Fa'asaleleaga

Fa'asaleleaga is a district of Samoa situated on the eastern side of Savai'i island. It has a population of 12,949 (2001 Census).

The traditional capital is Safotulafai where district chiefs and orators meet at Fuifatu malae. Safotulafai was the main base of the 'Mau a Pule' resistance movement against colonial rule, which grew into the national Mau movement and eventually Samoa's political independence in 1962. Safotulafai also has close traditional links with Saleaula, the main village of the Gaga'emauga district.

Fa'asaleleaga is a major Malietoa area with close political ties to the Tuamasaga district on Upolu island. Safotulafai is always consulted by Malie village (Tuamasaga) in conjunction with Manono (Aiga-i-le-Tai) in the election of Malietoa title-holders.

Historically, another important village in this district is Sapapali'i, where John Williams, the first missionary to bring Christianity to Samoa, landed in 1830. It was here that Malietoa Vaiinupo received Williams. Sapapali'i had become the second Malietoa base in the district in 1750 when Malietoa Ti'a moved here.