There are so many amazing things to do in Easter Island. Scattered around the island’s beautiful coastline is the infamous Moai statues, but the island is so much more than a living museum.
Find out why Easter Island should be on every travelers wish list!
Table of Contents
1. Watch the Sunset at Ahu Tahai
The most iconic sunset spot on the island. The Tahai moai (famous sculptures) represent the island culture well.
The area actually has a few different sculptures at the site (all within visible walking distance):
- Vai Uri (Ahu)
- Tahai (Ahu)
- Ko Te Riku (Ahu)
Ahu Vai Uri
This has the five restore moai that gaze back towards you as you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean behind them.
It is a totally mesmerizing experience and is one you will never forget.
Ahu Tahai
This is a singular moai, 4.5m (15ft) high. It demands the right attention and sits beautifully in front of the sunset.
Ahu Ko Te Riku
This is the moai with eyes! Bright white eyes made from coral. They really stand out on the rock face and add a whole new element to the sculpture, differentiating it from all the others on the island.
Getting to Tahai
If you’re staying in the main town of Hanga Roa, you can walk to the sculptures from most hotels.
Note: there is no public transport on the island (buses, trains). You can get a taxi from the airport.
Tips
- This beautiful sunset spot is one of the main attractions on the island, so it’s good to get there a little early and find a spot that you’re happy with.
- Bring something to sit on. While there is a lot of grassy areas to choose from, there are also a lot of little stones on the ground (it is a rocky area). If you’re planning on sitting for a while, it’s best to bring something (a towel or blanket).
2. Spend a day at Anakena Beach
Nicest beach on the island (and one of the best in the world). It’s got white sand, crystal clear water, coconut palms and Moai statues overlooking the bay! What more do you need?
It’s a great local hangout too, where the islanders can mix with tourists and share stories.
Getting to Anakena Beach
Anakena Beach is right on the Northern tip of the island and takes around half an hour by car from the main town of Hanga Roa.
The best way to get there is by taxi (arrange a pick up time and he will leave you there for the day! There is little to no cell phone coverage there so be sure to be clear on your pick up time and don’t miss it!)
The taxi will sot around US $ 25.
3. Wander the Rano Raraku National Park
Visiting the Rano Raraku National Park is a must for your stay on Easter Island. Here you can see where the statues were hand-carved out of the mountainside.
There were many different carving artists, each with their own style. You will find Moai’s still on the hillside, some scattered around. There is even a Moai statue that has legs and is kneeling.
If you are looking for a nice view, you can walk to the volcano crater which is close by. You will want a few hours to explore, so make sure you go with plenty of time handy!
Entrance Fee
The National Park entrance fee is $60 US and paid on arrival at the airport. Please note that you can only enter once on your ticket, so your best bet is to arrive in the morning to have a full day at the National Park.
4. Visit The Magnetic Stone
This is where you will find the largest Moai statue ever raised over an ahu. However, it is laying face down as it has fallen.
The main attraction here is the magnetic stone. This stone is said to have magnetic and supernatural energy called “mana”. You can test it if you have a compass, it’ll act strangely!
Like all of the statues around the island – don’t touch. It is forbidden and can cost you a fine.
5. Walk around a Volcano
There are several volcanos on Easter Island, but the most impressive and largest volcano is Rano Kau. Situated near the airport and close to town, this is one of the best things to do in Easter Island. Over 300m high (around 1,000ft), it feels like another world and gives you a birds-eye view of the island and an incredible look into the vast expansion of this natural wonder.
You can see 3 small islands off the coast with some of the bluest, blue ocean you’ll ever see.
6.Visit the Orongo Village
This ceremonial village is a grass-covered, stone dwelling overlooking some of the most amazing ocean views in the world. You can reach the village by walking on to the far side of the volcano.
Something between a Hobbit Hole and a medieval castle ruin, the village has some great petroglyphs (stone carvings) and insights into the ancient ways.
This is where the contenders of the annual competition for power (Birdman competition) lived temporarily prior to the race.
The Birdman Cult of Easter Island
During the 1500s – 1800s (approx.), the Birdman Cult was established to decide who would rule the Rapa Nui each year.
Each year, an elder/leader from each clan would choose a champion to compete in the annual competition, whereby they would scale down the vertical 300m cliff face, swim to the islands to collect the first Manutara bird egg of the season, and swim back to shore without it breaking, returning the egg to his leader who became the supreme ruler for the year.
7. Attend a Traditional Dance Show
Another fun thing to do in Easter island is attending a traditional dance show in Hanga Roa. There are numerous dinner and dance packages available, and these can be organised through most hotels.
Look for Kari-Kari. This venue in Hanga Roa has been doing the dinner/dance shows since 1996 and really know how to put on a fun night.
The grass skirts and coconut tops mixed with the music and high energy dancing is sure to get you moving.
The show costs around USD$25.
8. Watch the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki
The Ahu Tongariki is one of the most impressive sights on Easter Island. With 15 restored Moai statues in a line, they are incredible to see up close.
If you can wake up early enough to see the sunrise, this is the place to see it as the sun rises behind the Moai.
9. Do some stargazing
Being so remote, the air surrounding the island is generally crystal clear which makes it a perfect spot to look up at night.
It is easy to find a spot away from the lights of town. Take some time to look up and watch the Milky Way. It’s easy to imagine what life on the island must have been like back in ancient times.
10. Snorkel the Hanga Roa Harbour
The beautiful water right by the main town on Hanga Roa is also home to sea turtles.
There are a few dive centers in town, Orca Diving Centre is a good one that you can rent snorkel gear from.
The water can be surprisingly chilly so you might want to rent a wetsuit top at least. Be sure to ask the staff about the conditions and the best place to enter/exit the water.
11. Explore the Caves
The tiny island actually has one of the largest cave networks in the world with an estimated 800 (at least) caves spanning over 7km (4.4 miles) underground.
There is a long history with the locals about the caves themselves. Some are thought to have been housing, while others were reserved for ceremony and treasure.
Regardless, the caves on Easter Island are a place of wonder that is worth looking into while you’re there.
Easter Island Cave Tips
- Many of the seafront caves you can explore on your own (there are cave maps showing the location and highlights of each)
- If you are comfortable exploring yourself, be sure to do so with someone else, with a torch and let someone else (the hotel) know if you are exploring caves – just to be safe
- You can do organised cave tours if you want to see some of the more remote ones that require an understanding of the underground network (these can be arranged in the town at the tour agencies or through your hotel)
12. Walk around Hanga Roa Town
The small town Check our Hanga Roa is a great place to walk around. It’s the only real town on the island and has some interesting little shops, a supermarket, and pharmacy if you need to buy something. It is also situated very close to ocean and cliffs, so you can pop to the sea at any time for a dip.
Visit the Peace Moai
Walk to Vare Vare (where the Peace Moai is ) – It travelled to different countries on display before returning home (in 2010 for the solar eclipse).
Poko Poko Natural Swimming Pool
A perfect, shallow natural pool with a palm tree backdrop. This is a great place to cool off and relax as you explore the town.
Pea Beach (Playa Pea)
Pea beach was a great spot to spend my mornings. You can get some nice surfing waves there too. Locals will be able to rent you a board if you are keen to enjoy the swell.
13. Absorb celestial vibes at Ahu Akivi
Also known as a celestial observatory that was set up around the 16th century. Here you can see the 7 Moai statues of equal shape and size. All looking out towards the pacific sea its an amazing place to absorb celestial vibes.
14. Scuba Dive to the Underwater Moai
While the underwater Moai is not a “real” one, it does make for an interesting dive and great photo opportunity.
The moai was used originally in a film set, though was bought back to the island and placed carefully amongst the underwater rock and reefs only a 10-minute boat ride from town.
At 20m (65ft) the dive can be enjoyed by beginners or experienced divers alike.
15. Eat at Kaloa restaurant in Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa
This amazing property has an incredible view of the ocean, palm trees and grazing horses.
It is a luxury destination for sure, with beautiful interior design. It also has some of the best food on the island. So, if you feel like doing something a little fancy, this is the place to do it.
Where To Stay on Easter Island
There are quite a few accommodation options despite the island being so small. It depends on the budget that you are looking for. Note that the town is very small so it really is easy to walk around no matter where you stay. Note that all options on the island are relatively expensive (due to the remote nature). Here are a couple of recommended options.
Hangaroa Eco Lodge
This is a luxury hotel with amazing rooms, views, and location. While it does have some sustainable practices (solar lights, wastewater used for irrigation) it is relatively low on the eco-resort scale.
However, it is great to see more places taking eco-initiatives, especially on such a remote island.
Some things to keep in mind
- Don’t touch the statues – it is actually an offense. Especially do not take broken pieces of the statues.
- There are horses wandering around the island – don’t walk up behind them (they might get scared)
- It is not a cheap place to visit (due to its remote nature). If you are planning on staying on the island, you should allow a budget of around USD$200 per day or more (accommodation, food, travel)
- Easter Island is not called “Easter Island” by the locals. they call it Rapa Nui. It was named Easter Island by a Dutch explorer who landed there on Easter Sunday.
- Get around by bicycle – a great way to get around the island (you can do the whole island by bike). Bikes can be rented for around $15 USD/day
- You will need a National Park Pass – this can be bought on arrival at the airport for around $USD60
In Summary
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is one of the most unique, beautiful and unforgettable places to visit in the world.
While is not an easy place to get to or a cheap place to stay, it is worth the time and effort. There is something truly magical about the island, the sculptures and being so isolated (way out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean) that makes this place a “must do” for every travel enthusiast.
Make sure you organise to spend as much time in the national park as possible as they only allowed one visit per person per trip into the park.
A week was a good amount of time, but you could easily stay longer.
