Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity and consists of two main island groups: the Wallis Islands (also known as Uvea) in the northeast and the Futuna Islands (including Futuna and Alofi) in the southwest. These islands are volcanic in origin and surrounded by stunning coral reefs.
The capital, Mata Utu, is situated on the island of Uvea. The total land area of the territory is about 142 square kilometers, and it has a relatively small population of around 11,000 people. French is the official language, but Wallisian and Futunan dialects are also widely spoken.
Wallis and Futuna is known for its rich Polynesian culture, traditional governance systems, and beautiful landscapes. It's a unique blend of French influence and local traditions, making it a hidden gem in the Pacific. The Wallis and Futuna islands were first settled around 800 B.C. by Polynesians, serving as a midpoint stopover between Fiji and Samoa. Around 1500 A.D., the Tongans invaded Wallis (Uvea), and established a chiefdom system similar to Tonga's. Futuna resisted Tongan settlement and maintained its own governance. Samoans later settled Futuna in the 1600s, creating a less centralized chiefdom system
European contact began in 1616 with Dutch explorers, followed by British explorer Samuel Wallis in 1767, after whom Wallis Island is named. French Catholic missionaries arrived in 1837, converting much of the population by the mid-1840s. In 1842, the King of Uvea requested French protection, leading to the establishment of a French protectorate in 1887. Futuna followed suit in 1888. During World War II, Wallis and Futuna initially sided with the Vichy regime but later aligned with Free French forces. In 1959, the islands voted to separate from New Caledonia and became a French overseas territory in 1961. Their status changed to an overseas collectivity in 2003.
Wallis and Futuna's cuisine is a fusion of Polynesian traditions and French influences.
Wallis and Futuna have markets and supermarkets, though they are relatively small and cater to the local population. Shopping hours are typically from early morning to midday and then from late afternoon to evening. Given most is imported expect to pay quite high prices. Station Max is a mall in Aka'aka, Wallis, and Futuna. JLS Magasins is a general food store including meat and grocery items.
Fenuarama Shopping Mall: Located in Mata Utu, Wallis, this is the only shopping mall in the territory. It includes a supermarket, shops selling traditional apparel, a hardware store, and more. The mall includes the Banque de Wallis et Futuna (BWF) headquarters, the Aircalin sales agency, the US Army Presence Museum. A bakery and a snack bar are also on hand if you’re feeling peckish!
Interwallis Supermarket: A popular supermarket in Wallis offering a wide range of products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, frozen foods, and baked goods.
Local
Markets: You can find smaller markets and stores across the islands,
selling local produce, seafood, and traditional goods. Markets feature locally
grown fruits like breadfruit, taro, papaya, mango, and coconut. These staples
are integral to the local diet and cuisine. Freshly caught fish, octopus, and
other seafood are often available. There is a monthly market in Fuga'Uvea at Tepa village
from 06:00 and 13:00, with handicrafts, jams, honey, fruit and
vegetables.
The islands are not frequently visited by cruising yachts, making them a unique and less crowded destination. The ideal time to sail around Wallis and Futuna is during the dry season, typically from May to October. This period offers calmer seas, pleasant trade winds, and less rainfall, making navigation easier. The wet season (November to April) can bring cyclones and rough weather, so it's best to avoid sailing during this time. Wallis and Futuna offers limited facilities for sailing yachts. During the trade wind season, Wallis and Futuna is a convenient stop-off destination sailors looking to complete the Pacific Ocean crossing. On landing in Wallis and Futuna, your first port-of-call must be the customs office, then on to the gendarmerie to complete all entry formalities. There are customs posts on Mata’Utu quayside in Wallis and Leava quayside in Futuna. Although a little further away, the gendarmerie offices are still an easy walk from the quayside.
Wallis Lagoon: The lagoon at Wallis is relatively easy to navigate, with several anchorages available. Gahi Bay is one of the most popular and well-protected spots for anchoring.
Day Anchorages: There are small islets within the lagoon that can be used as day anchorages, providing scenic and tranquil spots for yachts.
Futuna: While Futuna lacks a protected lagoon, there is an anchorage at Sigave Bay on the west coast.
If you need some attention then healthcare is free in Wallis and Futuna. The Agence de Sante (Healthcare Agency - ADS) operates two hospitals (Sia in Wallis and Kaleveleve in Futuna) and three dispensaries in the districts of Mua, Hahake and Hihifo (Wallis). You should dial 15 to call the emergency services.In the event of an emergency, the SIA hospital in Wallis and the Kaleveleve annex facility in Futuna will take care of you
The local mobile network is called Manuia. Only a handful of foreign mobile operators currently cover Wallis and Futuna (SaskTel, Digiciel, Orange, CSL, Telecom, OPT, Vodafone, Sunrise, Tikophone & TVL).
Go somewhere different, try Wallis and Futuna and get away from the crowds. Paradise is waiting.