about vaitogi

Vaitogi, nestled in American Samoa, beckons with its array of missionaries and tourists, drawn by local shopping delights. Renowned for its legendary tale of the Turtle and Shark (Laumei ma Malie), the village is steeped in cultural richness. The Fogāma'a Crater Trail offers a captivating 3-mile journey, leading hikers past scenic beaches to the renowned National Natural Landmark.

Although there is no specific account of the name’s origin, the name may be related to the lack of water in the area, according to oral tradition. The name Vaitogi translates to “water thrown”.

FUN FACT

Renowned archaeologist Margaret Mead embarked on an immersive journey in Pago Pago for six weeks, delving into the study of the Samoan language. Subsequently, she spent ten days in Vaitogi as the esteemed guest of the local chief and villagers. Treated with utmost hospitality, Mead described her stay: “It was there [in Vaitogi] I had all my essential training in how to manage Samoan etiquette… I learned to eat and enjoy Samoan food and to feel unabashed when, as a guest, I was served first and the whole family sat about sedately waiting for me to finish so that they, in turn, could eat… Day by day I grew easier in the language, sat more correctly… I learned how to relate to other people in terms of their rank and how to reply in terms of the rank they accorded me."

Vaitogi left an indelible mark on Mead, who affectionately declared it her favorite Samoan village, expressing mutual adoration with its residents.

THE TURTLE AND THE SHARK

Within the rich tapestry of American Samoan folklore, a timeless legend known as the "Turtle and the Shark" weaves a captivating narrative that transcends time and culture, offering profound insights into the themes of family bonds and enduring love.

At its core, the legend speaks of Fonueau, an elderly blind woman, and her beloved daughter Salofa, who found themselves at the mercy of a great famine. Their community, suffering from scarcity, overlooked their plight, leaving them with no choice but to cast their fates into the sea. United by desperation and bound by love, the two leapt from a cliff, only to emerge as a turtle and a shark in the embrace of the ocean. They swam away from their home and found themselves in Vaitogi, where they resumed their human forms. They were welcomed with food and clothing by Chief Letuli and his people.

The two women were so appreciative of the chief’s tender care that they vowed to return to the ocean to live just beyond the cliffs of Vaitogi, returning when called upon to dance and entertain the villagers. They left a beautiful song with the Vaitogi people that could be used when the shark or turtle were needed. Today, when villagers gather along the shore of that legendary site and sing the sweet melody, it is said that a turtle and a shark appear.