The Top Easter Island Activities to Spice up Your Trip

Ahu Akivi, a ceremonial platform unique for its seven sea-facing moai statues, represents the seven explorers sent by Hotu Matu'a before his arrival. Erected in the 15th century, these statues symbolise the navigational prowess and the exploratory spirit of the early Polynesian settlers. The platform, 30 feet in length, stands as a testament to the island's history and the explorers vast journey across the ocean, highlighting the cultural and historical depth of Easter Island.

The Ana Kakenga cave, known as the "cave of two windows," offers an adventure into Easter Island's subterranean landscapes. This lava tube, extending over 50 feet underground, features two openings that provide dramatic views of the ocean. The cave's history, intertwined with local legends, adds a layer of mystery to the exploration, offering a journey not only through the island's natural wonders but also through its rich tapestry of myths and legends.

The Rano Kau volcano, with its vast crater lake, serves as the backdrop for the fascinating history of the birdman competition, a ritual determining the island's spiritual leader until the 19th century. The crater, about 1 mile in diameter, supports a diverse ecosystem thanks to its unique microclimate. The Orongo village, with petroglyphs depicting this ancient competition, offers a window into the island's rich cultural history, showcasing the blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Ahu Huri a Urenga, known for its solitary moai with four hands, serves as an astronomical observatory, aligning perfectly with the winter solstice sunrise. This alignment highlights the Rapa Nui's advanced understanding of astronomy and their sophisticated calendar systems. Located in a peaceful field, this site offers a moment of reflection on the island's ancient wisdom and the passage of time, connecting visitors with the deep historical and astronomical knowledge of the Rapa Nui people.

The slopes of Maunga Terevaka, covered in lush vegetation, offer a contrast to Easter Island's coastal and volcanic landscapes. This area, rich in flora and fauna, provides a refreshing escape into the island's natural beauty. Hiking through the forests, visitors can find secluded moai statues and enjoy the quiet beauty of the island's natural environment, offering a break from the more frequented tourist spots and a chance to connect with the island's diverse ecosystems.

The Tapati Rapa Nui Festival, an annual event every February, is a celebration of the island's culture, showcasing music, dance, and traditional sports. This two-week festival transforms the island, highlighting the rich heritage of the Rapa Nui people. Visitors can participate in various activities, gaining insights into the island's traditions and history, which have been carefully preserved and passed down through generations, ensuring the continuation of the island's unique cultural identity.

Orongo serves as a significant archaeological site on Easter Island, positioned at the edge of the Rano Kau volcano crater. Originating from the 16th century, this location was pivotal for the birdman cult, hosting annual competitions. Over 50 stone houses and numerous petroglyphs depicting the birdman and other symbols can be found here, offering insights into the island's past. Positioned at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, it provides stunning views over the crater lake and the vast Pacific Ocean, encapsulating the essence of Rapa Nui's mysterious history within its expansive landscape.

Maunga Terevaka, standing as the highest point on Easter Island at 1,665 feet, affords hikers panoramic views of the entire island. This extinct volcano's peak is accessible through a moderate hike, presenting an opportunity to stand atop the most isolated landmass in the world. The journey through the island's geological and cultural history, dating back to the early Polynesian settlers of the 13th century, is a profound experience. The area, about 163 square kilometres, offers a journey through time, revealing the island's extensive and varied history.

Rano Raraku, the volcanic crater that served as the quarry for the moai statues, is an archaeological marvel. Over 400 moai are scattered around the site, some fully carved and others still part of the rock. Known as the "moai factory," active from the 10th to the early 18th century, it covers an area of about 1 square kilometre. Walking among these giants offers a profound connection to the island's ancient inhabitants and their incredible feats of engineering and artistry.

Anakena, with its white sandy shores bordered by palm trees, offers a slice of paradise on Easter Island. Its significance extends beyond its beauty, marking the landing site of Hotu Matu'a, the island's first settler, in the 4th century. The beach, approximately 300 feet in length, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with the nearby Ahu Nau Nau providing a backdrop of beautifully preserved moai statues, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the scenic location.