20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Wallis & Futuna

A must-see free attraction on Wallis, Lake Lalolalo, or Lac Lalolalo, is a natural wonder that looks meticulously designed.

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 rare as it is free.

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.

Fai’umu O Pāpā, also known as the Cannibal Oven, is a somewhat sinister free attraction. The perfectly circular formation of volcanic rocks was once heated up to, well, you get the picture...

You'll find this archaeological site absolutely fascinating, centred around a massive circular stone umu (a traditional earth oven) marking where the ancient village of Asoa once thrived. What makes this place truly captivating isn't just the impressively preserved stonework, but the chilling legend that locals still whisper about today.

According to locals, a rival clan hatched a deadly plot to overthrow the village chief, the Tui Asoa.

The story goes that they murdered the food servant of Pāpā, a legendary warrior who protected the village, then cooked and served the body to him in this very umu. When Pāpā complimented the exceptional taste (not knowing what he was eating), the clan saw their chance and continued their gruesome plan.

They systematically eliminated the chief's entire clan until only a grandmother and three children remained. The children managed a dramatic escape to Loka, where legend says they transformed into dolphins.

The most affordable islet to escape to in the Wallis Lagoon, Tekaviki entices with its white sands and turquoise waters.

The name kaviki means "sand crab," reflecting the abundant marine life you'll encounter on this charming small island.

Tekaviki's surrounding waters are incredibly shallow, making it ideal for cooling off or splashing about if you're travelling with little ones. While snorkelling isn't the main draw due to the sandy bottom, the safe swimming conditions more than make up for it.

The islet features plenty of natural shade and protective black basalt rocks placed by locals to safeguard the coastline. During extremely low tides, you can actually walk across to the island from the mainland (you might just need a water taxi to get back).

As an extra magical touch, you might encounter local women collecting shells for traditional necklaces, as different villages maintain their designated motus according to custom.

That's right, considering the guide and transport costs are all included, seeing the historical or religious sites with Mataga Me'a o Futuna Eco Tourisme is an extremely budget-friendly way to explore Futuna.

Their "Futuna Religious Sites Tour" takes you on a profound journey through sacred locations, including the revered Saint Pierre Chanel Basilica, honouring the Pacific's first martyr, traditional falefono meeting houses, and the majestic church at Ono.

Alternatively, choose their "Futuna Cultural Sites Tour" to explore either the ancient Kingdom of Sigave or Kingdom of Alo, discovering centuries-old royal tombs, sacred burial grounds, and traditional taro plantations. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic viewpoints over Poï from the island's best viewpoints, plus refreshing local fruits and coconut water as knowledgeable guides share the deeply fascinating stories that shaped these island kingdoms.

If you need an English-speaking guide, be sure to let them know when booking.

Accessible from the mainland of Futuna, involving no expensive taxi boat, Vele Beach offers all the underwater adventures you could want in one place.

Three distinct beach areas provide different experiences, with the main highlight being "Papalagis", a beloved spot where families and expats (nicknamed Papalagis, pronounced "papa-lan-gees") regularly gather.

The primary beach offers excellent near-shore swimming and exceptional snorkelling at high incoming tide, particularly when heading west with fins. Adventurous snorkellers can embark on a thrilling 950 m (1,040 yard) journey along the mild current to the Vele Boat Ramp, though you'll need to walk back to your starting point.

Scuba divers can access fascinating small canyons directly from Papalagis, whilst two additional quieter white sand beaches near the airport flag and eastern runway provide peaceful alternatives when the main beach gets busy.

One of Wallis and Futuna's most accessible cultural attractions, Le Petit Musée des Fagāna combines legends with thought-provoking modern art.

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.

Simply admiring Mata'Utu Cathedral from inside or out is a worthy and wonderful free way to spend your time in the capital.

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.

It would almost be a crime to visit Wallis and not get out on the lagoon, and Association Vaka La offers some affordable ways to do that, especially with the kayak and SUP rentals.

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.

Offering affordable guided tours, the Uvea Museum Association takes you through a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the U.S. military's occupancy on 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.

An enticing natural attraction on Futuna, Tuatafa Beach is a black sand beach that's free to visit and boasts an awesome snorkelling hole nearby.

This spectacular stretch of black volcanic sand creates a dramatic contrast against the clear waters, making it one of Futuna's most photographed beaches. According to locals, legend has it that if you make too much noise after dark, the waves keep coming and take you to Polotu (the afterlife), so time your visit well!

This beach also holds historical significance, as 1839 marked the last big battle between kingdoms on Futuna.

Just a few metres south of the black sand, you'll discover an incredible natural swimming pool, known as "Piscine Bleue". We recommend visiting at incoming high tide for the safest experience.

The geological formations here are truly remarkable to explore with a snorkel, mask and fins, with protected pools closer to shore offering safe spots for less confident swimmers.

As day turns to evening, prepare to be captivated by some of the most glorious sunsets you'll ever witness. The black sand provides the perfect vantage point to watch the sun melt into the Pacific horizon, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks.

A historical site that won't cost a dime to visit and learn about, Anakele is a display of historical graves with a fascinating backstory.

This isn't just any old historical site; it's the final resting place of King Fakavelikele and where the current Tui'Agaifo dynasty of Alo began their reign. According to locals, ancient power struggles that shaped Futuna's entire destiny once played out right here.

The site is well signposted alongside the main road, though it's not the cross under the fale that we first mistook it for. Take the short uphill trail to the left of the cross to climb to the top where the real ancient tomb lies. From the road, you'll see how the tomb sits on top of stone terraces placed into the hill.

Speaking of pyramid-style structures, the fabulous natural Pyramid Point (Pointe de Pyramisdes) are within view of Anakele, making this the perfect stop for a dose of cultural significance with jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Built on the spot where Saint Pierre Chanel, a famous French Marist priest and the first martyr of Oceania, was clubbed to death in 1841, Poï Basilica is a famous pilgrimage site for Catholics.

You'll discover three main attractions here: the impressive main Basilica, the unique hexagonal Saint Pierre Chanel Chapel, and the fascinating Museum of Saint Pierre Chanel. There's even the grave of the person who killed Saint Pierre (and locals actually encourage visitors to stomp on it).

The museum is split into three engaging sections that take you through Saint Pierre's remarkable journey. You'll find traditional artefacts, precious relics from the saint's life, and touching donations from pilgrims who've made the journey here over the years.

A timeline along the wall traces Saint Pierre's life from his early days right up to the museum's opening in 2021. But it's not just about the saint; you'll also discover ancient pottery and fascinating archaeological finds, including a clay sculpture of a turtle that's the oldest relic ever found on Futuna.

Every year on 28 April, the anniversary of Saint Pierre's martyrdom, the basilica transforms into the epicentre of vibrant celebrations honouring the patron saint of Oceania.

On any other day, you can explore the beautifully maintained grounds and learn about the fascinating history of Catholic evangelisation in Polynesia.

A delightful roadside pitstop, Mataki'uvea begs you to take a moment to pause and truly appreciate where you are.

Mataki'uvea literally translates to "the look over Uvea", and this easily accessible viewpoint certainly lives up to its name with commanding views over the ocean and Poï Basilica below.

Perched conveniently along the main road, this scenic overlook offers one of the most spectacular panoramic vistas on the island, making it an unmissable photo opportunity for visitors. The elevated position provides sweeping views across the tree-lined beaches while the historic basilica sits majestically in the foreground, creating a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural significance.

We highly recommend visiting at sunrise for the most magical experience, when the golden light illuminates the landscape and creates truly stunning photographic conditions.

Standing at just 145 m (476 ft) above sea level, Mt Lulu may be Wallis's tallest peak, but its modest height makes it accessible for all, no matter your fitness level or budget.

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.

Futuna is practically scattered with tombs from ancient kings, one of the most significant being Anakele.

This isn't just any old historical site; it's the final resting place of King Fakavelikele and where the current Tui'Agaifo dynasty of Alo began their reign. According to locals, ancient power struggles that shaped Futuna's entire destiny once played out right here.

The site is well signposted alongside the main road, though it's not the cross under the fale that we first mistook it for. Take the short uphill trail to the left of the cross to climb to the top where the real ancient tomb lies. From the road, you'll see how the tomb sits on top of stone terraces placed into the hill.

Speaking of pyramid-style structures, the fabulous natural Pyramid Point (Pointe de Pyramisdes) are within view of Anakele, making this the perfect stop for a dose of cultural significance with jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Speaking of Anakele, within the sight of the tomb is the natural spectacle of Pyramids Point, also known as "Pointe de Pyramides" or "Utu Magalua" in Futunan.

These towering formations once served as boundary markers between the ancient kingdoms of Alo and Sigave, adding a fascinating layer of history to their already impressive presence.

Today, you can experience these geological marvels from two unique perspectives. Drive carefully between the rocks and the cliff edge for an up-close encounter that will leave you in awe of their sheer scale and dramatic positioning. Alternatively, view them from the water during boat tours, where their full majesty becomes apparent as they pierce skyward from the coastline.

The contrast between the jet-black volcanic rock and the surrounding landscape creates a photographer's paradise, whilst the historical significance adds cultural depth to your visit.

We love a tangible historical site at Wallis & Futuna Pocket Guide, and the Tongan Stairs or "Escaliers Tongiens" is another one of those attractions that we're delighted to stumble upon (or up or down).

These well-formed steps, carved directly into the rock on the mountain slopes, span 15-20 m (50-65 ft) and showcase incredible ancient craftsmanship.

According to local legend, these stone steps were hand-carved by Tongan workers for their king Saufekai, known as the Cannibal King. The stairs ascend alongside a taro plantation, offering glimpses of authentic island living as you climb.

You can easily combine this historical site with outdoor adventures, making it a perfect stop as you descend from the Mt Puke hike - see our Best Walks in Wallis and Futuna LINK#TTD131 guide.

There are two fascinating reasons why you should embark up (or drive up) this small mountain on Wallis. The first are the amazing motu and lagoon views from Mt Holo.

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.

Ah, royalty. It didn't have such a good time in France, but Wallis and Futuna are still having a ball with three different kings! The one on Uvea (Wallis) even has a palace to go with the title.

Built in 1876, this historically significant structure is where the most important political and traditional ceremonies of Wallis and Futuna take place.

Positioned directly beside the impressive Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral, the palace presents a striking sight with French and Wallisian flags fluttering proudly out front. The grassy area before the palace remains cordoned off for most of the year, allowing visitors to photograph the cross and flags from a respectful distance.

The palace truly comes alive during special celebrations such as the territorial feast day, the 14 July Bastille Day ceremony and traditional katoaga ceremonies. During these important events, the island's top authorities, from chiefs to bishops, gather ceremonially in front of the royal palace.