Things to do in Wallis and Futuna

25 things to do in Wallis and Futuna

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Attend Sunday Mass at Mata-Utu Cathedral

  Experience the soaring Polynesian harmonies of the cathedral choir during a vibrant Catholic service in the capital's landmark church.

  Mata-Utu, Wallis

• Swim in the emerald Lake Lalolalo

  Descend to the shore of this perfectly circular crater lake surrounded by sheer jungle walls, one of Wallis's most dramatic natural wonders.

  Wallis Island

• Scuba dive the coral gardens off Nukuhione Islet

  Explore healthy hard and soft coral formations teeming with reef fish and turtles just a short boat ride from Mata-Utu.

  Nukuhione, Wallis

• Participate in a traditional kava ceremony in Vailala

  Sit cross-legged with local men and share the mildly narcotic kava drink from a communal bowl during an authentic evening custom.

  Vailala, Wallis

• Explore the ancient Tongan fortress of Talietumu

  Walk among the massive basalt stone walls and ceremonial platforms of a 15th-century stronghold, a testament to Wallis's Tongan past.

  Vaikiki, Wallis

• Hike to the summit of Mount Puke on Futuna

  Climb the highest peak on Futuna for sweeping views of the island's rugged spine and the deep blue Pacific.

  Futuna Island

• Pay respects at the Shrine of Saint Pierre Chanel in Poi

  Visit the hilltop sanctuary where the patron saint of Oceania was martyred in 1841, a deeply revered pilgrimage site.

  Poi, Futuna

• Snorkel the pristine lagoon at Nukuaeta Islet

  Swim through crystal-clear shallows alive with giant clams and colourful fish, a quiet island sanctuary off Wallis.

  Nukuaeta, Wallis

• Discover the serene Lake Kikila

  Hike to this hidden crater lake enveloped by lush vegetation, a peaceful freshwater refuge perfect for quiet contemplation.

  Wallis Island

• Taste a traditional umu feast in Liku village

  Sample pork, taro and breadfruit slow-cooked in an underground earth oven, the ultimate Wallisian communal meal.

  Liku, Wallis

• Admire the King's Palace in Mata-Utu

  View the modest yet symbolic residence of the King of Uvea, a modern building that stands beside the cathedral as the centre of political life.

  Mata-Utu, Wallis

• Cross by boat to uninhabited Alofi Island

  Set foot on a virtually untouched island to trek through primeval rainforest and sense the isolation of a lost world.

  Alofi Island

• Unearth the stone platforms of Taoa archaeological site

  Examine ancient royal foundations and raised tombs in a seldom-visited Futuna village, revealing early Polynesian settlement.

  Taoa, Futuna

• Climb Mount Kolofau for panoramic Wallis views

  A short, steep hike to the highest point on the main island rewards you with a 360-degree view over crater lakes and the lagoon.

  Wallis Island

• Witness a soamako dance in Mala'efo'ou

  Watch energetic stick dances accompanied by rhythmic log-drums and chants, a living expression of Wallisian warrior heritage.

  Mala'efo'ou, Wallis

• Visit the wooden St. Joseph's Church in Mala'efo'ou

  Admire this charming island church built from local timber with intricate carved altar and vivid biblical paintings.

  Mala'efo'ou, Wallis

• Kayak to Faioa Islet across the turquoise lagoon

  Paddle a sea kayak over shimmering shallow water to a tiny palm-covered sand cay perfect for a castaway picnic.

  Faioa, Wallis

• Browse tropical fruit at the Mata-Utu market

  Select fresh papayas, guavas and pomelos from the open-air stalls while mingling with cheerful vendors in the island's main commerce hub.

  Mata-Utu, Wallis

• Admire the carvings of St. Joseph's Church in Alo

  Step inside this colourful Futuna church to see elaborate wood carvings that blend Christian and Polynesian motifs.

  Alo, Futuna

• Snorkel the reef drop-off at Nukuloa islet

  Drift across vibrant coral walls where the lagoon meets the open ocean, a magnet for pelagic fish and eagle rays.

  Nukuloa, Wallis

• Descend into the Vaisei lava tube on Futuna

  Explore a natural volcanic tunnel formed by ancient lava flows, a cool, dark underworld hidden beneath the forest.

  Vaisei, Futuna

• Watch migrating humpback whales off Wallis coast

  Between July and October, spot breaching whales and their calves from a boat on their annual migration through these warm Pacific waters.

  Mata-Utu, Wallis

• Observe tapa cloth making in Ha'afuasia

  Watch women beat soaked mulberry bark into fine decorated cloth using traditional tools, a centuries-old handicraft still practised daily.

  Ha'afuasia, Wallis

• Trek the coastal path from Mata-Utu to Liku

  Hike along the dramatic eastern coastline past blowholes, hidden coves and panoramic lookouts over the vast empty ocean.

  Mata-Utu, Wallis

• See traditional fale houses in Fiua village

  Admire the open-sided oval huts with thatched roofs, the authentic domestic architecture of Futuna built from local materials.

  Fiua, Futuna