They installed the first chiefs, and called them the Uveas, which became the ruling dynasty of the two islands; they are based at Mata-Utu to this day.

During recent archaeological excavations of the area, fortifications built by the Tongans (circa the Middle Ages) were unearthed, at nearby Talierumu and Malama Tagata.

In the 19th century, Mata-Utu was developed into a town from a small village, by the French (who installed most of Wallis & Futuna's major facilities).

A small skirmish ensued, after which Vichy French dissidents were taken captive, and the island’s radio communications centre was overtaken.

[8] There are several small islets in the lagoon offshore beyond Mata-Utu Bay (Baie de Mata'utu), including Luaniva, Fugalei, Nukuhione, and Nukuhifala; the islets are a good place for ships to anchor as the shore at Mata-Utu Bay is not adequate for this purpose.

[11] Downtown Mata-Utu is dominated by the Matâ'Utu Cathedral, a French national monument, which bears the royal insignia of Wallis, a Maltese cross between its towers.

Within its vicinity there are, as well as several restaurants, the Au Bon Marche and Oceania market, hotels and the post office, and the simple Palace of the King of Uvéa, which features two-storey verandas adjoining the church.

The economy of the island is dependent on its chief produce of copra, cassava, yams, taro roots, and bananas.

[2] The Uvéa Shop sells cassettes of the music of the Wallisian singer and composer Palisio Tuauli of the band Talamohe.

[13] A cargo shipping service connects to Mata’Utu on Wallis and Leava on Futuna with Nouméa.

[2] The Hihifo Airport serves Mata’Utu and Wallis Island is 6 km (4 mi) northwest of the town.