Top Things to do in Easter Island
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Easter Island, Easter Island
Located in the South Pacific more than 2,000 miles off the Chilean coast, Easter Island’s not the easiest place to reach. (If you’re interested, the easiest access is by air from Santiago or Tahiti.) But isolation has helped preserve the 1,500-year-old mysterious congregation of volcanic rock sculptures (maoi) that’s the island’s biggest claim to fame. After exploring the unique landscape, relax on an uncrowded beach and ponder one of the most mysterious places on Earth.
Restaurants in Easter Island
1. Rano Raraku
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,073 reviews
The island's famous moai statues were carved from the volcanic rock of this mountain and are scattered across its slopes in various stages of completion.
Reviewed By DERtravels - Upland, United States
This is the highlight of our day tour on Easter Island. Although it was raining when we arrived, it did not deter us from making the hike up the path. We didn't manage to go all the qa into the quarry. We are slow walkers and we were only given about 35 minutes to explore. However, seeing the half buried Maoi made us truly wonder just how could the indigenous people build and erect these statues. We could also see Tongariki from this vantage point.
2. Ahu Tongariki
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,999 reviews
15 Of The Island's Famous Moai Statues Stand Here In A Military Lineup Upon A Flat Rock Platform.
Reviewed By carolmL5814HA - Almancil, Portugal
Ahu Tongariki is amazing! The sheer size of the statues is mind blowing and as to how they got there well that’s a mystery! This is one of the ‘must see’ sights on Easter Island.
3. Maunga Terevaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By thaisfuncia - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Its a great hike mainly having the opportunity to see the island from a 360 perspective and realized that you are in the middle of the pacifi so so far away!
4. Hanga Te Tenga
5. Ahu Akivi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 549 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This Ahu(platform) is the only one facing the Pacific ocean. It is a particularly sacred place which has seven moais, all of more or less equal shapes and sizes, and is also known as a celestial observatory that was set up around the 16th century. The site is located inland, rather than along the coast. Moai statues were considered by the early people of Easter Island as their ancestors that were believed to be the reincarnation of important kings or leaders of their clans. The Moais were erected to protect and bring prosperity to their clan and village. The reason for these Moais to face the ocean is believed to offer direct views for the farmers doing farming in the fields between the Ahu and the ocean, during those times. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this place to any traveler.
6. Puna Pau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 763 reviews
Reviewed By IslandLubber - Rio Rancho, United States
This site was a stop on my full day guided tour. A steep climb is necessary to see where that actual quarry is. Great panoramic view of Hanga Roa and the area, too
7. Ahu Riata
8. Ahu Te Peu
9. Ahu Te Pito Kura
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By E7697XWbillm - Springfield, United States
See the largest mo’ai statue transported from the Rano Raraku volcano quarry and erected successfully on an ahu with is voluminous headdresses carved and transferred from the quarry of Puna Pau from the opposite end of the island. Its dimensions are spectacular: its ears measure over 6 feet; it is 33 feet tall and is estimated to weigh more than 80 tons. The mo’ai lies face down and its body is split in half as a result of its collapse. In front of its head lies its gigantic pukao, almost 6 feet high and about 10 tons in weight. A few yards away from the ahu is a large spherical and smooth stone almost 3 feet in diameter surrounded by other stones. This stone warms up more than others because of its high iron content, causing compasses to behave strangely giving rise to the belief of some that is radiates a supernatural energy called mana. All of this is situated on an inlet from the ocean with crashing waves.
