20 Best Things to Do on Wallis (Uvea)

A must-see on Wallis, Lake Lalolalo, or Lac Lalolalo, offers one of the most jaw-dropping natural attractions.

As you walk to the end of the concrete platform at the crater's edge, the view of the perfectly circular crater lake widens before you, plunging at least 80 m (262 ft) deep and stretching 450 m (1,476 ft) across. The ancient volcano emanates an almost supernatural sense of being untouched by time.

The sulphurous depths harbour endemic blind eels that have adapted to this unique freshwater environment over millennia. Surrounding the lake, pristine virgin rainforest creates a natural amphitheatre, while bright white tropicbirds soar around the lake during the day and massive fruit bats soar overhead at twilight.

While its perfectly circular formation can only really be appreciated from the sky, nothing beats the feeling of standing on the edge of what is Wallis and Futuna's most spectacular natural attraction.

The best-preserved example of a Tongan fort in the world, Kolonui Fort at La Résidence de Taleitumu, is as intriguing as it is rare.

This remarkably well-maintained historical site was built around 1450 during the expansion of the Tu'i Tonga Empire and served as the last holdout of the Tongans on Uvea until their eventual defeat. The entire fortress is surrounded by impressive defensive walls constructed from black basalt stone, featuring several strategic entrances that once controlled access to this sacred stronghold.

Inside the fort, you'll discover preserved foundations set amongst manicured lawns, leading up to an elevated platform called Talietumu, a marae or sacred place of circular prolonged shape built upon a circular stockade base.

One of Wallis' glorious motu, Nukuhifala sits on the eastern edge of the lagoon with plenty to explore on such a small speck of sand.

This charming island features both concrete structures and traditional fales with authentically woven roofs, all set amongst swaying coconut palms and white sandy shores. (Ah, paradise!)

The azure waters surrounding the island provide excellent opportunities for both surface exploration and underwater adventures. Beginners will particularly appreciate the accessible snorkelling conditions, with several coral areas situated at comfortable depths close to shore.

Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach or eager to discover the vibrant marine life below, Nukuhifala delivers the quintessential island experience that's easily accessible yet feels wonderfully remote.

Neighbouring Nukuhifala, Nukuhione is another enticing islet which offers an idyllic spot for relaxation.

While there are some small snorkelling opportunities around the island, it's not considered the best spot for underwater exploration. However, what Nukuhione lacks in marine life, it more than makes up for with its stunning sands and typically quieter atmosphere compared to other motu.

Birdwatchers will delight in spotting black noddies and other local species, whilst nearby Devils' Hole offers superior snorkelling for strong swimmers (learn more in 10 Best Snorkelling Spots in Wallis & Futuna LINK#TTD099). With turquoise water, white sand and coconut palms swaying in the breeze, what more could you want from your tropical paradise escape?

One of the most accessible cultural experiences in Wallis, Le Petit Musée des Fagāna offers the opportunity to learn about the local legends in the most thought-provoking way.

Founded by Rebecca Kulimoetoke with the mission of preserving Wallisian culture for future generations, this intimate museum features two exhibitions that illustrate the rich mythology and legends of Wallis and Futuna.

Traditional seating on woven floor mats creates an authentic storytelling atmosphere, just as tales were shared for centuries past.

The museum brilliantly encompasses entertainment with cultural education, presenting creation myths, monster legends and historical narratives written in both Wallisian and French for a self-guided experience. Alternatively, guided experiences are also available with French and English-speaking guides. Modern sculptures depicting traditional outrigger canoes, fishing nets, traditional weapons and more add a contemporary artistic flair to the ancient stories.

Discover fascinating legends, including the creation of Wallis, tales of demons like Taligafetoho and Kofukula, and the sacred story behind kava ceremonies. Each story serves a purpose in Wallisian culture, from explaining natural phenomena to teaching important life lessons through engaging fāgāna (legends).

Le Petit Musée des Fagāna is open from 9 am to 11 am and 2 pm to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Experience Wallis' famous motu or secret mainland beaches at a more natural pace on a paddling tour with A Vaka Heke.

You'll love their range of options: kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, surfskis or traditional va'a (outrigger canoes), perfect for guided adventures that range from one-hour taster sessions to full-day adventures.

The team launches from three strategic points around the island, carefully selecting routes based on weather and tides.

You can paddle to stunning motu (islets) whilst hearing ancient legends from your guide, explore the peaceful mangroves at Ha'afiuasia, or glide to the private Kulu'ui Beach with its traditional fale and perfect picnic spots.

Don't miss this authentic way to experience Wallis' incredible marine environment. All safety equipment, dry bags and expert guidance are included, making it perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Ever visible on the waterfront of Wallis' capital, Mata'Utu Cathedral is a dramatic symbol of Wallis and Futuna's dedication to the Catholic faith.

This magnificent national monument of France dominates the Mata'Utu landscape. Many can't help but be amazed by its imposing blue volcanic stone, whose construction began in 1951. Each stone was hand-chiselled and carefully trimmed by the Marists, the French Roman Catholic religious order that brought Catholicism to Wallis.

The cathedral's two prominent rectangular towers frame a distinctive blue Maltese cross, the royal insignia of Wallis that also graces the island's flag. As the seat of the Diocese of Wallis and Futuna, this massive structure represents what historians call a "bulwark of Gaulish Catholicism" in the Pacific.

Needless to say, we highly recommend timing your visit for Sunday morning mass, which typically starts at 7 am and runs for about an hour.

Daily masses also take place in smaller village chapels throughout the island. However, when local chapels become too small for their growing congregations, residents from outer villages make the journey to Mata'utu Cathédrale, creating a wonderful sense of island-wide community.

Speaking of religion, a much more humble religious structure commemorated the landing place of the first Marist missionaries at Kalevalio Chapel.

Standing at Kalevalio, you'll witness the exact spot where Monsignor Pompallier, Father Bataillon, Father Chanel and their companions first landed and immediately knelt to recite an Ave Maria. The site may appear modest compared to other religious landmarks, but its historical importance is immense; this moment marked the beginning of Catholic faith spreading throughout Wallis and Futuna.

The commemorative cross erected here in 1887 is a powerful reminder of the 50th anniversary of Catholicism's establishment on the island. According to locals, this sacred ground holds deep spiritual significance for the community, representing the foundation of their faith journey.

It would almost be a crime to visit Wallis and not get out on the lagoon, and Association Vaka La offers several amazing ways to do that!

This community-based watersports operator has everything you could want for exploring Wallis' stunning lagoon, from catamaran tours and kayak rentals to snorkelling adventures and unique full moon experiences.

What we love most is how welcoming and flexible they are. The friendly operators will arrange personalised tours even for small groups, whilst their relaxed booking approach means you can often secure a spot with just a phone call or by walking in.

Don't miss their taxi boat service; it's your ticket to exploring secluded islets like Tekaviki, Nukuhifala and Nukuhione. From what we've experienced, these hidden spots are some of the most peaceful you'll find.

They run tours to various islands throughout their opening hours (closed Mondays only), with standout snorkelling at Devil's Hole and Turtle Hole - two dramatic deep-water spots.

Evasion Bleue opens up a whole new world below the surface with professional and reliable scuba diving and snorkelling tours.

Operating with qualified diving instructor Pascal, Wallis's only dive centre offers excellent underwater adventures both inside and outside the lagoon. What makes this place special? You have the chance to explore around fifteen incredible dive sites, from vibrant coral gardens and fascinating wartime wrecks to dramatic passes and unique geological formations.

Evasion Bleue operates different schedules: weekends feature larger boat trips outside the lagoon to premier sites like Avatolu Pass with its barracuda schools and coral canyons, while weekdays offer intimate lagoon dives with smaller groups. History buffs will love the historically significant sites scattered across the seabed, including Samuel Wallis' verified 1763 anchor at 42 m (138 ft) depths and a preserved American military barge from 1944 covered in black coral with visible instruments.

Beyond diving, Pascal offers unforgettable three-hour snorkelling adventures to the picture-perfect Islet St Christophe with biological guidance about coral formations. Water taxi services to other untouched paradises can also be arranged with local operators through Evasion Bleue for those seeking crystal-clear lagoons and powdery white sand beaches.

Experience the magic of traditional Polynesian sailing with the Havili Siliva on their magnificent outrigger canoe adventure to the enchanting northern motu.

These immersive full-day excursions combine modern convenience with ancient traditions, switching the sails for motor power to navigate between Wallis' northern motu (islets) while sharing stories.

Your adventure begins with a safety briefing and life jacket distribution before boarding the traditional pirogue. Journey to remote islets where a fresh fruit breakfast awaits featuring seasonal tropical delights like grapefruit, papaya, mango and pineapple. Learn traditional skills including coconut milk preparation and participate in creating an earth oven, locally known as an umu.

Explore archaeological sites on foot whilst your guide weaves scientific data with traditional stories. Afternoon activities include flower lei making, shellfish gathering, traditional dancing demonstrations and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. The experience concludes with relaxation time for swimming and soaking up the surroundings of paradise.

Note that a minimum of six people are required for tours to depart, so prepare to be on stand-by until minimum numbers are reached.

The Isle of St Christophe boasts a glorious white sand beach that's ideal for picnicking, swimming and snorkelling in vibrant waters.

The real highlight is the short hike to the island's summit, where locals claim there are 300 steps (though that might be an exaggeration!) leading to a charming chapel that rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views across the lagoon. The chapel also provides much-needed shade after the climb.

At the bottom of the island, behind the paradise white sand beach, you'll find fale (shelter) providing shade and seating perfect for lunch.

The sheltered waters offer safe swimming conditions, whilst the northeastern and southern reefs provide excellent snorkelling opportunities. You can even swim over to nearby Nukuatea, connected by a sandy bottom, with chances to spot turtles, coral, plenty of fish and beastly blue starfish.

Isle of St Christophe is accessible through organised snorkelling and scuba diving trips with Evasion Bleue and taxi boat drop-offs with Pitata's Taxi Boat.

The Uvea Museum Association maintains a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the U.S. military's occupancy of Wallis.

This remarkable collection chronicles the extraordinary period from 1942-1946 when nearly 6,000 American GIs transformed Wallis Island, building roads, the airport and establishing deep bonds with locals. Founded by a passionate local collector who began gathering artefacts as a teenager, this museum later welcomed curator Christophe Laurent, who brought his own collection and expertise to create today's comprehensive display. Available by appointment only through Wallis Voyages, guided tours with Christophe captivate visitors for one to two hours with personal stories and authentic wartime treasures.

The collection includes uniforms, weapons, bullets, letters sent home, flags, medals, glass bottles, food trays, lamps and photo albums; artifacts found throughout Wallis, sometimes even in locals' backyards. Particularly fascinating are the Coca-Cola bottles, including white ones without town names that couldn't be properly delivered to overseas soldiers. The museum also houses artefacts donated by Wallis veterans, with Christophe having travelled to veteran reunions in Washington to compile personal stories and connections.

The experience (in air-conditioned comfort, might we add) reveals how US forces approached Wallis, expecting Japanese occupation with "D-Day" intensity, only to discover 6,000 peaceful Wallisians whose population they doubled. While Wallis saw no battles, the occupation brought transformative infrastructure including the first roads (routes still used today) and two airstrips, one remaining the island's current airport.

Perched on Mt Holo, this scenic viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views across the motu and lagoon.

The real intrigue, however, lies at the nearby Carmel De St Therese Convent, where you'll discover one of the most unique cultural experiences on the island.

The cloistered nuns here live a life of complete seclusion, making interaction with the outside world a rare and fascinating encounter. Sunday Mass is the only time visitors can meet the nuns directly, as it's their designated opportunity to speak with the outside world after the service.

Throughout the week, with the press of a black button, visitors can call a nun to the window for private conversations, similar to a confessional experience, offering a profound glimpse into monastic life and spirituality.

Discover the rich artisanal heritage of Wallis and Futuna through an authentic shopping experience that connects you directly with local craftspeople and their time-honoured traditions. Browse traditional shops like Atuhakevalu and the market of the Association Femmes Artisanes Taofikemau for authentic pieces, or explore contemporary interpretations at Veiogo Tapa Wallis et Futuna.

Watch skilled artisans create intricate tapa cloths from paper mulberry bark, hand-painted with delicate traditional designs and transformed into everything from ceremonial gatu to modern accessories like passport holders. Women exclusively craft beautiful flower garlands and shell necklaces, while men carve wooden items shaped like turtles and traditional tanoa bowls.

You'll also find woven fala mats made from local leaves, ceremonial ta'ovala cloths worn at religious ceremonies, and authentic scented oils extracted from tuitui and coconut.

Discover shopping opportunities in The Guide to Shopping in Wallis & Futuna + The Best Places to Shop.

Location: All over Wallis! See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $-$$$$

Coral, fish and a dramatic drop within the Wallis Lagoon, Devil's Hole offers a wonderful place to don your mask and snorkel.

Swimming along the dramatic edges feels like peering over an underwater cliff, with vibrant coral encrusting the vertical walls beneath you.

While some sections may appear less populated with marine life at first glance, persistence pays off as you'll discover hidden pockets of thriving coral gardens and schools of tropical fish. This creates a fascinating and completely different snorkelling adventure compared to the shallow lagoon experiences elsewhere in the lagoon.

Standing at just 145 m (476 ft) above sea level, Mt Lulu may be Wallis's tallest peak, but its modest height makes it an accessible attraction for visitors of all fitness levels.

The dirt road that circumvents the mountain can be driven, but we personally recommend exploring on foot to fully appreciate the wildlife encounters and natural surroundings.

The trail follows the outside of the crater through dense bush, creating a peaceful 20-minute walk covering 1.7 km (1.1 mi). As evening approaches, you'll have the chance to witness fruit bats soaring overhead, which makes the trek worthwhile.

Another highlight of the journey is discovering the Croix de Mt Lulu, an impressive white cross positioned where the trees break to reveal glimpses of the surrounding landscape.

While not offering the island's most spectacular views, this gentle hike provides an easy introduction to Wallis's volcanic geography and unique ecosystem.

Looming over the bay at Lausikula, the Chapel of St Bernadette offers some grand architecture to admire in a remote corner of Wallis.

This magnificent chapel was blessed in September 2014, replacing a charming little oratory that Cyclone Evan destroyed in 2012. What emerged is an enormous and lavishly decorated chapel that rivals Mata'Utu Cathedral and, dare we say, even the famous Poï Basilica in Futuna.

The project came together through the donations of overseas Wallisians and Futunans, making this the newest church on the island. While it's a bit removed from the main population centres (meaning it only holds mass once a week), we found it to be surprisingly peaceful during our visit.

Interestingly, this was the only church we encountered with people inside outside of regular service times. It seems to serve as a quiet retreat where locals come to find a moment of peace.

Another chapel with a million-dollar location, the Chapel of St Pierre Chanel offers an alternative place of worship from the slopes of Mt Mauga.

Dedicated to Saint Pierre Chanel, the patron saint of Oceania and one of many chapels around Wallis with the same name, this secluded sanctuary sits on a picturesque knoll surrounded by lush forest.

The chapel's history dates back to the 1940s when Monsignor Poncet envisioned creating a memorial to commemorate Saint Pierre Chanel's visit to Wallis. Every year on 28 August, pilgrims make their way up Mt Maunga for a special pilgrimage honouring the saint, culminating in a solemn mass followed by a traditional community katoaga (feast).

On the road to the Chapel of St Pierre Chanel, stop by the awesome roadside viewpoint of Lake Lanutavake, which is a similar crater lake to Lake Lalolalo.

Experience the unique culinary fusion of French and Wallisian flavours at restaurants throughout Wallis Island, where traditional Pacific ingredients meet European sophistication. Local specialities like breadfruit and yam chips sit alongside seafood gratin and cassoulet, creating an unexpectedly delightful combination.

Beyond the distinctive fusion offerings, these establishments cater to all tastes with familiar comforts including wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers and curry.

The dining experience is elevated by spectacular settings, with many restaurants offering panoramic views of the island's turquoise lagoon waters, making every meal a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Start planning your gastronomy journey with The Food Guide to Wallis: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: All over Wallis! See the link above for recommendations and their locations.

Price Range: $-$$$$