According to Wikipedia,
A ”’palapa”’ (a Spanish word of Malayan origin, meaning “pulpous leaf”) is an open-sided dwelling with a [[thatch]]ed roof made of dried [[Arecaceae|palm]] leaves. It is very useful in hot weather and, therefore, very common in Mexican beaches, such as in [[Acapulco]]. It is perhaps one of the most important architectural contributions of Philippine culture to Mexican West cultures.
It is also common to see in one of the Bay Islands,Utila Honduras.
Here is the outside of the palapa:
These pictures show the construction of the palapa:
If you look closely you can see how this palapa was constructed. They start with a wooden frame of four poles that meet at the apex. Wooden cross-poles (parallel to the ground) are placed at intervals between the apex poles.
Palm leaves (dried) palm are layered over the frame.