WALLIS & FUTUNA (Pacific Islands)

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Uvea is the Polynesian name for Wallis Island, situated 340km east of Samoa and 3,000km north west of Tahiti. Wallis Island (Uvea) was uninhabited until the late 13th century when Tongan navigators landed. In 1942, both islands became part of the French colony and in 1958 the people chose to become an Overseas French Territory. Today the main language is French. The population which is mostly of Polynesian descent, is 9,708 on Wallis, and on Futuna 4,639 (1996).

The centre of Wallis Island is semi-desert with pandanus trees. The island is encircled by a lagoon some 50 kilometres by 95 square kilometres and seafood and fish are plentiful. Tourist attractions available on Wallis are a visit to the King's Palace and Cathedral, or Lalolalo, Kikila and Lanutavake Lakes and see the spectacular scenery. Visit Gahi Bay where the Americans landed and take a ride to motus where there are beautiful beaches.

On Futuna, there are beautiful beaches on the east coast and volcanoes in the centre, the biggest being Mt. Puke which reaches 760 metres into the sky with vegetation growing up each side. Tourist attractions are fairly limited but a visit to the sanctuary of St. Pierre Chanel or a trip to the uninhabited sister island of Alofi are worthwhile.

The holiday options & tourism choices are fairly limited on this tiny group of islands, partly because there are simply not enough visitors to warrant much tourist structure. There is no public transport or taxis on either island. Rental cars are available from Imidisser Garage and Dinh Francois. A relaxing island circuit by scooter is perhaps the best way to spend your time. Exploring archeological sites, hiking around the crater lakes and visiting the various churches are all recommended. Although there are good beaches, you have to make some effort to get to them. Still, lying under a palm tree is one of the essential Pacific activities, so get yourself out to Alofi or one of Wallis' lagoon islands.

A leisurely game of golf or Polynesian cricket or, if you're lucky, an invitation to share some kava with Futunan locals are probably the most typical local activities you might get involved in. Break up your physical exertions by partaking in the French-influenced cuisine and wine, but be warned, this sort of luxury in the middle of the Pacific Ocean doesn't come cheap.