Easter Island feels like stepping into a world of mystery and wonder. Home to the iconic moai statues, rugged volcanic landscapes, and sweeping ocean views, this remote island offers an experience like no other. Imagine walking among ancient stone giants at Rano Raraku, hiking up to the stunning crater of Rano Kau, or soaking in the golden glow of a sunset at Anakena Beach. When I visited, I was captivated by the island’s rich culture, friendly locals, and the feeling of being somewhere truly extraordinary. Let’s explore the top 12 experiences that make Easter Island unforgettable!
Best Things to Do in Easter Land At a Glance
Visiting Easter Island? Stand before the iconic moai statues at Ahu Tongariki, explore the volcanic crater of Rano Raraku, or hike to the sacred village of Orongo. Walk the ancient paths of Ahu Akivi, relax on the white sands of Anakena Beach, or dive into the island’s rich culture at the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival. Whether you’re here for history, nature, or cultural experiences, Easter Island offers a journey like no other.
1. Ahu Tongariki
Ahu Tongariki is the largest and most impressive moai platform on Easter Island, featuring 15 massive stone statues standing against the Pacific Ocean. These iconic moai were restored in the 1990s after a tsunami scattered them inland. The best time to visit is at sunrise, when the statues are silhouetted against the glowing sky. The site is accessible from Hanga Roa, about a 30-minute drive, making it one of the island’s most visited landmarks. A short walk from the platform reveals scattered ruins and petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the island’s ancient culture.
Watching the sunrise here was one of the most surreal moments of my trip—seeing the moai illuminated by golden light was mesmerizing. A local guide shared details about the Rapa Nui people’s history, making the experience even richer. Whether you’re into history, photography, or simply want to admire these legendary stone figures, Ahu Tongariki is a must-visit.
2. Anakena Beach
Anakena Beach is Easter Island’s most scenic beach, featuring soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters. It’s also historically significant, as legend says Hotu Matu’a, the island’s first king, landed here. The beach is home to Ahu Nau Nau, a platform with seven well-preserved moai, some still bearing intricate carvings. Unlike the rugged coastlines elsewhere, Anakena offers calm waters perfect for swimming. Nearby, local vendors sell grilled seafood and empanadas, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy island flavors.
I spent an afternoon here and was surprised by how warm and inviting the water was—a rare treat on an island better known for history than beaches. After swimming, I grabbed a fresh tuna empanada from a beachfront stand, which made the experience even better. Whether you visit for the history or just to unwind under the palms, Anakena Beach is an essential stop on Easter Island.
3. Rano Kau Volcano
Rano Kau Volcano, located near Hanga Roa, is one of Easter Island’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Its massive crater, nearly a mile wide, contains a freshwater lake covered with floating reeds. The view from the rim is spectacular, offering panoramic sights of the island and the Pacific Ocean. The volcano is also home to Orongo, an ancient ceremonial village tied to the Birdman cult. This site, perched on the crater’s edge, features stone houses and petroglyphs depicting the Tangata Manu, or Birdman, an important figure in Rapa Nui culture.
Hiking up Rano Kau was one of my favorite experiences on the island. The changing landscapes—from grasslands to volcanic rock—made the journey as fascinating as the destination. Standing at the edge of the crater, looking down at the mirror-like lake, felt almost otherworldly. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or stunning viewpoints, Rano Kau is an unforgettable part of Easter Island.
4. Orongo Village
Perched on the edge of Rano Kau Volcano, Orongo Village is one of Easter Island’s most significant archaeological sites. This ancient ceremonial village played a central role in the Birdman cult, a competition where warriors swam to Motu Nui islet to retrieve the first sooty tern egg of the season. The village consists of 54 restored stone houses, many featuring petroglyphs of the Tangata Manu (Birdman figure). From here, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and three offshore islets that were crucial to the ritual.
Walking through Orongo, I was struck by how isolated and windswept the village felt, making it easy to imagine the intensity of the Birdman competition. The well-preserved structures and detailed carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into Rapa Nui’s past. Whether you’re here for history, mythology, or epic ocean views, Orongo Village is an unmissable stop on Easter Island.
5. Ahu Akivi
Unlike most moai statues on Easter Island, which face inland, the seven moai at Ahu Akivi are unique because they look toward the ocean. According to legend, these statues represent the seven explorers sent by King Hotu Matu’a before he settled the island. The site is also astronomically aligned, with the moai perfectly facing the sunset during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Located in the island’s interior, about a 20-minute drive from Hanga Roa, this site offers a peaceful setting away from the busier coastal platforms.
Visiting Ahu Akivi at sunset was a highlight—watching the statues glow under the golden light was unforgettable. The surrounding landscape of rolling green hills makes it a perfect place for a quiet moment of reflection. Whether you’re drawn by its astronomical significance, history, or serene atmosphere, Ahu Akivi stands out among Easter Island’s moai sites.
6. Puna Pau Quarry
Nestled in the hills just outside Hanga Roa, Puna Pau Quarry is the site where the distinctive red scoria topknots (pukao) of the moai were carved. These massive cylindrical stones, some weighing several tons, were transported to various ahu (platforms) and placed on top of the moai. Scattered around the quarry, you’ll find unfinished pukao, giving insight into how these enormous stones were shaped and moved. The site also offers panoramic views of the island, making it a great stop for both history and scenery.
Walking among the abandoned topknots, I was fascinated by the craftsmanship involved in carving and balancing these heavy stones. The short uphill trail to the quarry was easy, and the view from the top was stunning. If you’re interested in how the moai were completed and adorned, Puna Pau Quarry provides an essential piece of Easter Island’s puzzle.
7. Rapa Nui’s Petroglyphs
Scattered across Easter Island, Rapa Nui’s petroglyphs provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s ancient culture, mythology, and daily life. Some of the most intricate carvings can be found at Papa Vaka, where large boulders are etched with images of canoes, fish, and sea creatures, symbolizing the Rapa Nui people’s connection to the ocean. Other significant petroglyph sites include Orongo, with its famous Tangata Manu (Birdman) carvings, and Ana Kai Tangata, a coastal cave with red-hued rock paintings of sooty terns.
Seeing these carvings up close was like stepping back in time—each symbol felt like a story waiting to be told. At Papa Vaka, a guide explained how the largest petroglyph, a 12-meter-long canoe, represented the islanders’ maritime journeys. Whether you’re into history, archaeology, or unique art, exploring Rapa Nui’s petroglyphs is an unforgettable experience.
8. Tapati Festival
Held every February, the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival is Easter Island’s most exciting cultural event, celebrating Rapa Nui traditions, sports, and storytelling. For two weeks, the island transforms into a vibrant festival ground, where locals compete in ancient-style canoe races, haka pei (banana trunk sledding), and body-painting contests. The festival also features Polynesian dance performances, singing competitions, and a massive parade, culminating in the crowning of the festival’s queen. Most events take place near Hanga Roa, drawing visitors from around the world.
I was lucky enough to witness the haka pei competition, where participants slid down a steep hill on banana trunks at nearly 50 mph—it was thrilling to watch! The festival’s energy, music, and deep sense of community made it an unforgettable experience. If you want to see Easter Island’s traditions come to life, Tapati Festival is the best time to visit.
9. Ana Kakenga – The Cave of Two Windows
Ana Kakenga, also known as the Cave of Two Windows, is one of Easter Island’s most fascinating lava tube caves. Located near the coastline west of Ahu Tepeu, this hidden spot is accessed by crawling through a narrow tunnel, opening up to a breathtaking ocean view framed by two rocky windows. According to legend, the cave was once used as a refuge by two escaping Rapa Nui warriors, adding to its air of mystery.
Squeezing through the dark passage felt like entering a secret world, and stepping out onto the cliffside openings was breathtaking. The sight of waves crashing against the rocks, framed by lava-formed arches, was worth the effort. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes, as the entrance can be tricky to navigate. If you’re up for a bit of adventure with an incredible view, Ana Kakenga is a must-visit on Easter Island.
10. Hanga Roa’s Astronomical Observatory
Easter Island’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Hanga Roa’s Astronomical Observatory, located near the Rapa Nui Planetarium & Cultural Center, offers guided night sky tours, where visitors can see the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, and distant galaxies. The observatory also explains how Polynesian navigators used the stars to explore the Pacific, a tradition that shaped the Rapa Nui people’s journey to the island.
During my visit, I was amazed at how clear and vast the night sky looked—I could see more stars than ever before. Using the observatory’s telescopes, I got a close-up view of Saturn’s rings and the Milky Way’s dense core. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just love a stunning night sky, stargazing in Hanga Roa is a magical experience.
11. Rano Raraku Quarry
Rano Raraku Quarry is the birthplace of the moai, where nearly 400 unfinished statues remain frozen in time. Carved directly from the volcanic tuff of Rano Raraku, these moai were intended for different ahu (platforms) across the island but were mysteriously abandoned. The site’s most famous statue, El Gigante, is an unfinished 70-foot-tall moai, the largest ever attempted. A scenic hiking trail winds through the quarry, offering incredible views of Ahu Tongariki and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Walking among the half-buried moai, I felt like I was in an open-air museum of Rapa Nui craftsmanship. Seeing the unfinished statues still attached to the bedrock gave me a new appreciation for the sheer effort involved in carving and moving these massive figures. If you want to understand how the moai were created, Rano Raraku is an essential stop on Easter Island.
12. Ovahe Beach
Tucked between rugged cliffs, Ovahe Beach is one of Easter Island’s most secluded and stunning beaches. Unlike Anakena, Ovahe has a pinkish-hued sand, formed by crushed volcanic rock and coral. The crystal-clear water makes it an ideal snorkeling spot, where you can see colorful fish and lava-formed rock formations. Due to its strong currents and lack of facilities, it’s a less crowded beach, perfect for those looking for a quiet escape into nature.
When I visited, I was amazed at how untouched and peaceful it felt—there were only a few other travelers, making it feel like a hidden paradise. The steep trail down was a bit challenging, but once I reached the sand, it was worth every step. If you’re searching for a less touristy, picture-perfect beach, Ovahe Beach is the place to go.
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