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Malua Mission Press

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Malua Mission Press, established in the mid-19th century, was Samoa's first printing house and played a fundamental role in the nation's literacy and religious development. Operated by the London Missionary Society (LMS), it was the site where the first complete Bible in the Samoan language was printed, a monumental achievement that standardized the written form of the language. Beyond religious texts, the press produced schoolbooks, legal codes, and the first Samoan newspaper, making it the most significant center for information exchange in the islands. The printing presses were technological marvels for the Pacific at the time, enabling education to reach far beyond the boundaries of Malua. The history of the press is closely linked to the preservation of Samoan culture, as it provided the means to record oral traditions in writing for the first time. Today, the historic building features exhibits on 19th-century printing techniques and remains a symbol of Samoa's intellectual and spiritual enlightenment.

Location: Samoa
Top sights: Tuana'i Seventh Day Adventist Church · Afega Uta Seventh Day Adventist Church · Tuana'i Catholic Church
Nearby: Saleimoa (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

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What is this place?

Malua Mission Press was the first significant printing press in Samoa, producing religious texts and textbooks in the Samoan language. It played a key role in literacy and the spread of Christianity. Today it is a historical symbol of education and culture.

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Visiting

The press site is likely not open to the public as it is on historic mission grounds. However, the outer structure of the building is visible from the adjoining road.

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Where to view it

The best public viewpoint is the road passing by the mission grounds. From there, the historic façade of the press building is clearly visible.

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Local products

In surrounding villages, handmade books and prints from the mission era are sold as souvenirs. Local artisans also sell traditional Samoan tapa cloth and wood carvings.

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Active season

The press itself is no longer active, but the surrounding mission grounds are open year-round for cultural events. Particularly during Samoan cultural festivals in September, demonstrations are held.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with a stop at the nearby historic village of Malua to see the mission church and museum. The beaches of Lefaga are also a short drive away.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.80550, -171.85650

Facts

The press was established in Malua during the mid-1840s.
The first full Samoan Bible translation was completed here in 1855.
It was the primary source of school materials for the entire region.
The press published the first newspaper in Samoa, 'O le Sulu Samoa'.
Standardization of the Samoan alphabet was achieved through this institution.
It remains one of the most significant sites for Pacific literary history.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Malua College Gates<1 km · SEExplore →

EFKS Museum2 km · SEExplore →

Faleula Tai2 km · NExplore →

Saleimoa5 km · SExplore →

Nuu6 km · NEExplore →

Samoa Breweries Limited6 km · NEExplore →

Vaiusu Tai7 km · NExplore →

Siusega7 km · NEExplore →

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

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

Sights in the town Malua Mission Press (6)

Tuana'i Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Tuana'i, a place of worship.

Afega Uta Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Afega Uta, a place for prayer.

Tuana'i Catholic Church

Catholic church in Tuana'i, used for mass.

Tuanai Catholic Churchh⛪ church

Catholic church in Tuanai, a place of faith.

Malie Congregational Christian Church⛪ church

Congregational Christian church in Malie, gathering place for believers.

Afega Catholic Church⛪ church

Catholic church in Afega, a site for worship.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you see the old printing press?

Yes, it is an important exhibit.

Why is the place important?

The Bible was translated into the Samoan language here.

Do I have to pay for entry?

A small contribution for maintenance is desired.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, students often explain the history.

How long is a visit?

About 30 minutes is plenty.

Malua Mission Press: where is it located?

Malua Mission Press is located in Samoa.

Malua Mission Press: what is there to see?

Highlights include Tuana'i Seventh Day Adventist Church, Afega Uta Seventh Day Adventist Church, Tuana'i Catholic Church.

Malua Mission Press: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Malua Mission Press: why is it worth visiting?

The Malua Mission Press, established in the mid-19th century, was Samoa's first printing house and played a fundamental role in the nation's literacy and religious development.

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