10 things I wish I knew before going to Wallis and Futuna

travel to Wallis and Futuna? I am sure everyone would like to have a different experience in Wallis And Futuna, take many photos, and collect unforgettable memories. Where is Wallis and Futuna? What country controls Wallis and Futuna? What is the capital of Wallis and Futuna? What is the official language of Wallis and Futuna? I would like to inform you about these islands in more detail so that you know most of the answers before you go there.

1. Where is Wallis and Futuna?

The Wallis and Futuna Islands, which are the overseas territories of France, are a community of islands in the Pacific Ocean, between New Caledonia and French Polynesia. If you want a specific answer to the question "What country controls Wallis and Futuna?" the answer is France. The first thing you need to know about these islands is the answer to the question "Where is Wallis and Futuna?". Once you know the detailed answer, we can move on. A little bit about Wallis and Futuna facts: The current population of the Wallis and Futuna Islands is 11,163 as of November 2020, according to the latest United Nations estimates. The Wallis And Futuna Islands population is equivalent to 0.00014% of the total world population. The majority of the population on the island resides in Wallis Island. The remaining population density prefers the island of Futuna. Most of the Wallis and Futuna people living on the islands are Polynesian. However, a small number of French are living in the Wallis and Futuna Islands. Some of the island people, who are also French citizens, have immigrated to other countries for economic reasons. The official language of Wallis and Futuna is French. Other common languages are Wallisian and Futunan. The literacy rate among the Wallis and Futuna people is also very low.

2. The capital of Wallis and Futuna 

The capital of Wallis and Futuna is Mata-Utu, located on the island of Uvea. Located in the district of Hahake, it is one of two ports in Wallis and Futuna. Mata-Utu has a tropical climate which is typical for the Pacific Ocean. The average temperature during the day is between 28°C and 30°C, and it drops to around 24°C at night. The most famous monument in the city is the Mata-Utu Cathedral, the adjoining palace, and Mount Lulu Fakahega, where there is an old church.

3. Climate

The tropical climate is effective on the islands that win the admiration of the visitors with their stunning beaches and magnificent sea. A very hot climate welcomes us between November and April, while cool and dry weather conditions are encountered between May and October. Annual precipitation averages on the island between 2500 and 3000 mm. The humidity in the region is around 80%, and the annual average temperature is 26.6°C.

4. Places to see

How about compelling places to see when we travel to Wallis and Futuna? Mount Lulu-Fakakhega, Mont Puke, the coast of Wallis Island, Alofi Island, the coast of the island of Futuna, Ancient fortress-city Talietumu, Archaeological site of Tonga Toto, Church of Saint-Joseph, Church of Saint-Pierre-Chanel in Poy, and Cathedral of Mata-Utu are great places to get familiar with their culture, history, and nature.

5. Activities list

We also have a list of entertainment that you will not know how time flies. Dive into the Lalolalo crater lake Lake Lalolalo is a beautiful crater lake surrounded by jungle forest to the south-southwest of the Polynesian island of Wallis. There are rumours that at the end of WWII, the US military dumped equipment into the lake. Divers who dove into the lake have found a lot of WWII ammunition. Build muscle on the way to Nukuteatea If there is no boat to take a ride to the islets opposite the main islands, it is quite possible to get there by traditional pirogue with the help of the wind. Passengers can also take part and, in the event of dead calm, get on the pedals. Meditate in the Loka cave You can only get to the paradise island of Alofi opposite Futuna by boat. Then you will have to walk for an hour and a half or two to the Loka. This is a must-see place when you travel to Wallis and Futuna. Drink kava with the Wallis and Futuna people Kava is a drink made from the roots of local plants and served during political or religious ceremonies. Ten minutes after taking it, heart rate and breathing slow down, thoughts seem clear, and a feeling of well-being arises. For several hours, kava drinkers appear calm and contemplative. Note that in France, it is prohibited. Catch the rhythm of soamako During the traditional soamako, families gather to perform songs and dances together, including niutao, kailao, and kava dance, where synchronization of gestures is very important! These performances, accompanied by the sound of a tambourine or lali, depict long-standing tribal conflicts. Complete exoticism guaranteed. Take part in the katoaga ceremony During traditional ceremonies, the population "captures" the entire area. On Wallis, the katoaga are deeply rooted in culture. They are held during religious celebrations, family events, or secular holidays such as July 14th. Spend time on the deserted beaches of Nukuhione and Nukuhifala Nukuhione and Nukuhifala are two islets in Wallis and Futuna lagoon where you can go diving. You will find very few large predators here, but the coral reefs are so good that they alone are worth doing this long journey! There are also excellent beaches where you can indulge in idleness... Enjoy a sailing trip in the waters of the lagoon Of course, you can rent a sailboat to sail around Wallis and Futuna and visit the neighbouring islands. Better yet, do it with a six-seat Polynesian pirogue. The boat is oars, and the helmsman directs it. Experience the multicolour nature of Wallis Lagoon from an ultralight aircraft You can also discover the archipelago during an excursion over the lagoon with an ultralight aircraft. If you fly out at the right moment, at low tide, the shades of blue will simply overwhelm you! Play petanque (lipulu) with Futuna's children One can only marvel at the popularity of this entertainment on Wallis and Futuna. The number of petanque players in the archipelago is simply unimaginable. Playgrounds are arranged everywhere, both along the coast of the lagoon and in the depths of the islands. The population very welcomes the initiative... but it's better not to bet!

6. How to travel to Wallis and Futuna Islands?

One of the most suitable alternatives for travel to the Wallis and Futuna Islands is to travel to Fiji and transfer from here. As it is located at a very distant distance from the most popular locations, especially Europe, You also have the chance to reach the islands from Australia and New Zealand by transfer. Transportation between the islands is usually provided by boats.

7. Things to do

One of the best things to do in the Wallis and Futuna Islands is to enjoy the magnificent beaches and the sea known for its seductive beauty. You can swim all day in the bays of the islands extending to the endless blue, or you can dive and discover the living life under the sea.

8. Food

Among the food and beverage options, seafood and fish alternatives influenced by French culture come first. However, salads and appetizers prepared with vegetables grown on the islands are also very delicious. Wallis and Futuna is also the right place to taste many tropical fruits, especially coconut and pineapple. In Wallis and Futuna Islands, you can taste fruit juices prepared with tropical fruits to cool off, and you can try wine alternatives that are usually served at dinner.

9. Internet connection

There is still no telephone line and internet connection in some parts of the Wallis and Futuna Islands. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Wallis and Futuna, keep in mind that you may lose touch with the rest of the world for a while. Isn't it perfect and everything we dream of?

10. Interesting facts about Wallis and Futuna

Last but not least, interesting and very useful Wallis and Futuna facts that would be great to know: The Best Hiking Route in Wallis and Futuna: Wallis Hihifo - 2.64 kilometres, near: Malelapa, Uvea The Best Road Bike Routes in Wallis and Futuna: Wallis Hahake Mua - 27.57 kilometres, near: Halamaitai, Uvea Wallis Hahake Hihifo - 13.81 kilometres, near: Kafika Tu'utahi, Uvea The Best Walking Route in Wallis and Futuna: Alofi Beach Walk - 6.72 kilometres, near: Mua, Alo The Best Off-Road Bike Routes in Wallis and Futuna: Futuna Eastcoast - 40.83 kilometres, near: Nuku, Sigave Pool - Beach - Fia Fia - 10.4 kilometres, near: Tuatafa, Alo Futuna SW - 32.06 kilometers, near: Nuku, Sigave Futuna Highlands - 38.7 kilometres, near: Nuku, Sigave Futuna NE - 28.9 kilometers, near: Nuku, Sigave Sunset Beach - FiaFia Hotel - 4.53 kilometres, near: Pito, Sigave The Best Car Routes in Wallis and Futuna: Wallis Circle - 66.46 kilometres, near: Mala, Alo Wallis - 54.04 kilometres, near: Mala, Alo The Best Motorboat Routes in Wallis and Futuna: Bird Island - 6.74 kilometres, near: Suva, Uvea Alofi - 2.69 kilometers, near: Muli, Alo