The Samoan fale
Tropical living in the South Seas
Typical Polynesian straw huts are called fale. The ground plan is usually oval in shape, and large tree trunks support a leaf-covered roof. The islands sometimes experience strong winds, so, to prevent damage, the roof is shaped like a tortoise’s shell, giving the wind nothing to get hold of. The houses are usually open at the sides, even at night. The "walls" consist of plaited mats that are rolled up and only let down in rain or strong wind.
The Samoan fale at Tropical Islands is a sort of community centre for a number of villages. It is unusually large, each of the 28 beautifully carved wooden pillars standing for one of the family groups.
The Tropical Islands fale was constructed with the assistance of the Samoan Tourist Authority.