Alofi

Alofi, an uninhabited island off the southern shore of Futuna, boasts a truly spectacular white sand beach, a pristine underwater wonderland, virgin rainforest and sacred Loka cave. The trail across the island to Loka cave and Ava’afi peninsula is a must for nature-lovers and hiking fans, and the more adventurous can get there by climbing and descending Mt. Kolofau. You can spend the day at Alofitai: go swimming in the azure waters and indulge in a lunch of grilled fish and coconut crabs... The setting is unimaginably lovely. Although Alofi is considered to be uninhabited, a lone hermit lives there and keeps guard over the island.

Poï

Poï basilica and the chapel dedicated to Saint Pierre Chanel, the only Catholic martyr in Polynesia, are steeped in history. Every year on 28 April, the anniversary of his death, the basilica is the venue for services in honour of St. Pierre, patron saint of Oceania. The colourful celebrations and rituals attract Catholic faithful from all over the Pacific Region.

Mt. Puke

You need to be an experienced hiker to take on the climb to the summit of Futuna’s highest peak. It’s a challenging trail but the reward is well worth the effort... a jaw-dropping panorama of land and seascapes.

Anakele

Burial site of King Fakavelikele and cradle of the current Tui’Agaifo dynasty, Anakele is one of Futuna’s most significant historical sites. The beauty of the site’s natural setting adds to its appeal as a must-see for visitors.

Mataki'Uvea

Literally meaning “the look over Uvea”, Mataki’Uvea is an easily accessible viewpoint commanding breathtaking views over the ocean and Poï basilica below. An unmissable photo opportunity!

Le Tauasu

The tauasu is a real institution in Futuna. Every village on the island has its own fale tauasu, where the men gather each evening to drink kava and discuss village life or current events. Any issues affecting the village are also settled by the tauasu, which is considered by the people of Futuna as the basis underpinning social harmony in their island. The Wallisian equivalent, the faikava, is no longer held every day. The kava is usually prepared by the young men of the village, in keeping with ritual and practice handed down from generation to generation. In the days preceding major feast days in Futuna (St. Pierre Chanel, St. Joseph ...), traditional songs and dances are performed over several hours at large tauasu meetings which bring together every village in each kingdom. A must-see for every visitor!

“Tui se” flower necklaces

Floral necklaces scent the air and play an integral part in local cultural traditions in both Wallis and Futuna. They are closely linked to Oceanian traditions of welcome and hospitality. Flower necklaces, known as “tui se” in the Futunan language, woven mainly from tiale blooms (tiaré in Futunan), mixed with other richly scented flowers (paogo, koli, mapa...), represent Futuna’s iconic necklace. Don’t be surprised if you are presented with a “tui se”; it is a symbol of welcome deeply rooted in Futunan cultural tradition.

The black beach of Tuatafa

Tuatafa beach, in the far north of Futuna, offers visitors an otherworldly vision of eerie beauty. With its black volcanic sands, it is undeniably one of Futuna’s most spectacular beaches and is easily accessible. While you’re there, don’t miss a refreshing dip in the amazing clear blue natural swimming pool just a few metres away. And the icing on the cake... the glorious sunsets at Tuatafa beach are utterly sublime.

Wear a flower necklace

Flower necklaces are a symbol of welcome: their glory may be fleeting but they are fragrantly scented and colourful (tiaré blossoms often form the basis). They are closely linked to Polynesian cultural traditions of welcome and hospitality. Seashell necklaces are typically Polynesian “farewell” symbols. They also bring you luck and you can take them home as souvenirs. Tiaré flowers are worn in different ways in Wallis and Futuna: as necklaces, symbols of welcome when offered as a gift, as flowery tiaras for all kinds of celebrations, and woven into the long tresses of island women. But most often, a single flower is worn as an ear decoration; Fafine (the Wallisian word for women) wear a flower in full blossom. The way your wear the tiaré blossom at your ear carries a message:

• worn at your left ear, on the same side as your heart, the flower means that you already have a romantic partner.
• worn at your right ear, the flower means that you are available (single).

In Futuna, it’s the opposite. So take care you don’t send the wrong message!

A trip in a traditional outrigger canoe

Sail away aboard a 10-metre long outrigger canoe for a unique experience of the lagoon’s magical underwater world. Land on an islet, take a refreshing dip in the azure waters and then help to prepare the iconic Umu oven. Lunch is served by or on the beach, depending on the tide, with delights including fish and seafood, salads and tropical fruit, not to mention a range of cool drinks (coconut water, fresh fruit juices, cocktails...). Then you’ll have plenty of time to relax in the sun, bathe in the lagoon or explore the islet, as you revel in the peace and serenity of your own little paradise!

Contact: Association Nukuteatea (Vaitupu Village - HIHIFO)

The Umu

The traditional earthen oven or Umu is a steam-cooking technique also commonly used in Futuna and other Pacific Region countries. Prepared dishes (suckling pig, yams and taros, breadfruit, fish and shellfish...) are wrapped in banana leaves and then placed on a layer of hot volcanic stones laid at the base of an oven dug in the ground. The dishes are then covered with palm fronds, banana leaves and earth before being left to cook slowly for several hours.

A day on an islet (motu in Wallisian)

Boasting a lagoon dotted with 16 tiny islets, Wallis is your dream destination for escaping city hustle and bustle. Each islet has its own special charm... The motu and their glorious beaches are waiting for you! This is where your dreams of picture-postcard settings all come true! The lagoon is utterly spectacular and the myriad hues of the pristine waters are pure enchantment. Getting to the islets couldn’t be easier - just hop aboard a taxi boat or rent a kayak at Vakala watersports centre.

Taking care of paradise! Before setting off for the day, check with the Tourist Office on protected areas and simple rules to follow.

Lake Lalolalo

Lake Lalolalo, in the southwest of Wallis, is at least 80 metres deep and measures 450 metres across. The lake lies in the crater of a former volcano and is unusual is forming an almost perfect circle. Endemic blind eels live in the sulfurous depths of this large freshwater lake ringed by unique virgin rainforest.

A microlight flight

Ever dream of floating high over the landscape? Why not explore Wallis from above? A microlight flight will waft you skywards, hovering over breathtaking views of land and lagoon. Your pilot is on hand throughout the flight to provide expert information enhancing your adventure in the skies. Experience a feeling of total freedom, taste the thrill of flying and take back memories to treasure forever.

Talietumu and the Tongan Fort of Kolonui

Kolonui Fort was built around an elevated sacred mound, known as Talietumu, by the Ha’avakatolo, one of Tonga’s great noble dynasties, sent to Uvea to accompany “Governor” Ga’asialiali. The fort was built around 1450 during the expansion of the Tu'i Tonga Empire. The ruined fort bears silent witness to the power and majesty of these conquerors of the South Seas. It forms part of a series of fortifications built in the southern half of the island, representing one of the Pacific Region’s most extensive walled complexes.

Attend a traditional feast day celebration

In Wallis and Futuna, masses are held in church to mark the start of a typical feast day celebration. The next highlight is the customary kava ceremony, generally followed by a katoaga, the presentation of offerings. The day ends with performances of traditional dances. Don’t miss the chance to share in a vibrantly colourful day of traditional celebrations!

Revel in a glorious sunset

You can’t beat the romance of a golden evening sky reflecting a host of shimmering colours. It’s a magical moment to savour to the full. In Wallis, locals and visitors come together to pay homage to the majesty of the setting sun, marking the end of each day with an ever-changing play of colour and light. It’s a special time of day, to be shared with family or friends, or simply enjoyed in quiet contemplation. There are a number of spots perfect for sunset viewing. The panoramic views of the island and ocean from Mt. Lulu chapel provide a breathtaking backdrop for the setting sun. Surrounded by peaceful yet vivid scenery, this old chapel holds a special place in the hearts of the Wallis islanders. The sublime beach of fine white sand at Vailala in the North and Lausikula beach in the South are also delightful spots to admire the sunset.