Things to do in Hanga Roa

Explore the site of the last great stage of Easter Island on this guided day tour from Hanga Roa. Depart from your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle to begin your adventure. Visit the sprawling ceremonial site of Ahu Vinapu to see some of the most advanced masonry in the world, then continue north to Puna Puna to see alternative representations of maoi sculptures, the famous "Easter Island heads". You'll see the distinctive red knots atop their heads, made from red scoria, an igneous rock with a vibrant red color. Next, see the colossal moai sculptures of Ahu A'kivi, a line of seven 16-foot (5-meter) effigies that gaze solemnly out to sea; the sea-facing direction of the sculptures has confounded archaeologists for years due to the fact all of the other sculpture faces inwards. Visit the amazing Rano Kau volcano crater and learn about the famous Birdman legend at the O'rongo ceremonial village, consisting of approximately 50 elliptically shaped, shale-wall homes with a small square entry overlooking the ocean. Before your journey back to the hotel visit Tahai, which comprises three principal sets of heads from north to south: Ko Te Riku (with restored eyes), Tahai and Vai Ure.

Begin your day with a private pick-up service from your hotel on Easter Island.  Explore the major Rapa Nui archaeological sites near the Rano Kau volcano crater and learn about the famous Birdman legend at the O'rongo ceremonial village. Continue your tour to Ahu Akivi, a site that was first scientifically restored in 1960 with a platform of 7 standing Moai. This platform is characterized as being one of the few located in the center of the island. These statues face the setting sun. Next, feast your eyes on the Ahu Tongariki, featuring 15 standing Moai. Later, learn about how the Moai were built at Rano Raraku site. To end the tour, visit the inspiring turquoise water of Anakena Beach. Timing is flexible and can be spent in any given location as long as you wish. Lunch is not included on this tour but there are places where you can buy a snack and bring it on the tour. When your tour is complete you will be transported back to your hotel.

Enjoy the convenience of being picked up at your hotel in Hanga Roa. Begin your journey near the village of Akahanga, which was a significant ceremonial center or ahu. See the stone heads of Easter Islands, which are known as moai. Learn about the tribal wars which took place on the island and the moai which were knocked down during the fighting. Visit the remains of hare paenga, the boat-shaped stone houses which were built by the island’s ancient inhabitants. Continue to the Ahu Tongariki, which is the largest ahu on the island and contains 15 moai. See the Rano Raraku and quarry which is the source of the volcanic rock used to carve the moai. Admire the 400 moai in various stages of carving. Follow the route to Ahu Te Pito Kura, where the highest statue on the island is located, as well as the Paro moai. Marvel at the spherical stone next to the ahu. This massive stone was said to be the navel of the world (Te Pito or Te Henua), which according to legend, was brought to the island on Hotu Matua’s boat. Head to the white sand beach of Anakena where Ariki Hotu Motua and his sister Avareipua arrived at the island. Visit the Ahu Nau Nau, an the archeological site of an ancient complex construction. At this site are 5 Moai with pukao which have Petroglyphs on the back of the statues. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in Hanga Roa.