Plizio Visual Lab

Apia Old Radio Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Apia Old Radio Station, originally established by the German company Telefunken in 1914 just before the outbreak of World War I, was one of the most powerful telecommunications facilities in the Pacific region. Constructed on the slopes of Mount Vaea, the station featured massive steel masts designed to enable long-distance wireless communication reaching as far as San Francisco and Sydney. During the German colonial administration, the station held immense strategic importance for the Imperial Navy, maintaining vital links with the rest of the German colonial empire. Following the occupation of Samoa by New Zealand forces in August 1914, control of the station was seized to disrupt German military communications across the Pacific. The remnants of the foundations and technical structures provide a glimpse into the early era of global telecommunications and the technological ambitions of European powers in Polynesia. Although the masts were dismantled in 1915, the site remains a significant monument to military and industrial history in the South Pacific.

Location: Samoa
Top sights: Fugalei [Gethsemane] Congregational Christian Church · Fugalei Congregational Christian Church · SPACE | Samoa Performing Arts & Creative Excellence
Nearby: Vaitele (4 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

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Visiting

The old Apia Radio Station is generally viewable from the outside. Inside access is typically possible only during special events or by prior arrangement.

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Typical hours

No fixed opening hours exist; the building is typically visible from outside during daytime. For current details, contact the local museum or tourism office.

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Photography

Exterior photography is allowed anytime and worthwhile for the historic architecture. Inside, photography is often permitted but without flash to preserve the interior.

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Time needed

Viewing the exterior takes about 15 minutes. If the interior is open, allow 30 minutes to see the exhibits.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the old Post Office and Town Hall of Apia. These three historic buildings are located close to each other.

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Getting there

The radio station is in downtown Apia and easily reachable on foot. A taxi or bus will get you there comfortably.

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Insider tip

Ask locals about the history of 2AP - they often share fascinating anecdotes. Visit late afternoon for the best light on the building.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.83500, -171.77500

Facts

Completed in 1914 by the German Telefunken company.
The wireless masts reached a height of over 120 meters.
The station had a transmission range of roughly 4,000 kilometers.
Captured by New Zealand expeditionary forces on August 29, 1914.
Key strategic link for the German Imperial Naval Pacific fleet.
Equipped with its own power plant to support operations.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fugalei Produce Market<1 km · NExplore →

Mata'afa Tombs1 km · SWExplore →

Apia Old Lighthouse2 km · WExplore →

Samoa College2 km · EExplore →

Tanugamanono Power Substation2 km · NEExplore →

Ah Liki Distribution Center2 km · SExplore →

Tui-Samoa Cable Landing Station2 km · SEExplore →

Apia Historic Observatory3 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Apia Old Radio Station (10)

Fugalei [Gethsemane] Congregational Christian Church

Congregational Christian church in Fugalei, Apia. Also known as Gethsemane.

Fugalei Congregational Christian Church

Congregational church in the Fugalei district of Apia. Holds services.

SPACE | Samoa Performing Arts & Creative Excellence

Performing arts and creative centre in Apia. Stage and workshops.

Samoa Arise 2025

Christian organization in Apia. Has worship services and community work.

Peace Chapel Christian Fellowship

Christian free church in Apia. Peace Chapel, regular meetings.

Matafele Methodist Church⛪ church

Methodist church in the Matafele district of Apia. Historic building.

Apia Samoa Temple

Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Apia, Samoa.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Apia. Seat of the archbishop.

Samoa Tourism Authority Visitors Village

Visitor centre of the Samoa Tourism Authority in Apia. Information and souvenirs.

Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Apia. Meeting place.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the radio station public?

It is a historical landmark.

Can one see the technology?

Only from the outside, the interior is inaccessible.

Why was it important?

Important communication hub in the Pacific.

Are there tours?

No, it is not a tourist facility.

Is it easily reachable?

Yes, centrally located in Apia.

Apia Old Radio Station: where is it located?

Apia Old Radio Station is located in Samoa.

Apia Old Radio Station: what is there to see?

Highlights include Fugalei [Gethsemane] Congregational Christian Church, Fugalei Congregational Christian Church, SPACE | Samoa Performing Arts & Creative Excellence.

Apia Old Radio Station: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Apia Old Radio Station: why is it worth visiting?

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