Aiga-i-le-Tai is a district of Samoa which includes the small islands of Manono, Apolima and tiny uninhabited Nu'ulopalying in the Apolima Strait between the country's two main islands of Upolu and Savai'i. The district includes part of the mainland at the western end of Upolu and surrounds an exclave of A'ana district, namely Satuimalufilufi village. Historically, Manono island has been the centre of the district. In modern times, the main centre is Mulifanua where the inter-island ferry terminal is located for ocean crossings between Savai'i and Upolu. With an area of only 27 km², Aiga-i-le-Tai is the smallestelectoral district in the country with a population of 5,029. Va'a-o-Fonoti is the only electoral district with a smaller population. The words'aiga i le tai literally means 'family by the sea' in the Samoan language.
Chief titles
Historically, the naval power of Manono and Apolima played a major role in political power-struggles between the national clans. One of the most important chiefly titles in the district is Leiataua. The district is also a major leg of the Sa Malietoa clan. Manono plays an important part in the election of the Malietoa title-holders, as Malie village also consults with Manono in the election of title holders, hence the importance of the Malietoa title in this district.
Today, the ferry terminal at Mulifanua, situated on the northwest coast of Upolu, is the second-most important port on the island, after the busiest harbour in the capital Apia. The port is the main inter-island connection to Savai'i island. A regular passenger and vehicle ferry operates seven days a week, during the day, between Mulifanua and Salelologa ferry terminal on Savai'i. Views of Apolima and Manono can be seen during the crossing.
Archaeology
has uncovered pre-historic Lapitapottery sherds and adzes at Mulifanua, discovered during expansion work on the wharf in 1973. The oldest date so far from pre-historic remains at Mulifanua has been calculated by New Zealand scientists to a likely true age of circa 3,000 BP. The submerged Lapita site was accidentally discovered in the 1970s during work to expand the inter-island ferry berth. This is the only site in Samoa where decorated Lapita sherds have been found although plainwarepottery remains are found in other parts of Samoa and American Samoa.
