Mata-Utu is the capital and main port of Wallis, centred on a blue volcanic-stone cathedral built from 1952 to 1959. It is also home to the king of Uvea, the diocese and the Uvea Museum Association's wartime museum. There is no taxi service, so plan to hire a car, and we found no market with listed days or hours.
Things to do ·
Mata-Utu guide: cathedral, museum, wharf, food and services
A walking guide to Mata-Utu, the capital of Wallis: cathedral, royal palace, museum, wharf, banks, car hire, places to eat and what we could not confirm.
01
Mata'Utu capital: what it is
Mata'Utu is the capital and main port of Wallis, in the Hahake district. It is the seat of Uvea's king, the Lavelua, and the seat of the Catholic diocese. Queen Amelia, who reigned from 1869 to 1895 and converted to Catholicism, had a royal palace and a cathedral built at the capital. The present cathedral dates from the 1950s.
Five of the seven accommodation listings on Wallis are in Mata'Utu or neighbouring Aka'aka. If you want to visit Mata-Utu as a base, this guide covers what is on foot and what is a short drive away.
02
The cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
The cathedral is the town's landmark. It was built from 1952 to 1959 in blue volcanic stone, with two towers and a Maltese cross, and holds a royal tomb inside. Visitors should remove hats in churches and dress appropriately; a guide advises covering shoulders and knees, which you should confirm locally.
Feast days and large occasions always include mass.
03
The royal palace and the kingdom of Uvea
Wallis is one of three customary kingdoms. The king of Uvea holds the title Lavelua, and the capital is Mata'Utu. Royal and customary life continues alongside the French administration, and the State pays the kings an allowance under the 1961 statute. The tourism board stresses that the islands were never colonised, being a protectorate by treaty; that is the board's own wording.
We found no visiting information for the palace itself, so treat it as something to see from the outside and ask locally about access.
04
Uvea Museum Association: wartime Wallis
The Uvea Museum Association museum in Mata'Utu opened in 2006 and is dedicated to the Second World War on Wallis. The association also holds the first 16 mm colour film of dance on Wallis, recorded in 1943. The board lists the museum as appointment only, with a maximum of 15 people, so contact them in advance through the board.
The Free French aviso Chevreuil reached Mata'Utu on 27 May 1942, and Wallis rallied to Free France. American forces arrived in late May 1942, and about 6,000 US troops were stationed on Wallis at the peak.
05
The wharf, the bank and other services
Mata'Utu has the wharf in the picture below. The only retail bank in the territory is the Bank of Wallis and Futuna, with three ATMs on Wallis; we do not know which towns they are in, so check before you rely on one. Many shops lack card terminals and there is no exchange office at Hihifo airport, so change money before you arrive.
SIM cards are sold at SPT offices. Ask locally for shop and post office hours.
Car hire is essential because there is no public transport and no taxis. Haviti Location, Eden SARL and Siokivaka are listed in Mata'Utu, and Haviti has a desk at the airport. Daily rates depend on the car and the firm, so ask for a current quote when you book.
06
Mata-Utu market and where to eat
We could not find a market in Mata-Utu with days and hours on any board page, so we will not invent one.
The board lists these places to eat: Angelus Garden, Maloccino, Pizzeria Lelei and UGATAI Bakery in Mata'Utu.
07
Where to stay and day trips
Mata'Utu accommodation includes Auberge Tanoa (a backpacker-style inn), Gîte Oceania above the Teone snack bar, and Hotel Ulukula with a restaurant. Hotel Lomipeau is about 800 m from town. Listings say there are no dedicated online booking sites, so contact the properties directly; rates on the board pages are undated.
Mata-Utu things to do beyond the town include Talietumu, about 9 km southwest, Lake Lalolalo, and Mont Lulu for sunset. A coastal drive round the whole island is about 35 km. We do not have a printed Mata-Utu map; ask your accommodation for a local one.
Questions people ask.
- What is the capital of Wallis and Futuna?
- Mata'Utu, on Wallis, is the capital and main port. The seat of the Catholic diocese and the Lavelua, the king of Uvea, are also here.
- What is there to see in Mata'Utu?
- The blue volcanic-stone cathedral built from 1952 to 1959, the Uvea Museum Association museum on wartime Wallis, the wharf, and the town as the starting point for trips round Wallis.
- Is there a market in Mata'Utu?
- We found no market with days or hours on any official board page.
- Can I get a taxi in Mata'Utu?
- No. There is no public transport and no taxis on Wallis, so you need a hire car, and Haviti Location has a desk at the airport.
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