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 Fakaofo : Fakaofo is a grouping of 62 islets with a large lagoon and plenty of swimming and diving opportunities. Interestingly, the largest concentration of Tokelauans here has forced locals to expand property lines onto the reefs themselves. The main fale fono, or village hall, is a fine example of traditional construction and has a coral slab honoring Tui Tokelau, the island’s patron god. |
 Atafu: Atafu is the most traditional of the island groupings, with a third of the nation’s population. There are 42 islets, with swimming and snorkeling popular pastimes, and alcohol is limited. Bring a pair of watersocks, as you can walk across the reefs between the main islets. |
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Beds: Arrange for your accommodation ahead of time, as rooms are basic, scarce and limited, although camping, with the appropriate permissions, is allowed on the remote islands.
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Local Customs: Among some of the customs: conservative dress is more acceptable, remove your shoes when visiting a home, and cross your legs while sitting. Leave fallen coconuts and other fruit where it lays, as locals eke as much as they can from the limited land.
When To Visit: April to October has the best overall weather for visiting which tends to be a little drier and cooler than the rest of the year.
Food: Tokelauan food is based on the local produce, including kumala, a type of sweet potato, breadfruit, taro, pork, chicken and seafood. The traditional meal is usually cooked in an umu, an earthen oven, although kerosene cooking is more common, as are more contemporary foods. Drinkable water, usually rainwater, is scarce, and substituted by beer or kaleva, sour toddies made from fermented coconut sap.
Phrases: Some local terms include maopoopo, or village unity, and Faka Tokelau, the Tokelauan way of life, both important in the islander’s identity.
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Tokelau
