Easter Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ahu Tongariki showing heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
Easter Island featuring mountains, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Easter Island
Ahu Tongariki which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture as well as a small group of people
Hanga Roa featuring dining out and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Search for the meaning of ancient stone sculptures on this small island off Chile’s coast. When you’re not exploring history, enjoy splendid beaches.

Easter Island brings to mind history and mystery. See its giant moai, statues of elongated human-like figures carved from volcanic rock. They rest on stone platforms called ahus and some wear stone headdresses. Learn about the ancient people who created these pieces as well as the explorers who pondered over them centuries later.

The island has about 900 moai, many in and around the Rano Raraku Quarry, with lava from the Rano RarakuOpens in a new window volcano. They range in size from about 3 feet (1 meter) to 70 feet (21 meters) tall. Ahu TongarikiOpens in a new window has one of the most prestigious displays. As you gaze at these amazing statues, marvel at the primitive engineering that transported the heavy carvings more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) across the island. Archaeologists have determined how the islanders used ropes, logs and human energy to complete this work, but don’t know why.

Explore distinct cultural developments over the last 1,200 years. The date is still debated but experts believe the Polynesians arrived in about A.D. 300 and developed moai starting about 700 A.D. but later destroyed many to build larger ones. After resource depletion and a fierce civil war, the local population dramatically declined. Europeans arrived on Easter Sunday 1722, giving the island its current name. Chile annexed the island, also known as Rapa Nui, in 1888 for sheep farming. Today tourism is the key industry.

Besides its historical significance, Easter Island offers very pleasant South Pacific beach vacation conditions. Travel to Anakena BeachOpens in a new window on the northern shore to swim in azure waters the color of lapis lazuli gemstones, laze on the soft white sands under the shade of coconut palms or try bodysurfing. Gaze at the Ahu Nau Nau, with moai that are in exceptional condition after they were buried here in the sand for centuries.

Reach Easter Island by flying from SantiagoOpens in a new window, Chile, to Mataveri International Airport in the main city of Hanga RoaOpens in a new window. Rent a four-wheel drive or use taxis to get around. Join a tour for best moai access and information.

Tupa Hotel
Tupa Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Taniera Teave S/n, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Pea Swimming Pool and Pea Beach ...
7.4/10 Good! (224 reviews)
"Great hotel, friendly staff."

Reviewed on 5 May 2025

Tupa Hotel
Hare Nua
Hare Nua
4 out of 5
Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (162 reviews)
"What a wonderful stay we had. We were greeted by Valentina at the airport with flower wreaths and given a quick tour of the city prior to being brought to the hotel. The check in process was very nice and calming with a welcoming juice and treat by Patricia. She took our photo for part of a departing ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 2025

Hare Nua
Nayara Hangaroa
Nayara Hangaroa
5 out of 5
Av Pont S/n, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
The price is NZ$1,155 per night from 13 June to 14 June
NZ$1,155
13 June - 14 June
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
"One of the best accommodations we have ever stayed in. Well worth the cost for the value received. Resort and restaurants are excellent."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2025

Nayara Hangaroa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tahai Loft
Tahai Loft
5 out of 5
Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Hanga Roa Anthropological Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Not at all worth the very expensive price per night. Hare Nua Boutique in town is much better choice. This property is outside of the main town about 2km (too far to walk back at night so I didn’t catch any shows or try dinners in town). However it is very close walk to the Tahai moai which is great. ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 2025

Tahai Loft
Cabañas Henua Iti
Cabañas Henua Iti
2.5 out of 5
Puku Rangi Uka sn, Sector Piataro, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Puna Pau and Iglesia Hanga ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Little cabin with lots of spaces! Amazing host highly recommend m!"

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Cabañas Henua Iti
Cabañas Te Maori
Cabañas Te Maori
3 out of 5
Te Pito o Te Henua, sin numero, Hanga Roa, Isla de Pascua
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Hanga Roa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Mercado Artesanal Municipal and Iglesia ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"The property was just perfect. Patricia gave us wonderful recommendations too."

Reviewed on 11 Apr. 2025

Cabañas Te Maori
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Easter Island