Easter Island

Travel Guide

Ahu Tongariki featuring heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
Easter Island which includes rugged coastline, mountains and general coastal views
Easter Island
Ahu Tongariki showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Hanga Roa which includes general coastal views and dining out as well as a small group of people
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 RarakuOpens in a new window volcano. They range in size from about 3 feet (1 meter) to 70 feet (21 meters) tall. Ahu TongarikiOpens in a new window 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 BeachOpens in a new window 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 SantiagoOpens in a new window, Chile, to Mataveri International Airport in the main city of Hanga RoaOpens in a new window. Rent a four-wheel drive or use taxis to get around. Join a tour for best moai access and information.

Tupa Hotel

Tupa Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Taniera Teave S/n, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Pea Swimming Pool and Pea Beach ...
7.6/10 Good! (248 reviews)
"The people were nice, there was just dead bugs in my room like they fumigated the room and didnt clean after."

Reviewed on 2025/8/22

Tupa Hotel
Hare Nua

Hare Nua

4 out of 5
Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
The price is NT$10,030 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
NT$10,030
NT$10,030 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (178 reviews)
"Where do I even begin? Staying at Hare Nua Hotel on Easter Island was nothing short of unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced like family—not in the polite, distant way some places offer, but with genuine warmth, care, and attention that stayed consistent throughout our stay. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/5

Hare Nua
Nayara Hangaroa

Nayara Hangaroa

5 out of 5
Av Pont S/n, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
The price is NT$21,051 per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
NT$21,051
NT$21,051 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
"Nice rooms, good gym, excellent breakfast and helpful staff. I know we are picky eaters, but we didn’t care for the restaurant evening menu."

Reviewed on 2025/9/8

Nayara Hangaroa
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.
Keihana Rapanui

Keihana Rapanui

3 out of 5
Tu'u Koihu, 1, Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Mercado Artesanal Municipal ...
Keihana Rapanui
Cabañas Henua Iti

Cabañas Henua Iti

2.5 out of 5
Puku Rangi Uka sn, Sector Piataro, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Puna Pau and Mercado Artesanal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Little cabin with lots of spaces! Amazing host highly recommend m!"

Reviewed on 2025/4/1

Cabañas Henua Iti
Tahai Loft

Tahai Loft

4.5 out of 5
Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Hanga Roa Anthropological Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Just wow!!
"Wow! Could not fault the property or the staff! Everything about the stay was perfect. Our host was just so lovely, felt like greeting an old friend when I got a hug at the airport pick up. The rooms - what can I say? Just gorgeous. The beds were so comfy, the kitchen was clean, the bathroom was ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/8

Tahai Loft
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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