A beach fale is a simple thatched hut in the architecture of Samoa. Beach fales are also common in other parts of Polynesia. They have become popular in tourism as a low budget accommodation situated by the coast, built with a few posts, no walls and a thatched roof with a round or oval shape. The word (pronounced fah-leh) is the Samoan word for any type of building. A similar word is used in other Polynesian languages, for example whare in the Māori language. In the Samoan language, these simple huts are called . They are common in villages where they provide extra storage or space for dragon boats. Beach fale are usually located around the coast in villages. In Samoa, renting out a beach fale to visitors is a common means for providing extra income for families. Gallery Fale tele In comparison to beach fale, this is a large traditional Samoan house, fale tele which serves as a meeting house or guest house. References External links Samoa Tourism Authority Beach houses House types Huts Pavilions Thatched buildings Samoan culture American Samoan culture Samoan words and phrases