Easter Island is one of our favorite places we’ve been. In some ways, Easter Island is like the Hawai’i of Chile, but there are a lot of significant differences and unique components of Easter Island.
We decided to stay at the Hotel Iorana located at Ana Mangaro S/n Hanga Roa. It was the off season when we went, so the hotel was largely inactive. However, the pool was up and running and beautiful (with a gorgeous view), an elaborate breakfast each morning, friendly staff, and lots of areas to explore. Internet wasn’t great, but that’s true of Easter Island in general.
Easter Island is compromised of Polynesian descendants, called “Rapa Nui,” which is also the name of the Eastern Polynesian language and the main language of Easter Island. Thus, Easter Island itself is referred to by natives as “Rapa Nui.” At a whopping size of 63 square miles, Easter Island is known primarily for the statues that dot the island, known as Moai.
Moai is looked at typically as a representation of ancient Polynesian ancestors. Built in approximately 1400 – 1650 AD, they have large heads and noses, and very sharp, defined facial features. The Moai are full-body statutes, but are dominated by the exaggerated features in the face, eyes, and head. Most of them are looking away from the ocean, as if watching over the village with the exception of the seven “Ahu Akivi” which face the ocean – legend goes they are watching over those traveling to Easter Island. While they all have generic characteristics, if you look close enough, they are all somewhat different – they represent a special ancestor that passed away. Many of them stand on what are called “ahu,” which are platforms covering the tomb of the person the statue is designed to represent.
The Maoi exist primarily along the coastal perimeter of Easter Island, with a majority of them in the Rano Raraku Quarry, on the Eastern side of the island.
We also got a chance to visit the Ingeslia Hanga Roa, the main Catholic church on the island. It offered Sunday service in Rapa nui.
Be sure to also spend an afternoon at Playa Anakena, the only beach on Easter Island opening to bathing. It’s gorgeous – beautiful white sand beaches, palm trees, and plenty of space to sun bathe. Be advised, however – they charge you to use the bathrooms to change, so come prepared!
Easter Island has no shortage of fun and tasty restaurants with wonderful chefs and friendly, kind staff. Many of them asked about Don, had us take pictures in ceremonial Rapa Nui garb, and generally treated us to a really fun time. One of our favorites was Te Moana located at Policarpo Toro s/n in Hanga Roa. The restaurant had beautiful views of the sea, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Our other favorite place was Neptune Island, known for their amazing seafood. Don met two wonderful women there and we enjoyed a beautiful dinner.
There is tons to do on Easter Island if you have the time. Check out everything here. Happy Easter Island travels!