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Malua Print Shop Ruins

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Malua Print Shop Ruins serve as a significant testament to missionary history and the advancement of literacy in Samoa. Established by the London Missionary Society (LMS) in the mid-19th century, this facility was the primary center for producing Christian literature and educational materials in the Samoan language. Between 1855 and 1862, the first complete translation of the Bible into Samoan was printed here, a monumental achievement that standardized the written language and accelerated the spread of Christianity. The print shop was an integral part of Malua Theological College, founded in 1844 to train indigenous teachers and clergy. The remaining coral stone walls and foundation fragments illustrate the collaborative labor between missionaries and the local community. This site marks Samoa's transition into a literate society and documents the profound influence of European educational systems in the South Pacific. As a historical landmark, it commemorates pioneering publishing efforts and the cultural transformation of the islands during the colonial era.

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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Visiting

The ruins of the old print shop in Malua are freely accessible and can be visited at any time. They are outdoor remains with no enclosed rooms.

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Typical hours

As an open-air ruin, there are no fixed opening hours; access is possible any time. However, the site may be less inviting in darkness or rain.

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Photography

Photography is unrestricted, handy for close-ups of the wall remnants and machinery foundations. For best results, use early morning or late afternoon light.

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Time needed

Allow about 15-30 minutes to walk around the ruins and read the information boards. History enthusiasts may spend more time searching for traces.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with Malua Memorial Church and the Historic Library, all within walking distance. The entire Malua mission complex can be explored in one morning.

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Getting there

The ruins are in central Malua, near the church and library. Follow the main road through the village; the ruin is visible from a small path.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy footwear as the ground may be uneven. Bring a magnifying glass to examine fine engravings on surviving metal parts.

Geography

Coordinates

-13.80570, -171.85670

Facts

Part of Malua Theological College, established in 1844.
Printed the first Samoan Bible between 1855 and 1862.
Constructed using local coral limestone and timber.
Operated by the London Missionary Society (LMS).
Center for training the first generation of Samoan printers.
The printing presses were originally imported from England.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Malua Historic Library<1 km · NWExplore →

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

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Malua Print Shop Ruins (6)

Tuana'i Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Tuana'i. Worship services and community life.

Afega Uta Seventh Day Adventist Church

Seventh-day Adventist church in Afega Uta. Regular meetings.

Tuana'i Catholic Church

Catholic church in Tuana'i. Place for masses and prayer.

Tuanai Catholic Churchh⛪ church

Catholic church in Tuanai. Holds services.

Malie Congregational Christian Church⛪ church

Congregational church in Malie. Historic building.

Afega Catholic Church⛪ church

Catholic church in Afega. Masses.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Malua print shop ruins?

Yes, the ruins are accessible, but proceed with caution due to the unstable structure.

Do I need an entrance ticket?

No, there is no entry fee as it is a historical open-air site.

How long does the visit take?

A visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes as the site is small.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, photography is allowed and great for historical shots.

Is the place wheelchair accessible?

No, the terrain is uneven and not suitable for wheelchair users.

Malua Print Shop Ruins: where is it located?

Malua Print Shop Ruins is located in Samoa.

Malua Print Shop Ruins: what is there to see?

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

Malua Print Shop Ruins: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Malua Print Shop Ruins: why is it worth visiting?

The Malua Print Shop Ruins serve as a significant testament to missionary history and the advancement of literacy in Samoa.

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