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Use the cards below to plan your days: most archaeological areas lie inside Rapa Nui National Park and require the park ticket. Combine coastal sites with town walks and viewpoints.
Star ratings reflect how strong a “wow” factor and uniqueness typically feel for visitors—not scientific value. Every site deserves respect: stay on marked paths, don’t climb moai, and carry water and sun protection.
Archaeology
Ahu Akivi
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ The only statues facing the ocean.
Ahu Huri a Urenga
Not yet reviewed
★★☆☆☆ Single moai with four hands, astronomically aligned.
Ahu Tongariki
Not yet reviewed
★★★★★ Biggest ahu with 15 moais.
Hanga Te'e (Vaihu)
Not yet reviewed
A coastal ahu where moai lie fallen — raw evidence of clan wars and tsunami damage.
Orongo
Not yet reviewed
★★★★★ Ancient stone village where the birdman competitions took place.
Puna Pau
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ Quarry for the red moai statue topknots.
Rano Raraku
Not yet reviewed
★★★★★ Quarry where 95% of the moai statues were made, still with hundreds of statues left here.
Tahai
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ Area close to town with several statues, common for sunset photography.
Vinapū
Not yet reviewed
★★★★☆ The most perfectly fit ahu is found in this area.
Viewpoints
Beaches
Anakena
Not yet reviewed
★★★★★ The most tropical beach of Rapa Nui. Seven statues of Ahu Nau-Nau and older single statue of Ahu Ature Huke.
Ovahe
Not yet reviewed
★★★★☆ Secluded getaway that's covered in shade in the afternoon.
Pea
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ Small central beach in Hanga Roa.
Poko-Poko
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ Secluded pool in Hanga Roa.
Caves
Ana Kai Tangata
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ Small cove where certain birdman ceremonies took place. Has paintings in the ceiling.
Ana Kakenga
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ A cave that splits into two tunnels overlooking the ocean.
Ana o Keke
Not yet reviewed
★★★★☆ Young girls were secluded here to obtain a fair skin.
Ana Te Pahu
Not yet reviewed
★★★★★ A long tunnel that used to house large families.
Ana Te Pora
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ Small cave with a well-structured, clean open space.
Hikes
Ma'unga Terevaka
Not yet reviewed
★★★★☆ The highest point of Rapa Nui, 500 m above the sea.
Poike
Not yet reviewed
★★★★★ Stunning views, unique archaeology and caves. Book a guided hike tour to not miss the jewels this volcano has to offer.
Town
Atamu Tekena
Not yet reviewed
★★★★★ Main street of town Hanga Roa with many restaurants, shops and the central market.
Catholic Church
Not yet reviewed
Hanga Roa's parish church — carved wooden interior, stained glass, and a quiet stop between town walks.
Feria Hanga Roa
Not yet reviewed
★★★★☆ Central market in the heart of town Hanga Roa with local vegetables and fish in the morning, and local handicrafts all day.
Hanga Roa
Not yet reviewed
Rapa Nui's only town — harbour life, cafés, crafts, and the logistics hub for every adventure.
Mercado Artesanal
Not yet reviewed
★★★★☆ Artisan's market by the church. Only handicrafts are sold here.
Museo Padre Sebastián Englert
Not yet reviewed
Anthropological museum honouring Father Sebastián Englert — artifacts, replicas, and context before you head into the field.
Prison craft shop
Not yet reviewed
★★★☆☆ The prison has a limited selection of handicrafts but they are offered in a unique environment.
Te Pito O Te Henua
Not yet reviewed
★★★★☆ Leading from the church down to the ocean, crossing Atamu Tekena. It has post office, a few shops and restaurants.
Sites are graded based on the experience they offer to visitors and their uniqueness.