During the heart of every voyage, you see land on the horizon. And sometimes, that land is different than originally planned. The winds shift, the stars don’t align the way you once thought they would — but the voyage continues all the same.
That land on the horizon, once meant to be Tokelau, has now taken shape as the French overseas territory of Wallis & Futuna.
Where the next chapter begins.
But before we journal — first things first.
Where Wallis & Futuna Is Located
Nestled within the vast web of islands that make up the Pacific Ocean is a small and often overlooked French overseas territory: Wallis & Futuna.
Most people have never even heard of this archipelago, so for reference, I often say — if you’ve heard of Tahiti, imagine something far smaller, far less known, and far removed from the typical travel path.
For me, that’s exactly the kind of place that calls.
A journey far beyond the beaten path — into a part of the Pacific where curiosity leads the way.
The Islands That Make Up Wallis & Futuna
Wallis & Futuna is made up of three main islands:
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‘Uvea (Wallis Island) — the main island, visitor hub, and cultural center where major events take place.
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Futuna — more rugged, more remote, and deeply rooted in traditional life.
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Alofi — an uninhabited island just off the coast of Futuna.
These islands are not only geographic — they are also part of a traditional kingdom structure that still exists today:
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Uvea Kingdom (Wallis)
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Sigave Kingdom (Futuna)
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Alo Kingdom (Futuna & Alofi)
This structure reflects a deeper layer of governance and identity that continues to shape life across the islands.
Credit: @Oceania_hit Instagram
Languages and Culture in Wallis & Futuna
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The islands are home to two Polynesian languages:
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Wallisian (‘Uvean)
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Futunan
Both languages are closely related to Tongan, reflecting the islands’ deep cultural ties across Polynesia.
However, unlike nearby places such as Samoa, Tokelau, or Tuvalu, French is widely spoken as the administrative and educational language due to its status as a French territory.
Historically, ‘Uvea mo Futuna has strong cultural links to Tonga, which continue to influence language, structure, and tradition today.
And while the islands are often grouped under ‘Polynesia,’ through the lens of One Ocean, One People, I see them as part of something broader: Oceania. Not separated by “-nesia,” but connected through ocean, culture, and shared ancestral ties.
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Credit: BBC
Why I Want to Visit Wallis & Futuna
This voyage is about more than simply visiting another Pacific island. It’s part of a much larger story unfolding across Oceania. ‘Uvea mo Futuna draws me in as a unique archipelago where culture has remained deeply rooted despite a colonial history with France. It also stands out because it remains unfamiliar to much of the world, including many other Pacific Islanders. As far as culture goes, I’m excited for:
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the dance traditions
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Futuna’s slower, more remote way of life
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the opportunity to immerse in practices such as:
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tapa (barkcloth)
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weaving
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language
- voyaging and the canoe
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wood carving
And most importantly, the chance to experience everyday island life.
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Best Time to Visit Uvea mo Futuna
Planning this voyage between June and August offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the islands’ most important celebrations.
These include:
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Bastille Day (July 14)
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Territorial Day (End of July)
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Assumption of Mary (August 15)
What Makes Wallis & Futuna So Remote
Part of what makes Wallis & Futuna so compelling is how little known it remains. Tourism is minimal, flights are limited, and Futuna in particular carries a strong sense of isolation. That remoteness is not a drawback to me — it’s part of the appeal.
I’ve already mentioned the cultural reasons I’m excited to visit, but another reason is its obscurity. It’s simply not a well-known destination. And being that far off the beaten path only feeds my curiosity even more.
This Voyage as Part of the Greater Oceania Story
This voyage is not a standalone trip, it’s a continuation of a greater story that is One Ocean, One People.
Having spent time in Hawai‘i, the Samoas, Tonga, Kiribati, Palau & more has shaped the way I move, listen, and learn.
Wallis & Futuna becomes another chapter in that larger arc and voyage. Through One Ocean, One People, the goal continues to bridge these islands through storytelling.
Final Thoughts Before the Voyage
There’s a certain kind of excitement that comes with stepping into the unknown.
Wallis & Futuna isn’t a place I fully understand yet — and that’s exactly why I’m drawn to it.
There’s curiosity around Futuna, anticipation for the culture, and a quiet understanding that this chapter will add something meaningful to the larger journey.
Each island has shaped the path in its own way.
And this one feels no different.
If anything, it feels like it’s waiting.
If This Work Matters to You
This work is part of One Ocean, One People, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to documenting and sharing Pacific Island cultures and stories. All support helps fund fieldwork, travel to remote islands, and the production of educational storytelling across Oceania.
If you’d like to follow future Pacific storytelling vlogs, short films, and documentaries as they unfold, you can subscribe to the YouTube channel here.
