Ouvea is nicknamed ‘paradise island’ because of its wonderfully gentle pace of life and its heavenly landscapes.
Ouvea, where there is no pollution, earns its living from fishing, producing coconut oil, and tourism. You will receive a unique welcome in Ouvea. There is only one road winding along the coast from North to South. 4300 inhabitants from Mare live on the island which is divided into three districts : Saint-Joseph, Fayaoue and Mouli.
Must do:
Mouli Bridge
The Mouli bridge was built in 1984 to link the main island to the isle of Mouli. It offers a magnificent view.
Saint Joseph Church
The Saint Joseph church was built in 1912 and is famous for its wooden vaulted ceiling and its sculpture of Christ made out of black kaori wood draped with a sarong.
Hanawa Blue Hole
Hanawa is located to the north of Wadrilla. The blue hole is in fact a hole filled with sea water where the local youngsters come to swim. It is a magnificent site. You need to get permission before going there.
Turtle Hole
Near Saint Joseph, you will see a small church. The narrow road on the right will lead you to another path (indicated by a little iron post) which will take you to Turtle Hole. The turtles come up to the surface to breathe when the water is calm. Children from the surrounding tribes come here to swim. You must obtain authorization before going there.
Lekiny Cliffs
Your guide, Felix Alosio, will take you to this spectacular cliff. You can climb up a ladder to the first level of the cliff where you can admire the whole Lekiny bay. Bring your snorkeling gear to make the most of the beautiful marine life. You must take a guide.
The Pleiades
The Pleiades are a string of small islands interspersed from the north to the south of the Ouvea. You need to call upon a guide’s services to organize this visit.
Fayaoue Beach
This beautiful beach is 25 km long and winds along the coast from Hanawa to the Mouli bridge. You will have the impression of being the only person in the whole of the world on this beach.
Coconut Oil Distillery and Ouvea Soap Works
In 1991 Ouvea launched its production of coconut oil. Today the island harvests large quantities of this natural oil which is transformed into biofuel to produce enough electricity for the whole island. Since 2001 the Ilaai soap works have been making soap with the natural fragrance of niaouli (similar to eucalyptus). Free visit: assembly point in the morning: Wadrilla quay.