Fenua Fala

Fakaofo's original village sits on Fale, an islet so small and so densely built that there was simply nowhere left to put anything, so the community developed Fenua Fala across the lagoon and moved much of the atoll's life there: houses with room around them, the school, the hospital and space to plant. Boats cross between the two through the day and both are lived in.

What to look for

• The newer village - houses with space around them, unlike crowded Fale.
• The school and hospital - the atoll's main facilities on this islet.
• The lagoon crossing - the boats working between the two islets.
• The planting ground - room for gardens that Fale never had.

When to go

May to October is drier and calmer. Ships from Samoa run every few weeks at best. November to April is the cyclone season.

Practical notes

Getting to Tokelau means a sea voyage of well over a day from Samoa and sailings are infrequent. There is no tourist accommodation; stays are arranged with the community. Nothing here is set up for visitors.

Nearby

Fale islet is across the lagoon, and Nukunonu is northwest.

Key facts