Location: Hanga Roa
Top Things to do in Hanga Roa
Top 10 Things to do in Hanga Roa, Easter Island
The epic Moai stone statues that stand guard over Easter Island are among the main attractions of this remote and lonely part of the world. Hanga Roa is Easter Island’s commercial hub and its only village. The airport is here, as are several restaurants, guest houses and hotels. Use it as a base for island adventures, which may include trekking, exploring white sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, visiting archaeological sites or even your own private spiritual journey.
Restaurants in Hanga Roa
1. Ballet Kari Kari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,101 reviews
Reviewed By joemK5560UV - Houston, United States
This was a very professional production of cultural dance and music that was very enjoyable and which clearly has a lot of thought and planning behind it. The dancers give it their all and are dedicated to their performances, and the music is beautiful. This isn't some hokey, jaded tourist trap but rather dedicated artists who are clearly enthusiastic about their culture and history (rightfully so) and do a great job sharing it with visitors to the island. The show as an hour long which was just about right for me. The dance and music stand alone well-enough but I would agree with one of the other reviewers here that maybe a short explanation of a dance segment here and there, and maybe a keep word or two to listen, to would have been interesting. This was done for one spotlight performance and was well-done without detracting from the flow of the performance.
2. Playa Ovahe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
Reviewed By fsimon72 - Santiago, Chile
Getting there requires going through a path not suitable for seniors but it’s worth the effort . This is the local answer to Anakena , which is much more touristic . Some 100 meters from the beach there is a coral reef good for snorkeling
3. Ahu Akahanga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This attraction is an interesting one and different from other attractions. One can see an ahu(platform) in ruins with all of its moai fallen face down or on their backs, most likely toppled after the clan wars. At the entrance to this site one will see some well-preserved ruins of an ancient village with a number of earth ovens (umu pae), the boat-houses (hare vaka) as well as some paved areas which will show you a little of how the people of Rapa Nui used to live. Very close to here you will also find a small cave that was used as shelter for those who did not have a boat house. Behind the main ahu, one will find another moai that has been toppled as well as an unusually small moais that would have been one of the first ones to be built. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this attraction to any traveler and especially those who are eager to have an off beat experience on Easter Island.
4. 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
5. Ahu Vaihu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By WImom - Fond du Lac, United States
This are two things of interest here. One is a reconstructed village and the other is a moai platform. To really appreciate the reconstructed village, a guide is needed. Without the guide, one would lack the understanding of how exactly these people lived. The guide showed us how the ancient chicken houses worked. There is a stone that is removed from the wall and the chickens continue to file out. Very amusing. The boat houses were explained in detail, as well as how they farmed and how they cooked. See photos for details. Towards the water is the platform used to support 8 moai, each one with its red topknot. The moai are now lying prone in the exact position that they were thrown over. In front of the platform, you will see a large round circle named paina , after the ceremony that used to take place inside it.
6. Jardin Tau Kiani Rapa Nui
7. Ahu Riata
8. Pu o Hiro
9. Playa Pea
10. Cementerio de Isla de Pascua
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 391 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
This cemetery is located at a short walking distance from Tahai on the way to Hanga Roa. Certainly worth stopping en route to view some of the very unique tombstones which are adorned with motifs that combine Christian and Rapa Nui iconography. The Pacific Ocean in the background makes it even more memorable.
