By: Heather Keys
Let’s travel into the Pacific and explore Easter Island—known as Rapa Nui to its inhabitants!
This tiny piece of land, isolated in the ocean, is most famous for its stone figures, the Moai. Easter Island isn’t just about these stone sentinels, however! If you’re looking for a destination with relaxing beaches, hiking adventures, and fascinating culture, you’ll find that Easter Island is a perfect place for your bucket list.
A Dive into Easter Island’s History
Polynesian settlers are believed to have reached the shores of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, between 300 and 800 CE. These initial inhabitants journeyed from the west, possibly from the Marquesas or the Gambier Islands. Over time, this community forged a distinct culture, drawing from their Polynesian roots but uniquely shaped by the island’s isolation.
The Moai, Easter Island’s famous stone statues, became emblematic of Rapa Nui culture. Representing deified ancestors, these monoliths were perceived to offer protection and prosperity to the villages they watched over. Their construction and transportation methods, however, are a bit of a mystery. Most were sculpted from the compressed volcanic ash at Rano Raraku. The means of their transport across the island range from theories of sleds and rollers to an idea of “walking” the statues using ropes.
Photo by Thomas Griggs on Unsplash
As the centuries passed, the island faced significant ecological challenges, notably deforestation. The exhaustive felling of palm trees led to soil erosion, impacting agriculture. This environmental strain, coupled with a reduced resource base, likely spurred conflicts among the island’s clans. Clashes culminated in the symbolic toppling of many Moai statues. An additional theory suggests that the Polynesian rat, inadvertently introduced by the settlers, further accelerated deforestation by consuming palm seeds.
In 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen became the first European to set foot on Rapa Nui, naming it Easter Island due to his arrival on Easter Sunday. While he took note of the island’s distinctive statues, he also reported its evident resource limitations. Successive European arrivals brought diseases, wreaking havoc on an indigenous population with no immunity.
The late 19th century saw Chile annexing Easter Island. The subsequent years were grueling for the Rapa Nui people, facing challenges like forced labor and restricted movement. The island’s transformation into a sheep farm in the 20th century further marginalized the Rapa Nui, with many confined to the town of Hanga Roa, diluting their cultural practices.
The latter half of the 20th century marked a period of renewal. Efforts were initiated to raise and refurbish fallen Moai. International teams, collaborating with Rapa Nui experts, spearheaded these restoration endeavors. Concurrently, there was a reawakening of Rapa Nui cultural pride and traditions, exemplified by the Tapati Rapa Nui festival. The recognition of Rapa Nui National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 underscored the global significance of Easter Island’s cultural and archaeological legacy.
Discovering Easter Island: A Traveler’s Guide to Top Attractions
If you’re intrigued by Easter Island just by the Moai statues alone, rest assured that there’s lots more to see here!
The Moai Statues
Easter Island’s most iconic symbols, the Moai statues are colossal stone figures that dominate the landscape. Carved with rudimentary tools, these sculptures represent the ancestors of the Rapa Nui people and were believed to have spiritual significance.
Rano Raraku
Often referred to as the nursery of the Moai, Rano Raraku is a volcanic crater that provided the stone for most of the statues. This site offers travelers a unique chance to witness Moai in various stages of construction, embedded in the quarry’s slopes.
Ahu Tongariki
With a backdrop of the ocean, Ahu Tongariki is the largest ceremonial platform on the island, showcasing a row of 15 restored Moai.
Ahu Akivi
Distinct from other Ahu (ceremonial platforms) on the island, Ahu Akivi is home to seven Moai that stand facing the ocean instead of the inland orientation seen elsewhere. Legends suggest these statues represent seven explorers sent by the island’s first king, Hotu Matu’a, tasked with finding Rapa Nui.
Rano Kau Crater
An extinct volcano, Rano Kau’s caldera is now filled with a freshwater lake dotted with reeds and is particularly a haven for birdlife. The crater’s rim is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Orongo Village
Along the edge of the Rano Kau crater, Orongo is a ceremonial village made up of oval-shaped stone houses. Historically, it served as the center for the island’s birdman competition, wherein participants would retrieve the first egg of the migratory sooty tern from the nearby islet of Motu Nui. Petroglyphs depicting the birdman, or Tangata Manu, are carved onto the boulders, chronicling a pivotal cultural shift in Rapa Nui society.
Anakena Beach
Anakena Beach is fringed with palm trees imported from Tahiti, and is a popular spot for tourists looking for a relaxing getaway. The beach is also historically significant, believed to be the landing place of Hotu Matu’a, the first Polynesian settler. A backdrop of two Ahu—one featuring the famous ‘kneeling Moai’—makes this beach a must-see.
Tapati Rapa Nui
February stands out for travelers interested in immersing themselves in the island’s culture. This month sees the celebration of the Tapati Rapa Nui festival—an ode to the island’s Polynesian heritage, the two-week festival is a carnival of dance, music, and games.
Planning Your Easter Island Adventure
The best time to visit Easter Island is during the summer, stretching from December to March in the southern hemisphere. The island is sunny and breezy throughout this period—perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.
Hanga Roa is the go-to spot for a wide array of accommodations that cater to all kinds of travelers—a few ideas:
- Hare Uta: A blend of comfort and authentic Rapa Nui design, this hotel is a tranquil escape.
- Nayara Hangaroa: This luxury resort takes eco-consciousness to the next level, offering a holistic experience that cares for both the guest and the environment.
- Cabanas Rapa Nui Orito: Offering individual cabins, this establishment promises privacy amidst nature.
- Budget Options: For those traveling on a shoestring budget, Hanga Roa has numerous hostels and guesthouses. They provide a cost-effective way to experience local hospitality.
Navigating Easter Island
Languages of the Island: While being a part of Chilean territory makes Spanish the official language, Rapa Nui is often used among locals.
Currency considerations: The Chilean Peso is the primary currency. Given the island’s remote location, make sure to carry sufficient cash—while many establishments accept credit cards, having some physical currency for smaller transactions is a good idea.
Park pass: Upon arrival, you’ll encounter an entry fee for the Rapa Nui National Park, which grants access to many must-see areas of the island.
How to get around: While small, the island is packed with sites perfect for exploration. Renting a vehicle, whether it’s a car, bike, or scooter, is highly recommended, and you can’t go wrong working with a local guide.
Ready to Travel?
Have you had the opportunity to see Easter Island? If not, is it on your bucket list? Share your stories and advice with the Frayed Passport community!
About the Author
Heather is a freelance writer who loves exploring the intersection of travel and history. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.
Featured image by Thomas Griggs on Unsplash