Lauli'i, American Samoa


Lauli'i is a village on the eastern side of Tutuila Island in American Samoa. It is located in Sua County. Entering the village of Lauli'i, one has to climb a small hill where a lighthouse is located. The village's rugby club is named after the lighthouse — Moli ole Ava. It is one of the most successful and oldest clubs in the territory. Many well-known players have emerged from Lauli’i, such as Vui Eli Tagaloa, the current coach, Ropeti Taula, and others. The village is divided into two sections: Lauli'ituai and Lauli'ifou. Breakers Point Naval Guns, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places is located at Tafananai near Lauli'ifou.
Lauli'i had a population of 892 residents as of the 2010 U.S. Census, down from 937 residents recorded in 2000.

History

In 1901, a meeting was held at Lauli’i in the honor of Benjamin Franklin Tilley, where Mrs. Tilley had the distinction of turning the first sod of the road planned to connect Lauli’i with Fagaitua. The road received the name William McKinley Memorial Road.
On May 6, 2018, a new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation was established in Lauli’i. Prior to its formation, LDS church members joined with fellow LDS members in Auto to worship.