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© 2026 mauhenua.com · Independent visitor guide to Rapa Nui

Moai statues at Ahu Tongariki, close-up
Moai statues on the slopes of Rano Raraku quarry
Anakena beach and Ahu Nau Nau at sunset

¡'Iorana!

Welcome to your resource for your trip to Easter Island.

Fifteen moai at Ahu Tongariki face inland at sunrise—one of the most photographed places on Rapa Nui.

Visitor information

Entry rules, park rules, things to do, and local providers—use the menu to plan a prepared, respectful visit.

Places to visit

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  • Ovahe

    Not yet reviewed

    A sheltered pink-sand cove northeast of Anakena—quieter swimming when seas cooperate.

  • Ahu Akivi

    Not yet reviewed

    Seven moai restored inland—the only group aligned to face sunset over the ocean during equinox weeks.

  • Ahu Tongariki

    Not yet reviewed

    Fifteen moai in a single row—the largest ahu ever built, backed by sunrise skies and the quarry volcano.

  • Ana Kai Tangata

    Not yet reviewed

    Cave gallery with rare paintings linking moai-era imagery to birdman symbols.

  • Ana Kakenga

    Not yet reviewed

    The “two windows” sea cave—natural skylights frame cobalt water hundreds of metres from town.

  • Ana Te Pahu

    Not yet reviewed

    A long lava tube once used for shelter and cultivation—cool geology minutes from major sites.

  • Anakena

    Not yet reviewed

    White coral sand, calm swimming, and the restored Ahu Nau Nau moai on the north coast.

  • Hanga Roa

    Not yet reviewed

    Rapa Nui’s only town—harbour life, cafés, crafts, and the logistics hub for every adventure.

  • Hanga Te'e (Vaihu)

    Not yet reviewed

    A coastal ahu where moai lie fallen—raw evidence of clan wars and tsunami damage.

  • Ma'unga Terevaka

    Not yet reviewed

    The island’s highest summit (~507 m)—360° horizons and a literal overview of Rapa Nui’s triangle.

  • Museo Padre Sebastián Englert

    Not yet reviewed

    Anthropological museum honouring Father Sebastián Englert—artifacts, replicas, and context before you head into the field.

  • Orongo

    Not yet reviewed

    Stone houses and birdman petroglyphs on the lip of Rano Kau—where the Tangata manu contest played out.

  • Ovahe

    Not yet reviewed

    A sheltered pink-sand cove northeast of Anakena—quieter swimming when seas cooperate.

  • Ahu Akivi

    Not yet reviewed

    Seven moai restored inland—the only group aligned to face sunset over the ocean during equinox weeks.

Things to do

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  • Watch the Rapa Nui (1994) movie

    Not yet reviewed

    Kevin Costner-produced Hollywood epic—occasional hotel screenings; rights and schedules vary.

  • Tours

    Not yet reviewed

    Park rules mean the iconic moai circuit is mainly a guided experience—tours are how most visitors see the major sites properly.

  • Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki

    Not yet reviewed

    Fifteen moai at first light—Rapa Nui’s most famous dawn lineup inside the national park.

  • Sunset at Tahai

    Not yet reviewed

    Classic moai silhouettes minutes from Hanga Roa—west-facing light over the Pacific.

  • Hiking

    Not yet reviewed

    Volcano rims, grasslands, sea cliffs, and long coastal treks away from crowds.

  • Beaches

    Not yet reviewed

    Anakena: wide moai-backed sand, palms, and beach restaurants; Ovahe: quieter cove, standout snorkelling when the sea allows.

  • Surfing

    Not yet reviewed

    Reef breaks for many levels—read swell, respect locals, and mind sharp lava.

  • Scuba diving

    Not yet reviewed

    Certified shore and boat dives; cooler water than tropical Polynesia and eastern Pacific marine life.

  • Snorkelling

    Not yet reviewed

    Inshore pockets on calm days; rocky entries and limited rescue cover compared with big resorts.

  • Boat trips

    Not yet reviewed

    Sport-fishing runs, combo sightseeing, and opportunistic whale-watching when seas cooperate.

  • Kayaking

    Not yet reviewed

    Calm-window coastal paddles when operators run; wind and swell cancel more often than brochures admit.

  • Fishing

    Not yet reviewed

    Shore casting, skiff charters, and a culture where many families still know the sea by heart.

  • Stargazing

    Not yet reviewed

    Dark skies, southern constellations, and guided night tours when weather allows.

  • Dance show

    Not yet reviewed

    Tapati Rapa Nui, dance & music evenings, crafts, and Polynesian storytelling.

  • Food & dining

    Not yet reviewed

    Restaurants, street kitchens, fresh fish, and island-grown produce.

  • Shopping & handicrafts

    Not yet reviewed

    Carvings, shell jewellery, textiles—choose authentic work and pay makers directly when you can.

  • Tattoo

    Not yet reviewed

    Polynesian-inspired designs—choose licensed studios, spotless hygiene, and respectful motifs.

  • Nightlife

    Not yet reviewed

    Bars, live music, and cold beer—conversational nights that wind down earlier than big cities.

  • Restaurants

    Not yet reviewed

    Town strips, kitchen hours, reservations in high season—and the island pace between order and plate.

  • Rent a vehicle

    Not yet reviewed

    Rent wheels to reach sunrise sites, hidden shores, and viewpoints on your own schedule.

  • Horseback riding

    Not yet reviewed

    Coastal trails, sunset rides, and small-group outings with local stables.

  • Museum

    Not yet reviewed

    Father Sebastian Englert Museum, artisan markets, church, and everyday island life.

  • Passport stamp

    Not yet reviewed

    Decorative moai ink stamp at Correos de Chile—not immigration paperwork.

  • Plane spotting

    Not yet reviewed

    NASA-length runway, sea breeze approaches, jets low over the coastal road.

  • Catholic church

    Not yet reviewed

    Working Catholic parish with Polynesian carving, colour, and quiet visiting etiquette.

  • Ice cream

    Not yet reviewed

    Artisan scoops on hot days—cool down between park outings and coastal walks.

  • Watch the Rapa Nui (1994) movie

    Not yet reviewed

    Kevin Costner-produced Hollywood epic—occasional hotel screenings; rights and schedules vary.

  • Tours

    Not yet reviewed

    Park rules mean the iconic moai circuit is mainly a guided experience—tours are how most visitors see the major sites properly.