |
| Etymology: Samoan: "black place"[1] | |
  Nuʻuuli | |
| Coordinates: 14°19′7″S 170°43′25″W | |
| Country |  United States |
| Territory |  American Samoa |
| County | Ituau County |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.04 sq mi (7.87 km2) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 4,991 |
| • Density | 1,600/sq mi (630/km2) |
It is the fifth-largest village in land area in American Samoa and the second most populous one, after Tafuna. It straddles the line between the Eastern District and the Western District. This makes it the only village in American Samoa that occupies two districts. It has a total land area of 7.87 km2, with 6.23 km2 being in the Eastern District and 1.64 km2 being in the Western District. Its total population as of the 2010 census was 3,955, with the Eastern District portion containing 2,844 persons and the Western District portion 2,310 persons.
First Lady Lady Bird Johnson dedicated Manulele Tausala Elementary School in Nuʻuuli on October 10, 1966. The school is named after the first lady.[3]
Nuʻuuli has one of the highest crime rates in American Samoa. The first neighborhood watch type program in the territory was established here by the Department of Public Safety in 2014.[4]
History
Nuʻuuli was historically notable as the home of the cannibalistic and cruel orator chief Mageafaigā (Lagafuaina), who is mentioned in the legends of Tutuila and the Manuʻa Islands.[5]
In the summer of 2024, two fires destroyed two buildings in Nuʻuuli: the chapel of the Church of Latter Day Saints and the Nu'uuli Shopping Center.[6]
Geography
Nuʻuuli lies at the southern foot of Mount Matafao, and is adjacent to the villages of Itulagi in the west.[7] The best surfing conditions in American Samoa can be found in Faganeanea and neighboring Nuʻuuli, however, great surfing can also be found in the ʻAmanave-Poloa area.[8]
Nuʻuuli Pala
Nuʻuuli Pala is Tutuila Island's largest mangrove swamp. It borders nearly all of Pala Lagoon's shoreline. The pala has been designated a special management area in recognition of its size and significance to wildlife and fish habitat. It is the largest and also the most threatened wetland in American Samoa; 33 percent of the mangrove swamp has been converted to dry land since 1961.[9]
The wetland, excluding the open water of the lagoon, covers 123 acres (50 ha) of mangrove forest and swamp. The majority of the swamp is covered with red mangrove and oriental mangrove. Several areas of other freshwater marsh vegetation are interspersed with the mangroves. A small area of saltwater marsh borders the end of Coconut Point. The wetland is an important wildlife and fish habitat, and also provides recreational opportunities as canoeing and fishing. Nuʻuuli Pala has been designated a Special Management Area under the American Samoa Coastal Management Act of 1990.[10][11]
Rare species found here include Xylocarpus moluccensis (leʻileʻi) and the uncommon shrub Sophora tomentosa, which is also reported on Aunuʻu.[12] Nuʻuuli Pala is a common feeding site for the Reef Heron (matuʻu), a bird species which usually feeds on the coral reefs.[13]
Nuʻuuli Falls
Nuʻuuli Falls is a 65 feet (20 m) secluded cascade with a swimming hole beneath. To get here, turn left at Nuʻuuli Family Mart when coming from the west. Follow this road veering left at the pig farm. Enter the trailhead and follow the hiking trail for about 15 minutes. Veer left at the first trail juncture, and follow until the trail reaches the stream.[14] Nuʻuuli Falls is made up of seven individual waterfalls.[15]: 38
Economy
Nuʻuuli is the commercial center of Tutuila Island. There is a large number of mini-marts, sewing shops, and clothing stores along Main Road. Nuʻuuli is also home to several hardware and home-improvement shops, along with salons and souvenir stores.[15]: 37
Nuʻuuli Twin Cinemas is the only movie theater in American Samoa and has two screens. It plays major blockbuster films, children's movies, and more. Just past the theater is Laufou Shopping Center. An area in Nuʻuuli is known as Coconut Point and is home to a combination of local villagers and contract workers.[15]: 38
Demographics
Nuʻuuli village had the highest number of registered voters as of 2017 with a total of 1,717 registered voters, followed by the villages of Leone, Tafuna, and Pago Pago.[17]
Notable people
- Freddie Letuli
- Lonnie Palelei, NFL football player
- Maa Tanuvasa, NFL football player
- Tony Solaita, first American Samoan MLB-player.[18]
References
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