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Rapa Nui
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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.

Welcome to Rapa Nui!

You are on one of the Pacific’s most remarkable islands—moai and quarries, wild coasts, and a living community to explore thoughtfully. Start with exciting activities, map out places to visit, and meet local providers for tours, shows, dining, and lodging.

Welcome section image

Fallen moai in the grass at Ahu Tongariki, Rapa Nui National Park

Park rules

Guide requiredA guide is required for most archaeological sites—open the tour operators directory.Ticket requiredMost protected sites need a valid park ticket before you enter—open the ticket page.

See more park rules

Prepare for your tripMoney, health, weather, and day-to-day logistics—read practical tips before you fly.Things to doHikes, boats, museums, shows, and beaches—pick activities that fit your pace and the season.Places to visitMoai platforms, quarries, viewpoints, and coastlines—plan which sites you want to see first.Island historySettlement, moai carving, European contact, and how Rapa Nui became part of Chile—concise context.Tapati Rapa NuiFebruary’s flagship cultural festival—sports, music, crowning a queen, and community pride in Hanga Roa.Living cultureLanguage, crafts, faith, and how traditions shape island life today.

Places to visitView more

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.
Catholic Church
Not yet reviewed
Hanga Roa’s parish church—carved wooden interior, stained glass, and a quiet stop between town walks.
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.
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 doView more

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.