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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.