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Funafuti

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At a glance

Country
Tuvalu
Region
Funafuti
Population
6,000
Best time to go
May to October
Main airport
Funafuti International (FUN)
Coordinates
8.52°S, 179.20°E

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Overview

Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu, one of the smallest and least visited countries in the world. It is an atoll, a thin ring of islets around a huge lagoon, with most people living on the narrow strip of Fongafale.

Life is slow and community-centred. There are no big sights, but the lagoon is beautiful, the islets of the conservation area are wild and peaceful, and visitors are rare enough to be warmly received.

Things to see

  • Funafuti Lagoon
    Photo: lirneasia, CC BY 2.0

    Funafuti Lagoon

    A vast, sheltered lagoon of turquoise water, best seen from the shore at sunset.

  • Funafuti Conservation Area
    Photo: NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat , Public domain

    Funafuti Conservation Area

    A protected stretch of reef and uninhabited islets on the western side of the atoll.

  • Fongafale

    The main islet, home to government offices, churches, the market and most of the population.

  • The runway
    Photo: Michael Coghlan, CC BY-SA 2.0

    The runway

    When no planes are due, the airstrip becomes the town's playing field, promenade and evening meeting place.

Things to do

  • Boat trip to the conservation area
    Photo: NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat , Public domain

    Boat trip to the conservation area

    Snorkel coral reefs and walk deserted islets with seabirds and coconut palms.

  • Cycle Fongafale

    Rent a bicycle or scooter and ride the length of the islet, ocean on one side, lagoon on the other.

  • Watch a fatele
    Photo: JialiangGao, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Watch a fatele

    If you are lucky, catch this traditional Tuvaluan dance at a community celebration.

Where to stay

Getting around

Fongafale is small and flat, so bicycles and scooters are the usual way around. Boats are needed for other islets.

Flights from Fiji land a few times a week; the airport is in the middle of town, walking distance from most places to stay.

When to go

May to October is drier and slightly cooler. November to April is the wetter season, with a risk of cyclones.

Plan your trip to Funafuti

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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