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Former Mau Headquarters

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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The former headquarters of the Mau movement in Vaimoso is one of Samoa's most significant political landmarks. It served as the hub for non-violent resistance against the New Zealand administration during the 1920s and 1930s. Operating under the slogan 'Samoa mo Samoa' (Samoa for the Samoans), the Mau movement organized civil disobedience, tax strikes, and cultural assertion. Vaimoso is indelibly linked to 'Black Saturday' on December 28, 1929, when New Zealand police opened fire on unarmed protesters, mortally wounding the leader Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III. His dying plea for peace and non-violence shaped the nation's eventual path to independence. Today, the area is a site of remembrance for those who sacrificed during the struggle for sovereignty. The preservation of this site underscores Vaimoso's role as the birthplace of the modern Samoan nation. The Mau movement is recognized as one of the first successful examples of anti-colonial resistance in the Pacific.

Location: Samoa
Top sights: Lotopa Methodist Church · Lotopa Church of the Nazarene · Apia Samoa Temple
Nearby: Vaiala Tai (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

This historic site can usually be visited from the outside without any issues, while the remains of the former headquarters offer a profound insight into the region's colonial past and independence struggles.

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Typical hours

Since this is largely an open historic site, it is usually accessible during daytime hours; however, there are typically no set opening times or official guided tours available directly at the location.

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Photography

Photography is generally possible without restrictions here and, due to the historical significance of the ruins, is highly recommended, especially in the early morning hours with soft, natural daylight.

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Time needed

For a short walk around and to take a few photographs, you should plan on spending about fifteen to thirty minutes, as the grounds are relatively manageable and do not host extensive museum exhibitions.

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Combine with

A visit can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the bustling streets of Apia, where you can discover other historical buildings as well as lively local markets and authentic Samoan restaurants.

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Getting there

The site is located in the Vaimoso district and is best reached by rental car or a local taxi from Apia; parking facilities can usually be found directly along the surrounding main roads without much hassle.

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Insider tip

Inform yourself in advance about the history of the Mau movement, as there are often few explanatory plaques on site, and background knowledge will significantly deepen your understanding of this symbolic place.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.84170, -171.78330

Facts

Center of the independence movement (1920s-1930s)
The movement's slogan was 'Samoa mo Samoa'
Site of 'Black Saturday' on December 28, 1929
Led by the paramount chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III
Utilized non-violent resistance strategies
Vaimoso is located on the outskirts of Apia

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vaimoso Mau Monument<1 km · WExplore →

Ah Liki Distribution Center1 km · SExplore →

USP Alafua Campus1 km · EExplore →

Development Bank of Samoa2 km · NWExplore →

Loto Samasoni Hydro Plant2 km · NExplore →

Vaitele3 km · SExplore →

Villa Vailima3 km · NEExplore →

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 Former Mau Headquarters (10)

Lotopa Methodist Church

Methodist church in Lotopa, Samoa. A place for worship services and community gatherings.

Lotopa Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene in Lotopa. The congregation meets here for prayer.

Apia Samoa Temple

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

🌐 churchofjesuschrist.org

Supernatural Fellowship Samoa⛪ church

Christian fellowship in Samoa, offering worship services and meetings.

SPACE | Samoa Performing Arts & Creative Excellence

Performing arts and creative center in Samoa.

Samoa Arise 2025

Christian organization in Samoa, conducting religious events.

Lalovaea Sisifos Nature Reserve

Nature reserve in Lalovaea, Samoa. Protects local flora and fauna.

Faleata Nature Reserve

Nature reserve in Faleata, Samoa. Preserves the natural environment.

Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Samoa. A place for Sabbath worship.

Matafele Methodist Church⛪ church

Methodist church in Matafele, Samoa. Serves the local community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was the Mau headquarters?

It was the center of the Samoan independence movement.

Can you visit the building?

The exterior grounds are accessible, but the interior often is not.

Where exactly is it located?

It is located near Apia in Vaimoso.

How significant is this place historically?

It is one of the most important places for Samoan identity.

Do I need to book in advance?

No, you can visit it spontaneously.

Former Mau Headquarters: where is it located?

Former Mau Headquarters is located in Samoa.

Former Mau Headquarters: what is there to see?

Highlights include Lotopa Methodist Church, Lotopa Church of the Nazarene, Apia Samoa Temple.

Former Mau Headquarters: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Former Mau Headquarters: why is it worth visiting?

The former headquarters of the Mau movement in Vaimoso is one of Samoa's most significant political landmarks.

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