Archeological Sites
Rano Raraku
Rano Raraku is one of the many alternative ejection cones in the island and is also the quarry and the place where the Moai were carved. In this area you can find 398 Moai in different carving stages.
The Moai were carved from the volcanic rock of Rano Raraku, the quarry. Workers selected suitable rocks and quarried them out of the cliffs using stone picks and chisels. The stone used for the Moai is a compressed volcanic ash called tuff, which is relatively soft when first quarried but hardens over time.
The workers used stone tools like basalt picks and chisels to shape the statue. The process was painstaking, and it involved removing excess rock to reveal the desired statue shape. To remove the statue from the quarry wall, a horizontal trench was carved around the base, creating a sort of pedestal. The statue was then separated from the bedrock beneath, leaving the pedestal to serve as a sled for transportation.
The Moai were moved from the quarry to their intended locations across the island using a process known as "walking" or "rocking." Workers placed the statue on the sled and used a combination of ropes, ramps, and manpower to rock the statue from side to side, allowing it to "walk" in a shuffling motion. This method enabled the transportation of these massive statues over long distances.
Once the Moai arrived at their intended ahu (stone platforms), they were erected into an upright position. This process is not entirely understood, but it likely involved using a combination of ramps, leverage, and manpower to raise the statues into their final positions.
The construction and transportation of the Moai were monumental tasks that required careful planning and a significant amount of labor. The exact techniques and tools used by the Rapa Nui people remain a subject of ongoing research and study. It’s believed that an average size Moai could’ve taken a year to be carved and ready.
Tahai
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Tahai is an archaeological complex located near Hanga Roa, the island's main town, and it's one of the most popular spots for watching the sunset. Here's what you can expect:
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Scenic Setting: Tahai is situated along the island's western coastline, which makes it an ideal location for witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The combination of the Moai statues, the ocean, and the natural surroundings provides a stunning backdrop for the evening spectacle.
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Moai Silhouettes: What makes the sunset at Tahai particularly magical is that you can watch the sun dip below the horizon while framed by the iconic Moai statues. The silhouettes of these ancient figures against the colorful sky create a memorable and photogenic scene.
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Cultural Significance: In addition to its natural beauty, Tahai is historically and culturally significant. The complex consists of three ceremonial platforms: Ahu Tahai, Ahu Ko Te Riku and Ahu Vai Uri, which were restored in the 70’s
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Peaceful Atmosphere: The tranquil and peaceful atmosphere at Tahai makes it an excellent place to unwind, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching the sun set over the vast expanse of the Pacific.
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Popular Spot: Due to its beauty and cultural importance, Tahai can be a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, especially during sunset. Many visitors gather here to capture the magnificent scenery and to witness the sun's descent.
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Time of Day: It's a good idea to arrive a little before sunset to secure a good viewing spot and to take in the surroundings. The exact time of sunset varies throughout the year, so be sure to check the local schedule or ask your accommodations for specific timings.
Watching the sunset at Tahai on Easter Island is a serene and magical experience that combines natural beauty with the island's rich cultural heritage. It's a memorable way to end a day of exploration and adventure on this remote and remarkable island.
Ahu Akivi
This Ahu is related to the legend of the first migrators, it is believed that these seven Moai statues, represent the seven explorers that found the island after it was revealed to Haumaka (the king Hotu Matu’a’s spiritual advisor) in a dream.
This Ahu is very popular nowadays for being the only platform in which the Moai are facing the ocean. Ahu Akivi is situated inland, which is somewhat unusual compared to many other ahu (ceremonial platforms) on Rapa Nui that are typically located near the coastline. It is positioned in the central part of the island, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, offering a unique and picturesque setting.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ahu Akivi is the precise alignment of the seven moai statues. They face the Pacific Ocean and are oriented in a way that they directly look at the equinox sunset. This specific orientation is believed to have had astronomical and spiritual significance for the ancient Rapa Nui people.
Ahu Tongariki
Ahu Tongariki is one of the most iconic and significant archaeological sites on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). It is known for its massive row of 15 Moai statues, which are among the largest and most impressive on the island. It is believed to have been constructed during the 13th century, likely during the reign of the Hotu Matu'a, an important ancestral chief in Rapa Nui's history.
Like other Moai on the island, the statues at Ahu Tongariki were carved at the Rano Raraku quarry and transported to their current location using a system of sleds, ropes, and human labor. Ahu Tongariki, like many other ahu on the island, fell into disrepair, likely due to intertribal conflicts, environmental degradation, and cultural changes over time. The Moai were toppled from their platforms, and the site was left in a state of disarray. In the mid-20th century, efforts were made to restore Ahu Tongariki to its former glory. A major restoration project, which began in the 1992s, was a collaborative effort involving archaeologists, local Rapa Nui people, and international support. The fallen Moai were painstakingly re-erected onto the ahu using modern equipment, and the site was repaired and stabilized. The “Traveler Moai” in the entrance of the site commemorates the support received by a Japanese company that donated the cranes for the restoration which ended in 1996.
Ahu Tongariki's dramatic setting, with the massive Moai silhouetted against the Pacific Ocean, makes this place a perfect scenery for Sunrise and continues to captivate visitors, making it one of the most celebrated and iconic attractions on Easter Island.
Maunga Terevaka
Maunga Terevaka, also known as Terevaka, is one of the three main extinct volcanoes on Rapa Nui. It’s the highest point on Easter Island and is characterized by several notable features:
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Maunga Terevaka is the tallest of the three main volcanoes on Easter Island, with its summit reaching an elevation of approximately 511 meters (1,663 feet) above sea level. As a result, it offers a commanding view of the entire island.
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The summit of Terevaka provides breathtaking panoramic views of Easter Island, making it a popular destination for visitors. From this vantage point, you can see the rugged coastline, the other two volcanic craters (Rano Kau and Poike), and the vast Pacific Ocean.
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Hiking to the summit of Terevaka is a popular activity for tourists and allows them to experience the island's unique landscape. The relatively gentle slopes and well-defined trails make the hike accessible to many people.
Visiting Maunga Terevaka offers an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Easter Island, explore its cultural heritage, and gain a better understanding of its unique geography. The spectacular views from the summit make it a must-visit location for those interested in the island's history and landscape.
Poike
Poīke is one of the three main extinct volcanoes on Easter Island. The exact date of the first volcanic eruption is not well-documented, but it is believed to have occurred thousands of years ago.
Poīke is significant for its archaeological and cultural importance, as it is the site of ancient Moai statues carved from trachyte (a volcanic rock characterized by its light to intermediate color, typically ranging from light gray to light brown).
Other historical remnants you can see in this area are ancient platforms and the “Vai a Heva”, an almost two meters rock statue, carved in one of the hills at top of the volcano. This statue represents the face of a crying woman in which, as tears, the rain flows from the eyes to the mouth, where it was collected.
Most of the tour agencies offer two different hiking experiences to the area: a half day excursion and a full day excursion.
On a half day tour, (3-4 hours) you’ll visit the Vai a Heva and then you’ll hike to the summit, “Pua Katiki” where you’ll enjoy the beautiful view.
Ana Kakenga
Ana Kakenga also known as the “Two Windows Cave” is one of the many caves you can find in the island. Is located in the Roiho cave circuit and it features two windows on a cliff with a stunning view to the Sea. From the caves you can also see the Motu Tautara Islets.
Remember you need your Ma’u Henua ticket and a guide to enter to all of the sites. Most of the tour operators offer this tour in a regular service, in a van with more people, or as a private excursion. Usually this tour is during the afternoon, starting at 15.00PM. Some agencies will offer a different schedule according to your requirements and needs.
Anakena
Anakena Beach is a picturesque and reknowned beach on Rapa Nui, known for its golden sandy shores and crystal-clear blue waters. It is framed by lush palm trees and features the iconic Ahu Nau Nau, a collection of Moai statues with intricate stone topknots.
This is a popular destination for visitors looking to relax, swim, and soak in the island's natural beauty while also experiencing its rich archaeological heritage. Here you’ll find small shack-styled restaurants and a small souvenir market.
Orongo
The Birdman competition, known locally as the "Rapa Nui Tangata Manu" is a traditional annual competition that was historically practiced on Rapa Nui. It was an important cultural and religious event in this society. It was held to determine the leader of Rapa Nui for the coming year.
Held in Orongo Ceremonial Village complex, situated on the rim of the Rano Kau volcano. This village was only occupied during the celebration of the competition which started with the arrival of the first “Manutara” bird around September.
The competition consisted of several phases:
Climbing: The starting point of the competition is the “Kari Kari”, the lowest parte of the cliff that divides the ocean from the Rano Kau caldera, and they had to descend form the top to the ocean.
Swimming: Contestants had to swim from the island to the islet of Motu Nui, 4kms away, which is located offshore and is a significant seabird nesting site.
Egg Gathering: Once on Motu Nui, competitors had to find and collect the first Sooty Tern (Manutara) egg of the season. The egg had to be brought back to the mainland without breaking it.
Return Journey: After obtaining the egg, the contestant had to swim back to the main island and climb back up with the egg still intact.
Contestants in the competition were chosen from various clans on the island. They were usually young and physically fit men. They were called “Hopumanu”. The “Hopumanu” who successfully retrieved the first egg and returned it safely to the island was the winner, and the chief of his tribe would become the “Birdman” for that year. He was seen as a spiritual leader and held a significant position in Rapa Nui society. This title held political power, and the Birdman became the island's leader, known as the Tangata Manu.
The Birdman competition was practiced for around 180 years until it was officially banned by Christian missionaries in the 1860s. Today, Orongo has become a popular attraction for tourists on Easter Island, providing insight into the island's unique history and traditions.
