8 Things to Do in Wallis & Futuna on a Rainy Day

As cliché as it may be, huddling in a museum is still a totally fun and viable way to spend a rainy day on Wallis. This is especially true for the Uvea Museum Association, which offers guided tours of World War Two artefacts.

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.

A rainy day is, indeed, the perfect time to discover Wallis and Futuna's cultural hidden gem, Le Petit Musée des Fagāna.

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.

That's right, even Futuna has a small museum with some incredibly interesting artefacts, whether you're drawn by archaeology or religion. Spending some time at the pilgrimage site of Poï Basilica is worthwhile, especially on a rainy day.

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.

Do you know what else is undercover and out of the rain? Shops. Wallis and Futuna's shopping scene perfectly captures the laid-back island vibe whilst keeping things refreshingly real.

Shopping here is beautifully intimate and personal; most places are family-owned businesses where you'll chat directly with the owners. It's that community-focused atmosphere that's become so rare these days, where popping in for something becomes a genuine conversation about island life rather than just another transaction.

The craft and souvenir scene is where things get really exciting, focusing heavily on locally-made treasures that make for genuine island-style gifts. You'll find traditional wear and handcrafted items that truly reflect Polynesian culture, plus some unique modern stores that bring traditional motifs into contemporary gifts and homeware.

Location: Various locations throughout Tutuila. Check out the 5 Best Shops to Buy Souvenirs in Wallis and Futuna for recommendations and their locations.

Price: $$

Join an authentic kava session at a Fale Tauasu, the proper Futunan name for what might be known in plain terms as a kava bar.

These traditional fale structures are distinctly different from anything you'll encounter on Wallis.

Positioned strategically opposite churches (perhaps so God can keep an eye on proceedings!), these community gathering spots come alive after dark. Local men sit cross-legged on woven mats, sharing shells of earthy kava while discussing island life, politics and everything in between.

While traditionally a male-dominated activity, women tourists are warmly welcomed to participate. You'll learn proper kava etiquette: remove your shoes before stepping on the mats, sit respectfully during introductions, drink the entire shell before returning it and be prepared to introduce yourself as locals will be genuinely intrigued about your story.

The best way to join a tauasu is to simply ask around; at your hotel, taxi boat or whoever you will meet. It won't be long until you find a regular tauasu-goer who will be happy to invite you along.

Pray for the rain to pass at one of Wallis and Futuna’s enchanting church services.

Whatever the weather, the powerful harmonies echoing across the churches on a Sunday are an experience not to be missed.

Don your most church-appropriate attire (cover your knees) and head to one of the cathedrals or basilicas across the island, typically with a Sunday 7 am service, or evening services throughout the week.

If you don't make it on time, simply popping your head into the territory's grand chapels, cathedrals and the basilica can be enchanting enough to admire the interior architecture.

Location: All over Wallis and Futuna! Check out the 10 Best Churches in Wallis & Futuna to Experience as a Visitor for church recommendations.

Price: Free

No one is above a rainy day snorkel! Since you’re going to get wet anyway, why not head out with your snorkelling gear and meet the fish?

With sheltered waters within the Wallis Lagoon, bad weather doesn't typically affect snorkelling conditions too much, and the taxi boats to the motu will not run in bad weather, in turn, ensuring you can't head out if the weather is too bad.

Over in Futuna, as long as you're swimming at high incoming tide and the conditions aren't raging, you have some great options for snorkelling at Vele Beach, Alofitai Beach and Piscine Bleue.

Check out all of the snorkelling spots in The Best Snorkelling in Wallis and Futuna: Top 10 Places to Snorkel.

Location: See the links above for locations.

Price: Free or $$

While a pretty obvious thing to do, it can’t be denied that huddling under the shelter of a restaurant while gorging on island cuisine isn’t a bad way to spend a rainy day.

Whatever your vibe and budget, Wallis and Futuna has the cafes and restaurants to suit you. The list is too extensive to go through here, but you can check out recommendations in The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: See the links above for locations.

Price: $