Experience Kanak Culture and Village Life in Lifou

Immerse yourself in Lifou’s Kanak culture — visit traditional villages, meet local artisans, and share in the island’s ancestral traditions.

Discover the Heart of Lifou

Beyond its beaches and cliffs, Lifou’s true treasure is its people. The island is home to welcoming Kanak tribes who share their stories, traditions, and way of life with visitors. Villages like Hnathalo, Easo, and Xepenehe invite guests to experience cultural tours, weaving demonstrations, and traditional cooking.

Kanak Totem by David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The highlight of any visit is a bougna feast — a meal of yam, coconut milk, and seafood cooked underground in hot stones. It’s both delicious and deeply symbolic of community and respect.

Bougna Feast by Florent Foissac, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to Experience Kanak Hospitality

Stay in family-run accommodations like Chez Qaeko in Hnathalo or Chez Benoît Bonua in Xepenehe. Each provides a personal window into Kanak life, where guests are treated as family.

For a touch of comfort while staying close to local culture, Hotel Oasis de Kiamu offers excellent access to cultural tours and village excursions.