Leava

Leava is the chief village of Sigave, one of the two kingdoms on Futuna, sitting on the southwestern coast where the wharf is and where ships come in. It is the busiest place on the island, which means a church, a few shops, the administration and houses along the shore road, with the interior ridge rising steeply behind and the sea in front. Futuna has no lagoon and no protecting reef to speak of.

What you actually see

• The wharf - the landing where ships come in to the island.
• The church - the building at the centre of the village.
• The shore road - the strip of houses and shops along the water.
• The ridge behind - the steep interior rising directly above the village.

When to go

May to October is the drier season. Ship and flight schedules govern movement. November to April is the cyclone season.

Honest expectations

There is very little built for visitors and accommodation is limited to a handful of options. Getting to Futuna means a flight from Wallis on a small aircraft with a limited schedule. Sunday is observed strictly.

Nearby

Alofi is southeast, and the Vainifao valley is inland.