Best things to do on Easter Island

Easter Island Essentials

This collection highlights the most significant archaeological and natural landmarks of Rapa Nui. It features the massive 15-moai platform at Ahu Tongariki, the volcanic quarry of Rano Raraku, and the ceremonial site of Ahu Akivi. The list spans the island's diverse landscape, from the dramatic crater of Rano Kau to the white sands of Anakena. These sites provide a comprehensive overview of the island's Polynesian heritage, megalithic engineering, and unique volcanic geology.

Rivi / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Ahu Tongariki

Ahu Tongariki is the largest ahu on Easter Island. Its moais were toppled during the island's civil wars, and in the twentieth century the…

Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

Rano Raraku Volcano

Rano Raraku is a volcanic crater formed of consolidated volcanic ash, or tuff, and located on the lower slopes of Terevaka in the Rapa Nui…

Claire Provost / CC BY-SA 3.0

Anakena Beach

Anakena is a white coral sand beach in Rapa Nui National Park on Rapa Nui, a Chilean island in the Pacific Ocean.

Claire Provost / CC BY-SA 3.0

Rano Kau

Rano Kau is a 324 m tall dormant volcano that forms the southwestern headland of Easter Island, a Chilean island in the Pacific Ocean.

Hbcreuz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ahu Akivi

Ahu Akivi is a particular sacred place on the Chilean island of Rapa Nui, looking out towards the Pacific Ocean.

Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ahu Tahai

The Tahai Ceremonial Complex is an archaeological site on Rapa Nui in Chilean Polynesia.

LuxoDresden / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ahu Vinapu

Ahu Vinapu is an archaeological site on Rapa Nui in Eastern Polynesia.

Gallardoval / CC BY-SA 3.0

Puna Pau

Maunga Puna Pau is a small crater or cinder cone and prehistoric quarry on the outskirts of Hanga Roa in the south west of Easter Island.

Koppas / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ana Kai Taŋata

A coastal sea cave featuring ancient red and black rock paintings of the Manutara bird, which played a central role in the historic Tangata Manu (Birdman) competition.

Uncommon fritillary / CC BY-SA 3.0

Museo Rapa Nui

The Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum houses a significant collection of Rapa Nui artifacts, including the only known female moai and original coral eyes used in the statues.

Alberto beaudroit / CC BY-SA 4.0

Ahu Te Pito Kura

This site is home to 'Paro,' the largest moai ever successfully moved and erected on a platform. It also contains 'Te Pito 'o te Henua,' a large, smooth spherical stone.