Easter Island

Travel Guide
Easter Island which includes rugged coastline, mountains and general coastal views
Search for the meaning of ancient stone sculptures on this small island off Chile’s coast. When you’re not exploring history, enjoy splendid beaches.

Easter Island brings to mind history and mystery. See its giant moai, statues of elongated human-like figures carved from volcanic rock. They rest on stone platforms called ahus and some wear stone headdresses. Learn about the ancient people who created these pieces as well as the explorers who pondered over them centuries later.

The island has about 900 moai, many in and around the Rano Raraku Quarry, with lava from the Rano Raraku volcano. They range in size from about 3 feet (1 meter) to 70 feet (21 meters) tall. Ahu Tongariki has one of the most prestigious displays. As you gaze at these amazing statues, marvel at the primitive engineering that transported the heavy carvings more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) across the island. Archaeologists have determined how the islanders used ropes, logs and human energy to complete this work, but don’t know why. 

Explore distinct cultural developments over the last 1,200 years. The date is still debated but experts believe the Polynesians arrived in about A.D. 300 and developed moai starting about 700 A.D. but later destroyed many to build larger ones. After resource depletion and a fierce civil war, the local population dramatically declined. Europeans arrived on Easter Sunday 1722, giving the island its current name. Chile annexed the island, also known as Rapa Nui, in 1888 for sheep farming. Today tourism is the key industry.

Besides its historical significance, Easter Island offers very pleasant South Pacific beach vacation conditions. Travel to Anakena Beach on the northern shore to swim in azure waters the color of lapis lazuli gemstones, laze on the soft white sands under the shade of coconut palms or try bodysurfing. Gaze at the Ahu Nau Nau, with moai that are in exceptional condition after they were buried here in the sand for centuries.

Reach Easter Island by flying from Santiago, Chile, to Mataveri International Airport in the main city of Hanga Roa. Rent a four-wheel drive or use taxis to get around. Join a tour for best moai access and information.

Hare Nua
Hare Nua
4 out of 5
Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
The price is NT$8,975 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$8,975
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
Great stay!
"The hosts were so nice. They take great care to make sure their guests have a wonderful stay. The room was very clean and comfortable. They did a really nice breakfast and arranged our tours for us. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance. The only constructive criticism I can give is that ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Hare Nua
Nayara Hangaroa
Nayara Hangaroa
5 out of 5
Av Pont S/n, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
The price is NT$18,846 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$18,846
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Pea Swimming Pool and Pea Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (105 reviews)
Amazing experience, fantastic staff
"It was very comfortable to stay at this resort in Rapa Nui. The rooms are comfortable and quirky, but the real value is in the amenities. The staff is so friendly and helpful. They will help you with all of your arrangements from rental car to excursions. The breakfast was included in our booking ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Nayara Hangaroa
Hotel Teanehi
Hotel Teanehi
3.5 out of 5
Miru S/n, Hanga Roa, Valparaiso
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Ahu Tahai and Ahu Vai Uri are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"This hotel is a little out of town about 20 min walk but that is what made the property relaxing for us. All the staff was very nice and helpful. Very clean accommodation"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Hotel Teanehi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cabañas Te Maori
Cabañas Te Maori
3 out of 5
Te Pito o Te Henua, sin numero, Hanga Roa, Isla de Pascua
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Mercado Artesanal Municipal and Iglesia Hanga Roa are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Location was perfect. The property manager Tito was great. He picked up and droped us off at the airport. Explains how everything worked in the cabin even arranged tours. Also room has Air Conditioning. It's not a 5 star hotel and could use a bit of updating. Great price point and location."

Reviewed on 2024/3/21

Cabañas Te Maori
Matariki Sunset Apart Hotel
Matariki Sunset Apart Hotel
2 out of 5
Policarpo Toro s/n, Hanga Roa, Valparaiso
Stay at this aparthotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Pea Swimming Pool and Pea Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Staff really friendly. The place was well maintained. Wish there was a screen at upstairs sliding door and on second story window. The kitchen has all equipment needed for cooking. Blender for fresh fruit smoothies. Unwound stay here again next time."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Matariki Sunset Apart Hotel
Maunga roa eco lodge
Maunga roa eco lodge
4 out of 5
Maunga Roa sin número, km 6.9, Easter Island, Hanga Roa, Valparaiso
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 beach bars. Popular attractions Ahu Huri a Urenga and Papa Vaka Petroglyphs ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"We loved staying here; the porch is cozy and overlooks the ocean and family farm. The building was well kept and comfortable. The views were incredible! Karla and her family were wonderful hosts, checking in on us and willing to help with things like tours. The cottage is about 15 minute drive to ..."

Reviewed on 2024/1/17

Maunga roa eco lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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