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Apolima Island Lighthouse

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tower
—°1
Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)

Weather…

The Apolima Lighthouse is located on the smallest inhabited island of Samoa, situated in the center of the strait between Upolu and Savai'i. Apolima is the rim of an extinct underwater volcanic crater, and the lighthouse stands on one of the highest points of this steep terrain. Its primary mission is to guide ships through the Apolima Strait, one of the nation's busiest but also most dangerous passages due to strong currents and reefs. The island itself is only accessible through a narrow gap in the coral reef, making the transport of maintenance materials for the tower a significant logistical challenge. The lighthouse symbolizes both the island's isolation and its strategic maritime importance. Today, it is often powered by solar energy, aligning with Samoa's commitment to sustainable infrastructure. From the base of the tower, there are unparalleled views of the neighboring islands of Manono, Savai'i, and Upolu. For the island's few residents, the lighthouse is a fixed part of their daily life and a beacon of safety in the vast expanse of the ocean.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282827272727272728
Rain mm25824116516912891755692141213229

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The lighthouse on Apolima is viewable from the outside. The tower itself is usually not open to the public.
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Typical hours
The area around the lighthouse is accessible anytime during the day. For interior visits, no fixed opening hours exist.
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Photography
The lighthouse is a popular photo subject, especially at sunrise or sunset. Photography from outside is allowed anytime.
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Time needed
Viewing from outside takes about 15 minutes. Including the walk from the boat landing, allow 30-45 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the lighthouse with the Apolima Crater and fortifications. All are on the same island and easy to combine.
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Getting there
The lighthouse is only reachable by boat to Apolima Island. A short path leads from the landing to the tower.
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Insider tip
Visit the lighthouse in the late afternoon for the best light. Keep an eye out for whales in the strait between Upolu and Savaii.

Geography

Coordinates
-13.81910, -172.14910

Facts

  • The lighthouse sits on the crater rim of the volcanic Apolima Island.
  • It marks the crucial shipping channel between Upolu and Savai'i.
  • Apolima is the smallest inhabited island in the country.
  • The island is only accessible via a tiny gap in the coral reef.
  • The tower was built to safeguard inter-island ferry connections.
  • Modern solar technology now powers the navigation light.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Apolima FortificationsApolima Fortifications<1 km · WExplore →
Nu'ulopa Bird SanctuaryNu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary3 km · NEExplore →
Manono Island ReefsManono Island Reefs5 km · NEExplore →
Tapaau LighthouseTapaau Lighthouse10 km · SWExplore →
Tafua Peninsula Rainforest PreserveTafua Peninsula Rainforest Preserve10 km · SWExplore →
Salelologa WharfSalelologa Wharf11 km · SWExplore →
Mulifanua WharfMulifanua Wharf12 km · NExplore →
Tafua CraterTafua Crater12 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Apolima Island Lighthouse (1)

Apolima Tai Congregational Christian Church⛪ church

Congregational Christian church on Apolima Island, serves as a place of worship for the local community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is this lighthouse located?
On the small, isolated island of Apolima.
How to get to the island?
Only possible with small local boats.
Are there tourist accommodations there?
No, it is a very quiet, traditional community.
Should I register the visit beforehand?
Yes, it is important out of respect for the village chief.
Is there drinking water there?
No, absolutely bring enough water yourself.
Apolima Island Lighthouse: where is it located?
Apolima Island Lighthouse is located in Samoa.
Apolima Island Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Apolima Island Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
The Apolima Lighthouse is located on the smallest inhabited island of Samoa, situated in the center of the strait between Upolu and Savai'i.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Oceania
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Nearby cities

Siusega — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Siusega
Siusega is a growing urban settlement near Apia.
Faleula Tai — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Faleula Tai
Faleula Tai is the coastal part of Faleula village.
Faleula — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Faleula
Faleula is a populous village on the north coast of Upolu.
Afega — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Afega
Afega is the administrative center of the Tuamasaga district.
Malie — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Malie
Malie is a traditional village on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Vaiusu Tai — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Vaiusu Tai
Vaiusu Tai is the waterfront part of Vaiusu, distinguished by its proximity to the mangrove ecosystem.
Vaiusu — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Vaiusu
Vaiusu is a suburb of Apia located on a bay.
Fasito&#39;o Uta — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Fasito'o Uta
Fasito'o Uta is located in the Aana district and is known for its agricultural lands and proximity to the airport.
🗺️
Fasito'o Tai
Fasito'o Tai is located on the coast of the Aana district.
Faleasiu — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Faleasiu
Faleasiu is a significant village in the Aana district on the northwest coast of Upolu.
Le&#39;auva&#39;a — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Le'auva'a
Le'auva'a is a village on Upolu whose residents originally come from Savai'i island.
Falelatai — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Falelatai
Falelatai is a large historical village in the west of Upolu.
🗺️
Samatau
Samatau is located on the western tip of Upolu.
Vaitele — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Vaitele
Vaitele is a large settlement west of Apia and is considered one of the country's most important industrial zones.
Samalae&#39;ulu — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Samalae'ulu
Samalae'ulu is located in the northeast of Savai'i along the main road.

History & landmarks

Apolima Crater — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Apolima Crater
The island of Apolima is essentially an extinct volcanic crater with one side collapsed toward the ocean.
Apolima Island — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Apolima Island
Apolima is the remnant of an extinct volcanic crater with one side open to the sea.

Nature

Nu&#39;ulopa Bird Sanctuary — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Nu'ulopa Bird Sanctuary
This tiny islet in the strait between Upolu and Savai'i is an important sanctuary for nesting seabirds and flying foxes.
Manono Island Reefs — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Manono Island Reefs
The waters around Manono house extensive, healthy coral gardens.

More places

Mulifanua — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Mulifanua
Mulifanua is the main ferry port on Upolu for connections to Savai'i Island.
Malua — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Malua
Malua is the spiritual center of the Congregational Church in Samoa and home to its most significant theological seminary.
Apolima Fortifications — Apolima Island Lighthouse (Samoa)
Apolima Fortifications
The small volcanic island of Apolima served historically as a natural fortress.