The Islands are not promoted as top tourist destination, but Wallis and Futuna travel has its special flavor and charm. Few people here speak English, and although the locals speak French, yet only some of them use it as a first language. Although Wallis and Futuna belong to France for many years, French influence can hardly be felt. Polynesian traditions and culture are still predominant on the islands.
Wallis and Futuna travel is a unique choice for travelers who wish to experience remote destination washed by warm Pacific Ocean and lit by tropical sun. Wallis and Futuna travel is a trip to a different world, distant and isolated, with friendly people keeping old folk traditions, growing crops, going fishing, singing and dancing when they are free from their work.
Wallis is the most populated and busiest island. It is home to Wallis and Futuna capital, Mata Utu, where you can find quite modern restaurants, shops, hotels and the Uvea Shopping Center. For entertainment, it offers several discos as well as marvelous archeological sites for discovery.
The travelers find it exciting to visit Talietumu, a giant and wonderfully restored archaeological site, which is a fortified Tongan settlement dating from around 1450 AD. A massive defensive wall surrounds tree-dotted lawns and several other structures, including large platforms and a circular stockade base.
Wallis is also rich in crater lakes, which are very spectacular and beautiful. One of the most scenic lakes is Lake Lalolalo, deep-watered circle surrounded by almost falling down rocky cliffs.
Comfortable accommodations are available at Hotel l'Albatros, located near the Wallis airport. The hotel is small and offers only three bungalows and four single rooms thus advanced reservations are recommended.
Futuna is sleepier than Wallis is. It preserves Samoan traditions such as ceremonial kava drinking, dancing and tapa making and has a few churches the residents visit on Sundays. Both islands have rich music tradition. Futuna also has several small hotels with basic facilities.
The perfect season for Wallis and Futuna travel is from May to October, when the temperature is around 25 C. November to April is hot rainy season abundant in storms and heavy rains.
The only regular flights to Wallis and Futuna Islands are available from New Caledonia and French Polynesia, the other two French territories. The New Caledonian airline, Aircalin, has direct flights to Wallis from Nouma and Nadi. Flights to Noumea can be booked from all major international hubs via the Discover France Travel Center.
Wallis and Futuna each have an airport and commuter flights are organized from Wallis to Futuna. Flights between the islands can be booked directly from the Aircalin (Air Caledonie (Aircalin)International) web site.