The Asalei iOS and Android app is now available 🎉
Reconnect with your Indigenous language
Asalei is the first Indigenous language learning app dedicated to Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, Niuean, Fijian, Te Reo Māori and many more.
Built by our communities, for our communities, Asalei helps you and your family learn through short, game-based lessons you can do anytime, anywhere.
About Asalei
Asalei is a language learning app created so our Indigenous languages don’t get left behind. Asalei helps family bring their languages back into everyday life. One short lesson at a time.
Instead of memorising abstract grammar rules, learners move through interactive, game-based challenges that teach useful phrases straight away.
Today, Asalei serves thousands of learners across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, UK, the United States and beyond, on the web, iOS, and Android.
Interactive, Game-Based Challenges
Dive into bite-sized, interactive challenges that make learning Indigenous phrases feel like play.
Real-Time Progress Tracking
Stay motivated with streaks, leaderboards, and achievements that celebrate every milestone on your language journey.
Learn Anytime, Anywhere
Access lessons on web, iOS and Android so you can practice Pacific languages whenever and wherever.
Join a Growing Community
learners are already on their
language journey with Asalei.
Our Mission
Asalei’s mission is to give Indigenous languages the same world-class tools the big languages get, starting with yours!
We help you learn your language where you are, through short, game-based lessons that fit real life and bring your language back into everyday moments with your family.
Built for Indigenous languages first! Asalei combines community-led, culturally respectful content with interactive challenges and native audio that sounds like home.
Whether you’re just starting out or reconnecting after years of “just nodding along”, Asalei is designed to help you take the next step and stay with you for your entire learning journey.
Team & Founder
Cruise Tuakura — Founder & CEO
Cruise is a Mechanical Engineer by trade who transitioned into the coding world to build his startup Asalei (named after his grandmother). Which helps Indigenous people learn and use their languages every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asalei free?
Yes—getting started is free. Optional in-app purchases and subscriptions support more practice and features.
Which languages can I learn?
Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, Niuean, Fijian, and Te Reo Māori—with more planned.
Is there a mobile app?
Yes! The Asalei app is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The web app is also live.
Who is Asalei for?
Beginners, heritage speakers, and anyone who wants a practical, culturally respectful way to learn Pacific and Māori languages.