Fakaofo

Fakaofo is the southernmost atoll of Tokelau and its historical centre, the seat of the Tui Tokelau whose coral slab still stands on the old village islet of Fale. Most people now live on Fenuafala, the larger islet across the lagoon, where the school and the hospital are. Fale itself is built to the water's edge and has almost no ground left over. The lagoon is crossed by aluminium boat several times a day. There is no airport anywhere in Tokelau, so a visit begins with a sea crossing of about a day from Samoa.