Vainifao Waterfall

Futuna, unlike flat Wallis, is steep volcanic country with real streams running off the interior ridge, and the Vainifao falls into a pool in the forest partway up one of those valleys. The walk in follows the water, crossing and recrossing it, and takes the best part of an hour. The pool at the bottom is deep enough to swim in and the forest closes over the whole valley.

The landscape

• The fall - the water dropping into the pool below.
• The pool - the basin at the foot, deep enough to swim.
• The valley walk - the route in along and across the stream.
• The forest - the cover closing over the whole valley.

When to go

May to October is the drier season and the walking is easier. Volume is greatest after rain. Never go up the valley when heavy rain is about.

Things to know

The route follows the streambed and is slippery throughout; proper footwear matters. Streams here rise very fast in rain. There is no marked path and local guidance is worth having.

Nearby

Leava is west, and Alofi is southeast.