Nuuuli 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. Nuuuli 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.Swaney, Deanna (1994). Samoa: Western & American Samoa: a Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit. Lonely Planet Publications. Page 179. . In the early 20th century, Nuʻuuli was the headquarters for the Mau movement in American Samoa.Sunia, Fofo I.F. (2009). A History of American Samoa. Amerika Samoa Humanities Council. Page 204. .Chapell, David A. (2000). "The Forgotten Mau: Anti-Navy Protest in American Samoa, 1920–1935". Pacific Historical Review. 69 (2): Page 238. ISSN 0030-8684.Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration. United States Naval Institute. Pages 205 and 228. .

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.

Nuʻuuli is home to the largest wetland in American Samoa.Aalbersberg, William and Batiri Thaman (2001). Proceedings of the Pacific Regional Workshop on Mangrove Wetlands Protection and Sustainable Use. South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Page 178. . The Nuʻuuli Pala is the largest mangrove swamp on Tutuila Island. Encompassing 123 acres, it is composed primarily of Oriental and Red mangroves. This environment supports a diverse range of fish and wildlife, sustains subsistence activities such as crab harvesting, and provides recreational opportunities including canoeing.Goldin, Meryl Rose (2002). Field Guide to the Samoan Archipelago: Fish, Wildlife, and Protected Areas. Bess Press. Pages 276-277. .

Nuuuli 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.

Etymology The name of the village, Nuʻuuli, is derived from the Samoan language and translates into English as "black place"Krämer, Augustin (2000). The Samoa Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Page 442. . or "black land".Churchill, W. (1913). "Geographical Nomenclature of American Samoa". Bulletin of the American Geographical Society, 45(3), page 192. Retrieved on December 6, 2024, .

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.Krämer, Augustin (2000). The Samoa Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Page 442. .

On October 10, 1966, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson dedicated Manulele Tausala Elementary School in Nuuuli. The school is named after the first lady.Shaffer, Robert J. (2000). American Samoa: 100 Years Under the United States Flag. Island Heritage. Page 192. .

In the 1990s, Peni “Ben” Solaita captained Nuʻuuli village's victorious fautasi, named Satani (“Satan”). Despite objections from the village pastor regarding the canoe's provocative name, Satani became a symbol of pride and competitive spirit for Nuʻuuli. Ben Solaita played a summer season with the Philadelphia Phillies, complementing his brother Tony Solaita’s achievement as the first Samoan Major League Baseball player.Sunia, Fofō Iosefa Fiti (2001). Puputoa: Host of Heroes - A record of the history makers in the First Century of American Samoa, 1900-2000. Suva, Fiji: Oceania Printers. Page 132. .Chapell, David A. (2000). "The Forgotten Mau: Anti-Navy Protest in American Samoa, 1920–1935". Pacific Historical Review. 69 (2): Page 251. ISSN 0030-8684.

In September 2019, seven members of the Nuʻuuli Church of Christ, including senior preachers, were arrested for assaulting a couple from their congregation. Some faced charges of third-degree assault and public peace disturbance, and one individual was ordered to leave American Samoa.Aitaoto, Fuimaono Fini (2021). Progress and Developments of the Churches in the Samoan Islands: Early 21St Century. LifeRich Publishing. Page 211. .

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.Fa’asau, Asi Andrew (August 1, 2024). "Another blaze in Nuu'uli". Samoa News. Retrieved on August 2, 2024, from https://www.samoanews.com/local-news/another-blaze-nuuuli.

Mau movement

In 1920, after Governor Warren Terhune removed Mauga Moi Moi and Sātele Itulā from their District Governorships, the two leaders continued to organize anti-U.S. Navy council meetings (fono) by relocating to Nuʻuuli. This move established Nuʻuuli as the central headquarters for the Mau movement in American Samoa. In an effort to suppress the movement, Governor Terhune had Lieutenant Commander Creed H. Boucher arrested and deported for supporting the movement. However, these actions proved ineffective when Boucher's successor, A.C. Kail, chose to engage with the Mau movement in Nuʻuuli and support their objectives. Following Governor Terhune's suicide, several of his controversial laws were repealed, including the reinstatement of Mauga Moi Moi and Sātele Itulā to their positions as district governors in the Western and Eastern Districts.Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration. United States Naval Institute. Pages 197-198. .

In March 1922, E. T. Pollock assumed the role of the third governor of American Samoa within a span of three years. Prior to his arrival, Mau movement supporters from Nuʻuuli canvassed villages, encouraging residents to boycott meetings with the new governor. In response, Governor Pollock threatened to arrest these messengers. On March 15, 1922, Governor Pollock held his inaugural meeting with Mau leaders. Contrary to the tradition, he requested that each of the five present Mau chiefs speak individually. Soliai of Nuʻuuli, with Helen Wilson acting as his translator, attempted to explain that it was customary to first meet the governor and discuss matters generally before consulting their community. However, Governor Pollock insisted, questioning Soliai's activities and implying neglect of traditional duties such as gathering thatch with women. Soliai outlined grievances against the previous administration under Governor Terhune. When Governor Pollock demanded a specific request, Soliai proposed the establishment of a council funded by increased taxes to facilitate collaborative governance between Samoans and Americans. Judge Hall opposed this proposal, arguing that tax increases would be unpopular and that the existing Fono was sufficient for lawmaking. Despite objections, Chief Soliai continued to advocate for a tax-supported new Fono. Governor Pollock then inquired if Soliai's wish was to serve as one of the new councilors funded by the additional taxes, to which Soliai declined. The meeting concluded without any agreement, and the following day, Mau chiefs presented Governor Pollock with a petition requesting the release of 17 imprisoned chiefs. Subsequently, a malaga — an organized inter-village visit — was conducted from Nuʻuuli to the Eastern District, resulting in the arrest of one hundred young men for demonstrating.Chapell, David A. (2000). "The Forgotten Mau: Anti-Navy Protest in American Samoa, 1920–1935". Pacific Historical Review. 69 (2): Pages 242-245. ISSN 0030-8684.

Chris Taliutafa Young, a descendant of Tui Manuʻa Matelita, joined the Mau movement at Nuʻuuli and rose to a leadership role as it matured and took on a political-party-like status. His relocation occurred alongside Arthur A. Greene’s newspaper campaign in support of the Mau. In 1927, Young invited Governor Stephen Victor Graham to visit the Mau headquarters at Nuʻuuli.Chapell, David A. (2000). "The Forgotten Mau: Anti-Navy Protest in American Samoa, 1920–1935". Pacific Historical Review. 69 (2): Pages 248-249. ISSN 0030-8684.Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration. United States Naval Institute. Pages 208-209. .

In November 1927, Governor Stephen Victor Graham visited Nuʻuuli and adopted a more conciliatory approach during his meeting with the Mau movement on November 14. Invited by the Mau, whose headquarters were situated in Nuʻuuli, Governor Graham's presence was greatly appreciated by the community. A Samoan orator remarked that the people felt honored by the Governor's willingness to engage in dialogue and listen to their concerns, unlike previous administrations that had treated them with contempt. Following the meeting, Governor Graham recommended to the U.S. Navy's secretary a strategy of patient and attentive listening to prevent conflicts. In the same year, the Mau movements in both American Samoa and Western Samoa unified under the name The Samoan League. Western Samoans played a key role in constructing the Mau meeting house in Nuʻuuli, which was considered the true Fono before the establishment of the current legislative body. This fale remained a gathering place until it was destroyed by Hurricane Ofa in 1990.Chapell, David A. (2000). "The Forgotten Mau: Anti-Navy Protest in American Samoa, 1920–1935". Pacific Historical Review. 69 (2): Pages 250-251. ISSN 0030-8684.Gray, John Alexander Clinton (1960). Amerika Samoa: A History of American Samoa and its United States Naval Administration. United States Naval Institute. Page 209. .

In 1930, Nuʻuuli served as one of four official sites for the Bingham Commission. There, the principal witness, Galeaʻi, submitted a letter said to bear 711 signatures and acknowledged that it had been prepared by Samuel S. Ripley, who had received more than US$2,500 over four years. After hearing the testimony, Guinn Williams of Texas admonished Mau leaders against sending money to private individuals and urged them instead to address the U.S. president or members of the U.S. Congress directly.Shaffer, Robert J. (2000). American Samoa: 100 Years Under the United States Flag. Island Heritage. Pages 156-157. .

Geography Nuʻuuli lies at the southern foot of Mount Matafao, and is adjacent to the villages of Itulagi in the west.Krämer, Augustin (2000). The Samoa Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Page 442. . The best surfing conditions in American Samoa can be found in Faganeanea and neighboring Nuuuli, however, great surfing can also be found in the Amanave-Poloa area.Schyma, Rosemarie (2013). Südsee. DuMont Reiseverlag. Page 271. .

Nuuuli Pala

Nuuuli 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.http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/basch/uhnpscesu/pdfs/sam/Volk1993AS.pdf (Page 3) Since 1961, American Samoa has witnessed significant changes in its wetlands across different regions. Nuʻuuli has suffered the most substantial decline, losing approximately 61 acres, which is a 33% reduction.Aalbersberg, William and Batiri Thaman (2001). Proceedings of the Pacific Regional Workshop on Mangrove Wetlands Protection and Sustainable Use. South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Page 85. .