Plizio Visual Lab

Apia Old Lighthouse

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

tower

Weather…

The Apia Old Lighthouse, standing prominently at the edge of the harbor, served for decades as an indispensable navigational aid for maritime traffic in the South Pacific. It was established during the colonial era to ensure safe entry into Apia's strategically vital port, which is frequently characterized by dangerous coral reefs and powerful currents. The construction features a robust tower that was originally equipped with an oil lamp and later upgraded with electric lighting systems. Historically, the lighthouse witnessed numerous significant maritime events, including the arrival of colonial naval fleets and the devastating cyclone of 1889, which wrecked several warships within the harbor. The lighthouse was not only a safety feature but also a symbol of Samoa's integration into global trade and cultural exchange. Although it has since been superseded by modern navigational technology and laser beacons, the historic structure remains a landmark of the city. Its preservation is vital to Apia's maritime identity, serving as a reminder of the age of sail and the early endeavors to modernize regional infrastructure.

Location: Samoa
Top sights: Mulinu'u Congregational Christian Church · Worship Centre Christian Church · Samoa Ecumenical Centre
Nearby: Vailele (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	28
Rain mm	258	241	165	169	128	91	75	56	92	141	213	229

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The old lighthouse is a maritime monument by the water, viewable from the outside. The interior is typically not open to the public.

🕒

Typical hours

The lighthouse is accessible from the outside at any time. There are no fixed opening hours; you can visit during the day or evening.

📷

Photography

Photograph the lighthouse against the harbor backdrop or at sunset. A wide-angle lens works well to capture the tower and coastline.

⏱️

Time needed

Plan about 10-15 minutes for a short stop and photos. If you want to enjoy the surroundings, allow 30 minutes.

➕

Combine with

The lighthouse is on the harbor promenade, near the Fish Market and Clock Tower. Combine the visit with a walk along the water.

🧭

Getting there

The lighthouse is easily reachable on foot from the city center. Parking is available at the nearby Fish Market or along the street.

💡

Insider tip

Visit the lighthouse in the late afternoon for the best light and less heat. Bring a camera to capture the sunset over the harbor.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.82000, -171.77000

Facts

Constructed to secure the harbor entrance of Apia.
Survived the catastrophic cyclone of 1889.
Originally operated using a kerosene-fueled lamp.
Vital landmark for trans-Pacific trade routes.
Features a sturdy construction of iron or concrete.
Currently a protected historical monument near the wharf.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of Apia<1 km · NEExplore →

Malietoa Tombs1 km · SExplore →

Apia Old Hospital2 km · EExplore →

Vaiala3 km · NEExplore →

Vaiusu3 km · SEExplore →

USP Alafua Campus4 km · EExplore →

Samoa Coconut Clusters Factory4 km · SEExplore →

Avele College5 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Apia Old Lighthouse (10)

Mulinu'u Congregational Christian Church

Congregational Christian church on the Mulinu'u peninsula.

Worship Centre Christian Church

Christian church in Apia, a worship centre.

Samoa Ecumenical Centre⛪ church

Ecumenical centre in Apia, meeting place for different denominations.

Ceremonial 21-Gun Salute Gift from New Zealand

Monument: a ceremonial cannon, a gift from New Zealand.

Western Samoa 1962 Independence Memorial

Monument commemorating Western Samoa's independence in 1962.

Mulinu'u Nature Reservce

Nature reserve on the Mulinu'u peninsula (name misspelled).

Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Compound

Building complex of the Congregational Christian church in Mulinu'u.

Siva Afi Entertainment Centre

Theatre and event venue in Apia for cultural performances.

Samoa Tourism Authority Visitors Village

Visitor center of the Samoa Tourism Authority in Apia.

Mulinu'u Point Nature Reserve

Nature reserve at the tip of the Mulinu'u peninsula.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the lighthouse still active?

No, it is a historical monument with no nautical function.

Can you climb the tower?

No, climbing is not permitted for safety reasons.

When is the best time to visit?

At sunset, the location provides a very beautiful backdrop.

Is access to the grounds free?

Yes, the area around the tower is publicly accessible.

Where exactly is it in Apia?

It stands near the coastline and is well signposted.

Apia Old Lighthouse: where is it located?

Apia Old Lighthouse is located in Samoa.

Apia Old Lighthouse: what is there to see?

Highlights include Mulinu'u Congregational Christian Church, Worship Centre Christian Church, Samoa Ecumenical Centre.

Apia Old Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Apia Old Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?

The Apia Old Lighthouse, standing prominently at the edge of the harbor, served for decades as an indispensable navigational aid for maritime traffic in the South Pacific.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →