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Tomb of Tupua Tamasese

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Tomb of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III in Mulinu'u is a national shrine of profound significance to Samoa's independence movement. Tamasese was a key leader of the Mau, a non-violent resistance organization that challenged the New Zealand colonial administration. His martyrdom occurred on 'Black Saturday,' December 28, 1929, when he was fatally shot by New Zealand police while leading a peaceful parade through Apia. His dying words, calling for peace and the continuation of the Mau cause, became a rallying cry for the nation and are immortalized in Samoan history. The tomb is a dignified structure located on the Mulinu'u Peninsula, the traditional seat of Samoan government. It serves as a site for annual memorial services that honor the values of sacrifice, national identity, and non-violence. The preservation of this site is crucial for remembering the long struggle that ultimately led to Samoa becoming the first Pacific island nation to regain its independence in 1962.

Location: Samoa
Top sights: Vaitoloa Assembly of God · Vaitoloa Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints · Mulinu'u Congregational Christian Church
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

The tomb of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III is a significant monument in Apia. The memorial is located on public grounds and can be visited at any time.

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Typical hours

The monument is accessible 24/7 as it is outdoors. Best visited in the late afternoon when the light is softer and fewer people are around.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without restrictions. The inscriptions on the tombstone provide interesting subjects for close-up shots.

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Time needed

Allow about 10 to 20 minutes for visiting the tomb. If you want to study the surrounding history, take extra time for the information boards.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk to the nearby Samoa Museum or the government building. The Apia Waterfront is also just a few minutes away on foot.

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Getting there

The tomb is located in central Apia, near the Catholic cathedral and government district. You can easily reach it on foot or by taxi.

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Insider tip

Read about the Mau movement before your visit to better understand the tomb's historical significance. Respect the quietness of the site.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.82520, -171.78380

Facts

Tupua Tamasese held one of the four 'Tama-a-Aiga' paramount titles.
The Black Saturday incident resulted in the deaths of 11 Samoans.
His last message to his people was: 'My blood has been spilt for Samoa.'
The Mau movement's slogan was 'Samoa mo Samoa' (Samoa for Samoans).
The tomb is situated within the historic governmental precinct of Mulinu'u.
The New Zealand government issued a formal apology for the event in 2002.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mata'afa Tombs<1 km · NExplore →

Apia Historic Observatory1 km · WExplore →

Apia Old Lighthouse2 km · NExplore →

Former Mau Headquarters2 km · EExplore →

Fugalei Fresh Produce Market2 km · NEExplore →

Vaitele Industrial Zone2 km · SEExplore →

Samoa College3 km · NEExplore →

Lepua4 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

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Tomb of Tupua Tamasese (10)

Vaitoloa Assembly of God

Pentecostal Assembly of God church in Vaitoloa.

Vaitoloa Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vaitoloa.

Mulinu'u Congregational Christian Church

Congregational Christian church in Mulinu'u.

Samoa Ecumenical Centre⛪ church

Ecumenical center for Christian cooperation in Samoa.

Western Samoa 1962 Independence Memorial

Monument commemorating Western Samoa's independence in 1962.

Ceremonial 21-Gun Salute Gift from New Zealand

Gift from New Zealand: ceremonial salute cannon in Mulinu'u.

Mulinu'u Nature Reservce

Nature reserve on the Mulinu'u peninsula.

Mulinu'u Point Nature Reserve

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

Samoa Islamic Center

Islamic center and mosque in Apia.

Apia Samoa Temple

Latter-day Saints temple in Samoa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was Tupua Tamasese?

An important Samoan leader and national hero.

How should one behave at the tomb?

Behave respectfully and quietly.

Can I take photos of the tomb?

Yes, as long as you do not disturb anyone.

Are flowers as a gift okay?

Yes, that is a respectful gesture.

How long is the visit?

Plan for 10 to 20 minutes.

Tomb of Tupua Tamasese: where is it located?

Tomb of Tupua Tamasese is located in Samoa.

Tomb of Tupua Tamasese: what is there to see?

Highlights include Vaitoloa Assembly of God, Vaitoloa Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints, Mulinu'u Congregational Christian Church.

Tomb of Tupua Tamasese: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Tomb of Tupua Tamasese: why is it worth visiting?

The Tomb of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III in Mulinu'u is a national shrine of profound significance to Samoa's independence movement.

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