Tuvalu · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Tuvalu
Tuvalu is small and quiet, but its best experiences are easy to miss without local knowledge. These are the islets, churches, dances, food, events and stays worth knowing, across Funafuti, its protected lagoon and the outer islands.
Places to Visit in Funafuti
Things to Do
- Funafuti airstrip evening gathering (Fongafale)
When no plane is due, the runway fills with volleyball, football, joggers and families enjoying the cooler evening air. - Scooter ride the length of Fongafale (Fongafale)
Hiring a scooter from your guesthouse and riding end to end is the easiest way to see daily island life. - Cycling the main road (Fongafale)
Flat roads and short distances make Funafuti ideal for a slow bicycle tour. - Borrow pits walk (Fongafale)
The pits dug for the wartime runway were filled in recently, and the change tells a story about reclaimed land. - Funafuti land reclamation viewpoint (Fongafale lagoon side)
The newly built land along the lagoon shows how Tuvalu is adapting to rising seas. - Te Ano ball game (Fongafale)
Tuvalu's traditional team ball game is played at festivals and is great fun to watch. - Sunset over the lagoon (Vaiaku lagoon shore)
The western sky over the lagoon turns gold and pink almost every evening. - Fishing trip on the lagoon (Funafuti Lagoon)
Local boat owners sometimes take visitors out trolling for tuna or reef fish. - Snorkelling off the lagoon shore (Vaiaku)
Calm, warm and shallow lagoon water makes it easy to snorkel straight from the beach. - Talamoana and Nivaga wharf watching (Fongafale wharf)
Watching the government ship load cargo and passengers bound for the outer islands is a slice of real island life. - Volleyball on the runway (Fongafale)
Join a friendly game of volleyball in the evening, everyone is welcome. - Stargazing on the runway (Fongafale)
With little light pollution, late night skies over the runway are full of stars. - Pulaka pit garden visit (Fongafale)
Ask politely to see the deep pits where islanders grow swamp taro. - Kids' football on the runway (Fongafale)
Children's football is a cheerful sight at dusk.
Nature and Outdoors
- Funafuti Lagoon (Fongafale lagoon side)
The vast turquoise lagoon is the heart of Funafuti, perfect for a calm late afternoon swim off the lagoon shore. - Ocean side reef at Fongafale (Fongafale ocean side)
Walk across the narrow islet to see Pacific surf crashing on the reef just metres from the lagoon. - Northern tip of Fongafale (Tengako)
Ride to the quiet north end of the islet where the road thins out and the lagoon and ocean nearly meet. - Southern tip of Fongafale (Fongafale south)
The far southern end beyond the town has empty shoreline and wide views across the lagoon. - Lagoon side swimming at Vaiaku (Vaiaku)
The most convenient swim spot, a short walk from the hotel and guesthouses. - Funafala islet (Southern Funafuti lagoon)
A small village islet at the southern end of the lagoon with quiet beaches, reachable by boat. - Amatuku islet (Northern Funafuti lagoon)
Home of the Tuvalu Maritime Training Institute, with calm water and a peaceful atmosphere. - Tepuka islet (Western Funafuti lagoon)
White sand and clear lagoon water make Tepuka a favourite day trip by boat.
Arts and Culture
- Fale Kaupule (Vaiaku)
The Funafuti island council meeting house is a fine example of a traditional open sided maneapa. - Fetu Ao Lima Church (Fakaifou)
The large Church of Tuvalu building is the place to hear powerful hymn singing on a Sunday morning. - Tuvalu Government Building (Vaiaku)
The modern three storey government building near the airport houses parliament and the ministries. - Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau (Vaiaku)
Tuvalu's colourful postage stamps are prized by collectors and make a light, authentic souvenir. - Tuvalu National Library and Archives (Vaiaku)
A small but important collection on the history, language and culture of the islands. - Funafuti maneapa fatele night (Vaiaku)
A fatele, the fast paced Tuvaluan dance and drumming, is the most joyful thing you can witness here. - Tuvalu Women's Handicraft Centre (Vaiaku near the airport)
Woven fans, mats, shell necklaces and pandanus bags made by women from across the islands. - Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project sites (Fongafale)
Learn how the country is building land and seawalls to face sea level rise. - Sunday church service (Funafuti)
Visitors are welcome at Sunday services, dress modestly and enjoy the harmonies.
Shopping and Markets
- Handicraft stalls at the airport (Vaiaku)
On flight days, local women sell shell jewellery and weaving right outside the terminal. - Morning bakery runs (Fongafale)
Small bakeries sell soft island bread and buns early in the day, a favourite local breakfast. - Tuvalu stamps and coins (Vaiaku)
Tuvaluan coins with island designs are a neat keepsake.
Events
- Tuvalu Independence Day (Vaiaku)
On 1 October the whole capital turns out for parades, feasts, sport and dancing. - Gospel Day (Funafuti)
Each May churches across Tuvalu celebrate the arrival of Christianity with services, singing and feasts. - National Children's Day (Funafuti)
Families celebrate children with church services, games and gifts in October. - Christmas and New Year celebrations (Funafuti)
The festive season brings week long dancing competitions, church events and family feasts. - Island community days at the maneapa (Funafuti)
Each outer island community in Funafuti holds its own celebrations, often open to respectful guests.
Restaurants
- Funafuti Lagoon Hotel restaurant (Vaiaku)
The government owned hotel's restaurant faces the lagoon and serves fish, chicken and rice dishes. - Filamona Moonlight Hotel restaurant (Vaiaku)
A popular place for simple island and Chinese style meals near the airport. - Takeaway lunch boxes (Fongafale)
Small shops sell plates of rice, fried fish, chicken and chop suey that locals grab at lunchtime. - Pulaka dishes at a family feast (Funafuti)
Pulaka, the swamp taro grown in pits, is the true taste of Tuvalu and best tried at a community feast. - Fresh tuna sashimi (Funafuti)
Raw tuna with lime and coconut is a beloved island dish, often served at gatherings. - Lagoon side dinner at sunset (Vaiaku)
Ask your guesthouse about an evening meal by the water as the sun goes down. - Chinese restaurants of Fongafale (Fongafale)
A handful of family run Chinese restaurants offer filling noodles and stir fries. - Coconut crab at a feast (Funafuti)
On special occasions the rich, sweet coconut crab is a highlight of the table.
Cafés
- Fresh toddy from a palm (Funafuti)
Kaleve, sweet sap from the coconut palm, is drunk fresh and fizzy in the morning. - Green drinking coconuts (Funafuti)
A chilled young coconut is the best refreshment in the midday heat. - Coffee at your guesthouse (Vaiaku)
Café culture barely exists, so morning coffee is usually an easy chat with your hosts. - Island donuts and pancakes (Fongafale)
Small stalls and stores sell fried pancakes, a sweet breakfast favourite.
Bars and Nightlife
- Funafuti Lagoon Hotel bar (Vaiaku)
The hotel bar is one of the few places for a cold drink overlooking the lagoon. - Sour toddy among friends (Funafuti)
Fermented toddy is shared at gatherings, take it slowly and follow your hosts' lead.
Stays
- Funafuti Lagoon Hotel (Vaiaku)
Tuvalu's main hotel sits beside the lagoon within walking distance of the airport. - Filamona Moonlight Hotel (Vaiaku)
A friendly family run hotel close to the runway and the government building. - Esfam Lodge (Vaiaku)
A simple, well known guesthouse popular with visiting officials and travellers. - Island homestays (Funafuti)
Some families host visitors, a warm way to see daily life, arranged through local contacts.
Places to Visit in Funafuti Conservation Area
Nature and Outdoors
- Funafuti Conservation Area (Western Funafuti lagoon)
The protected reef, lagoon and islets offer the best snorkelling and wildlife in the country. - Tepuka Vili Vili islet (Funafuti Conservation Area)
A beautiful islet with sand, palms and calm swimming, often a focus of day trips. - Fualopa islet (Funafuti Conservation Area)
A small vegetated islet where seabirds nest in the quiet of the protected zone. - Fuafatu islet (Funafuti Conservation Area)
Uninhabited and peaceful, a fine place to sit under the palms and watch the reef. - Vasafua islet (Funafuti Conservation Area)
A tiny islet whose shrinking shore tells a vivid story about storms and rising seas. - Fualefeke islet (Funafuti Conservation Area)
Part of the protected zone with clear water and a chance to see seabirds. - Green turtle spotting (Funafuti Conservation Area)
Turtles feed in the protected waters and are often seen when snorkelling. - Snorkelling the reef edge (Funafuti Conservation Area)
Clear water, coral and reef fish make this the highlight of a Funafuti stay. - Seabird watching (Funafuti Conservation Area)
Noddies, terns and frigatebirds roost on the vegetated islets. - Lagoon sandbars at low tide (Funafuti Conservation Area)
Brilliant white sandbars appear and vanish with the tide.
Things to Do
- Conservation Area boat trip (Funafuti Conservation Area)
A day by boat to the protected islets is the best outing in Tuvalu, arranged through the conservation office or your lodging. - Picnic on a deserted islet (Funafuti Conservation Area)
Pack lunch and spend the afternoon on an empty beach with no one else in sight.
Places to Visit in Nanumea
Arts and Culture
- Nanumea Church (Nanumea village)
The striking church with its tall tower is one of the most impressive buildings in Tuvalu. - Nanumea maneapa (Nanumea village)
The community meeting house where elders gather and feasts are held.
Things to Do
- Second World War airstrip remains (Nanumea)
Nanumea hosted an American airbase, and traces of it remain in the bush. - Wartime landing craft wreck (Nanumea reef)
A rusting landing craft from the war lies in the shallows. - Fishing with locals (Nanumea)
If invited, joining a fishing trip is an unforgettable experience.
Nature and Outdoors
- Nanumea lagoon (Nanumea)
A beautiful lagoon on the northern most atoll of Tuvalu. - Lakena islet (Nanumea)
The second islet of the atoll, with taro pits and quiet shoreline.
Restaurants
- Fresh fish and pulaka meals (Nanumea)
Expect home cooked fish, breadfruit and taro with your hosts.
Places to Visit in Nukufetau
Things to Do
- Motulalo wartime airstrip (Nukufetau)
The atoll hosted a Second World War airfield whose outline can still be traced. - Church service on Nukufetau (Nukufetau)
Sunday services with strong singing are the centre of the week.
Nature and Outdoors
- Nukufetau lagoon (Nukufetau)
A large and beautiful lagoon with many islets. - Lagoon islets of Nukufetau (Nukufetau)
Uninhabited islets with sandbars and seabirds.
Arts and Culture
- Nukufetau maneapa (Nukufetau village)
The heart of community life, where visitors are welcomed.
Restaurants
- Island feast food (Nukufetau)
Coconut crab, fish and pulaka are served at gatherings.
Places to Visit in Vaitupu
Arts and Culture
- Motufoua Secondary School (Vaitupu)
Tuvalu's oldest secondary school has shaped generations of leaders. - Vaitupu maneapa (Vaitupu village)
A large community hall where dancing and feasts take place.
Nature and Outdoors
- Vaitupu lagoon (Vaitupu)
The largest island by land area has an enclosed lagoon and lush vegetation.
Things to Do
- Walking the island tracks (Vaitupu)
Shady tracks wind through coconut and breadfruit groves.
Restaurants
- Breadfruit and fish dinner (Vaitupu)
Breadfruit cooked in many ways is a staple here.
Shopping and Markets
- Local handicrafts (Vaitupu)
Weaving and fans are made by village women's groups.
Places to Visit in Nukulaelae
Nature and Outdoors
- Nukulaelae lagoon (Nukulaelae)
A pristine lagoon on a quiet south eastern atoll. - Fangaua islet (Nukulaelae)
The main village islet, peaceful and green.
Arts and Culture
- Nukulaelae church (Nukulaelae)
The church remembers the island's turbulent history with the 1860s slave traders. - Nukulaelae maneapa (Nukulaelae)
The meeting house at the heart of the village.
Places to Visit in Nui
Nature and Outdoors
- Nui lagoon (Nui)
A gentle atoll where the people speak a language related to Kiribati's.
Arts and Culture
- Nui maneapa (Nui)
The community hall that welcomes guests on special occasions.
Places to Visit in Niutao
Nature and Outdoors
- Niutao island (Niutao)
A reef island with inland lakes and a close knit community.
Places to Visit in Niulakita
Nature and Outdoors
- Niulakita island (Niulakita)
The southern most and smallest island, seldom visited.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Fusi Alofa store (Vaiaku, Funafuti)
The co-operative store is where locals stock up on groceries, water and household basics. - Funafuti fish market at the wharf (Fongafale wharf, Funafuti)
Buy freshly caught reef fish and tuna straight from the boats when they come in. - Second World War plane wreck remains (Fongafale, Funafuti)
Rusting remnants of the American wartime base still turn up around the islet if you ask locals where to look. - Funafuti Day (Funafuti, Funafuti)
The island's own day brings feasting and fatele in the Funafuti maneapa. - Tuvalu Games (Funafuti, Funafuti)
The inter island sports competition draws crowds for football, volleyball and athletics. - Te Mataeliga Restaurant (Fongafale, Funafuti)
A small local eatery that comes and goes, ask around for its current hours. - Weekend dance nights (Fongafale, Funafuti)
Community halls sometimes host dances on Friday and Saturday nights, ask locally. - Filamona bar (Vaiaku, Funafuti)
A low key spot for a quiet evening drink near the runway. - Hideaway Guesthouse (Fongafale, Funafuti)
A small guesthouse on the lagoon side with a quiet, local feel. - Afelita Island Resort (Funafuti lagoon islet, Funafuti)
A rustic islet retreat across the lagoon for those wanting real seclusion. - Te Fale Fono (Vaiaku, Funafuti)
Tuvalu's parliament sits in a country where every member is elected as an independent. - Funafuti Kaupule conservation office (Vaiaku, Funafuti Conservation Area)
Learn the rules of the protected zone and how local people manage it. - Kayaking the lagoon (Funafuti Conservation Area, Funafuti Conservation Area)
Calm mornings are ideal for paddling if your lodging can find a kayak. - Nanumea Day (Nanumea, Nanumea)
The island's own celebration brings dancing, feasting and sport. - Island guesthouse on Nanumea (Nanumea, Nanumea)
Accommodation is a simple kaupule or family guesthouse arranged before arrival. - Nukufetau Day (Nukufetau, Nukufetau)
An island celebration with dancing and feasts. - Nukufetau guesthouse (Nukufetau, Nukufetau)
Basic local lodging, arranged through the island council before you travel. - Vaitupu Day (Vaitupu, Vaitupu)
A day of island pride with fatele and sport. - Vaitupu guesthouse (Vaitupu, Vaitupu)
Simple lodging run by the island community. - Nukulaelae homestay (Nukulaelae, Nukulaelae)
Lodging is usually with a family, arranged in advance. - Nukulaelae Day (Nukulaelae, Nukulaelae)
An island holiday of feasts and dancing. - Nanumaga underwater caves (Nanumaga, Nanumaga)
Divers have reported ancient human traces in the island's submerged caves.