At Baie de Saint-Maurice, a monument commemorates the island’s history; from the bay, the view stretches across the turquoise lagoon to Kutomo Island. In the village, there is also the church, the heritage-listed presbytery just to its right, and the path leading up to Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette. Vao can thus be explored through specific places, cultural connections and a short climb.

Church, Presbytery and the Path to Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette

The presbytery to the right of Vao’s church is heritage-listed. From the church, a path leads uphill to Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, passing to its left. The climb takes about ten minutes and offers a view. Plan the round trip as a separate activity and check the path conditions before your visit.

The Monument at Baie de Saint-Maurice

The monument commemorates the arrival on the island of Fathers Goujon and Chatelut, as well as the first Catholic service held there on 12 August 1848. It also symbolizes harmony between the island’s traditional beliefs and the Christian faith. The site therefore brings together a specific historical commemoration and cultural significance.

From Baie de Saint-Maurice, you can look out across the turquoise lagoon towards Kutomo. The monument and views of the landscape are thus part of the same visit to the bay. Visitors exploring Vao can experience the monument’s historical significance and the view across the water as two distinct aspects of this place.

Everyday Life and a Guided Stop in Vao

Depending on the day and time, the village may have small shops, a local market or informal stalls. They may offer seasonal fruit, snacks, chilled water or homemade specialities. What is available depends on the time; if you are looking for something specific, check what is on offer on the day of your visit.

Neutomo offers a half-day guided minibus excursion around Île des Pins, designed for friends or families and run in a vehicle with 8–9 seats. Participants learn about the island’s eight tribes, as well as their myths and legends. Stops include the village church in Vao and Baie de Saint-Maurice, with its monument featuring carved wooden totem poles. The current offering may change; check in advance whether the tour and the listed stops are available during your chosen dates.

More Destinations in the Wider Destination of L'île-Des-Pins

For a broader itinerary in the wider destination of L'île-Des-Pins, consider visiting other places and trying other activities. Baie d’Upi is in the southeast of L’Île des Pins. Visitors can take a traditional outrigger canoe, accompanied by a local piroguier. Knowledge of these canoes is passed down from generation to generation. At Piscine naturelle d’Oro, the focus is on relaxing and observing tropical fish with a mask, fins and snorkel. The two experiences therefore offer different activities: a guided canoe trip at Baie d’Upi or time spent snorkelling at Piscine naturelle d’Oro.

Grotte d’Oumagne, also called Grotte de la Reine Hortense, is in the north of L’Île des Pins. It should not be confused with Grotte de la Troisième: access is via a long, narrow forest road that can be driven, and the ground from there to the entrance is very uneven. Check access conditions locally, especially in wet weather.

Kuu-Oro Transport offers tours of the natural and cultural sights of L’Île des Pins. Departures are available from the wharf or the airstrip; booking is recommended. Compare the location of a specific offer with the places you want to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: La Tontouta, Plum, Bouloupari, Nouméa, Yate, Sarraméa, Bourail, Dumbéa.

Back to the wider travel overview: South Province.