You know those places that give you that ‘feeling’ when you arrive, where absolutely everything leaves you in awe and the magic of it all stays in your soul well after you’ve left?
That, for me, is Rapa Nui.
While commonly known as Easter Island (or ‘Isla de Pascua’, the Spanish translation), you won’t see or hear those words anywhere here—instead, everyone uses its traditional Polynesian name, Rapa Nui. In fact, Chile’s government passed legislation that going forward all written materials will refer to it by its proper, non-colonized name, so expect Rapa Nui to become the standard.
Most people come to see the mysterious Moai, and the first time you catch a glimpse of the towering, ancient statues feels as surreal as finally seeing the Taj Mahal or Eiffel Tower in real life.
However there’s just something about the remoteness of this volcanic island that truly draws you in, in some ways like a utopia where the tight-knit community protects its land and traditions and embraces a slower way of life far removed from the western world.
It’s by no means easy to get here–in fact, Rapa Nui is one of the world’s most isolated places, surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean about 2,330 miles (3,700 km) from mainland Chile and about 4,000 km from French Polynesia.
The effort is more than worth it, with the opportunity to see breathtaking vistas and landscapes, centuries-old archeological sites, time-honoured customs and absolutely mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets.
Here’s a complete guide of everything you need to know about to travelling to Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
Things to do on Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Best area to wander: Hanga Roa
Hanga Roa is the main (and only) town on Rapa Nui, a relatively compact spot that’s essentially made up of two major streets: Policarpo Toro which winds along the waterfront, and Atumu Tekena.
The majority of souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants and guesthouses are found here, along with an artisans market, dive shops, rental car companies and a lively soccer pitch.
It takes a couple hours to explore it all, and Policarpo Toro leads to the island’s best sunset spot Ahu Tahai (more on that below).
Interested in getting another stamp on your passport? Head to the tourist information office in Hanga Roa for a free souvenir stamp (just keep in mind that there can potentially be issues with novelty stamps in a passport, so you might consider having them stamp a separate piece of paper instead).
Best place to see Moai: The quarry at Rano Raraku
The highlight of a trip to Easter Island is undeniably visiting Rano Raraku, where most Moai were hand-carved out of the volcanic crater on the lower slopes of Mount Terevaka.
There are about 1,000 statues on Rapa Nui, and 397 of them are found here in various stages of construction making this the highest concentration of Moai.
Each one is associated with a family clan, representing their ancestors and symbolically built for the protection of the village. After being erected on an altar its eyes would be carved, welcoming the spirit of the ancestor.
Many are buried at least halfway into the ground: due to their enormous weight, workers would detach the carvings from the rock face then slide them down the hill into a great pit, using gravity to help erect them.
How they managed to transport them around the island afterwards remains a mystery!
Guided tours of the site typically last at least a couple of hours as there’s so much to see, from the Moai themselves of all shapes and sizes to panoramic viewpoints looking out at the ocean and sites like Tongariki.
Best place to watch sunrise: Ahu Tongariki
One of my most “wow!” moments on Rapa Nui was the very first morning, when I woke before dawn to head to Tongariki. This is where 15 restored Moai are perched along the ocean, and is the most spellbinding spot on the island to watch the sunrise.
Our small group walked along the short trail in darkness with only flashlights to guide the way, and despite only being able to see the outlines of the massive figures I was already blown away by the magic of it all.
It wasn’t long before a speck of sun appeared behind them on the horizon, and over the next hour or so it slowly rose up behind the Moai, as the ever-changing light created a dramatic show right in front of our eyes.
While sunrise is truly unforgettable, the ceremonial site can be visited throughout the day and there are a number of interpretive signs highlighting its significance. Interestingly, the Moai were toppled sometime in the 17th century (likely the result of tribal warfare), and again in May 1960 by an earthquake that caused a tsunami and washed them from their bases.
In 1992, the Chilean government and the Moai Restoration Commmittee of Japan teamed up to restore them, which was completed in 1996 and is what we see today.
Best place to watch sunset: Ahu Tahai
If you’re not an early riser, head to the beach just on the outskirts of town to see sunset at Ahu Tahai.
A huge green space faces the statues, and on any given evening you’ll likely find at least a hundred people lounging on the hillside, relaxing and waiting for the sun to go down which is the perfect way to cap off a day on Rapa Nui.
Best place for culture: Ballet Cultural Kari Kari
Is it normal to burst into tears at a dance performance? Well, I have no shame admitting that’s exactly what I did when the talented troupe from the Ballet Cultural Kari Kari hit the stage–it was truly so moving.
The show was founded in 1996 as a way to keep Rapa Nui’s ancestral culture alive through song, dances and melodies.
There are 15 different programs, live music, audience participation, singing, vibrant costumes…truly, the whole evening is a spectacular way to get a glimpse of Polynesian heritage.
The ballet has travelled around the world, and you can catch it live at their intimate event space in downtown Hanga Roa three nights a week.
Best place to relax: Anakena Beach
Rapa Nui may be surrounded by water, but its volcanic nature means there are more craggy coves than sandy beaches. The exception is Anakena Beach, where a swath of sparkling white sand is tucked into the bay.
This is where you’ll want to come to soak up the sun, and there are also showers, toilets, a few restaurants (bring cash) and plenty of parking.
In true Easter Island fashion there’s also a group of Moai here, and Anakena Beach is one of the few major attractions that can be visited without a guide.
Best place to work up a sweat: Ma’unga Terevaka
For the best views in Rapa Nui, head up Mount Terevaka which is the island’s highest point and an extinct volcano.
No guide is required, and it takes about 2-3 hours round trip (horseback rides are also another option for those who aren’t up for a hike) to reach the 507 metre (1664 foot) summit.
The terrain has a moderate incline the whole way up and passes through grassy farmland–chances are you’ll pass more cows and horses than hikers on this trail!
At the top (which can be extremely windy, so hold onto your hat), visitors are rewarded with 360° views of the entire island.
There’s also a Moai you can pose with, though it looks suspiciously new.
Best scenery: Rano Kau
Rano Kau is one of the most awe-inspiring sites on Rapa Nui, and can be visited without a parks pass or guide which makes this a great stop on a road trip around the island.
An impressive crater spanning one kilometre in diameter holds a freshwater lagoon, and framed by the azure ocean in the background makes for some incredible photo-ops.
There are small totora islands, lush vegetation and microfauna in the water, and a short walk around the crater leads right to the site of Orongo.
Best place for history: Orongo
Built and used exclusively as a ceremonial village, Orongo hosted the death-defying Tangata Manu contest, earning its nickname as ‘the bird-man village.’
All of the clans would compete annually to find the first egg of the Manutara, and the winner would get to govern Rapa Nui for the year (read more about it here).
There’s a visitor centre and interpretive signs throughout Orongo which highlight more about this fascinating custom and the island itself, along with remnants of the Hare Keho construction style, 56 stone residences with living grass ceilings, and more than 1700 petroglyphs which is the highest concentration on Rapa Nui.
More things to do in Rapa Nui
- Trek along a hidden caving circuit to discover places like Ana Kakenga, Ana Te Pora and the famous Banana Cave or Ana Te Pahu.
- Visit Ovahe Beach, which has glints of pink sand and a rugged, wild coastline.
- See Ahu Akivi, a platform that’s unique for housing the only sea-facing Moai on the island.
Easter Island itinerary
The majority of tourists only spend three nights on the island which works out to about 2.5 days of sightseeing; while it’s possible to see the main highlights in that time, I recommend at least five nights to see all that Rapa Nui has to offer and justify the expense and hours-long flight over.
If you only have three nights:
- Night 1: Check into your hotel, head to Ahu Tahai for sunset.
- Day 2: Tour the Rano Raruku quarry, wander around Hanga Roa, watch the Kari Kari show*
- Day 3: Admire the Rano Kau volcanic crater, visit Orango, Ovahe Beach and Anakena Beach
- Departure day: Watch sunrise at Tongariki
*The Kari Kari show is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so adjust plan accordingly.
Five days is enough time to add on a hike or sunset horseback ride up Ma’unga Terevaka, explore a bit on a scooter, and see some lesser known spots like Vimapu and Pitokura to get a better feel for the island.
Book one of these top-rated day trips:
Book a multi-day tour with Viator:
Important notes about traveling to Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Visitors were once welcome to explore the island at will, but that all changed during the pandemic. Now, a guide is required to visit any site in the national park (which is the majority of the island), so paying for an excursion is mandatory to see the highlights–luckily this means you’ll learn much more about the significance of each site, since there aren’t many interpretive signs around.
Half-day, full-day and multi-day tours can be booked through your hotel or by heading into Hanga Roa. Expect to spend around $70 for a half day tour.
Book one of these highly rated tours:
Book a multi-day tour with GetYourGuide:
National Parks pass
A national parks pass is also required, which costs $80 USD and can be purchased online or at the ticket office in Hanga Roa. It CANNOT be bought at any of the attraction entrances, so keep it with you at all times as they’re stamped/scanned at each site and visitors are not permitted through without it.
While most sites can be visited as often as you want, Rano Raraku and Orongo are permitted only once (unless you have a PDF version on your phone, since staff usually won’t bother scanning it).
There are a few Easter Island attractions that can be visited alone for free: the rim of the Rano Kau crater, Ahu Tahai for sunset, the Vaitea and Terevaka hikes, Anakena Beach and Ovahe Beach.
RELATED: 10 weird things to know before travelling to Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Easter Island entry forms
One of the most important things to note about travelling to Easter Island is that a mandatory entry form must be filled out before going through security at the airport in Santiago.
It asks for your personal information, proof of accommodation and return flight details, and as it’s a bit tedious it’s much better to fill out on a desktop computer ahead of time instead of during a panicked scramble on your smartphone at the airport (which I’ve seen MANY panicked travellers do).
You’ll then receive a QR code, which you’ll show to the customs officer at the airport before going through security, and they’ll hand you a stamped piece of paper to present at the boarding gate.
While there’s still some erroneous information online regarding COVID vaccination records, I was never asked to provide this. However, it’s always a good idea to travel with your vaccination certificate just in case.
American and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Chile, and are issued a tourist card—valid for a maximum period of up to 90 days—upon arrival in the country.
How to get to Easter Island
The only option for flying to Easter Island is by booking a LATAM flight from Santiago to Mataveri International Airport/Isla de Pascua Airport (IPC); there used to be one linking the island with Tahiti but it was paused in 2020. No word yet if or when it will start up, so now is a great time to visit Rapa Nui since there are less tourists than usual.
The flight to Easter Island from Santiago takes just over five hours there and four and a half hours on the way back—check out this article for detailed information about what’s required at the airport, and the secret way to save hundreds of dollars on your flight.
RELATED: How to get to Easter Island (Rapa Nui): Top tips and tricks
Getting around Rapa Nui
A great feature of Rapa Nui is that it’s relatively compact, so while there’s plenty to see it’s actually possible to drive around the whole island in about 90 minutes.
One of the best ways to explore Easter Island is to hit the road by renting a Suzuki, ATV, motorbike or scooter which are the preferred mode of transport here; zooming along the open road on an ATV was one of the highlights of my trip!
There are a handful of rental car companies on the main street in Hanga Roa, and prices can vary a bit so be sure to shop around. Expect to pay around $70/day for a scooter or ATV, and up to $150/day for an automatic vehicle.
I booked through Oceanic Rent a Car and they were fantastic, and Insular Rent a Car is another recommended option.
Insurance isn’t a thing around here, so be sure to pay with a credit card that includes rental car insurance in the event of a collision. Many companies ask for an International Drivers License or proof of a motorcycle (Class B) license to rent an ATV or scooter, although I don’t have either and still managed to rent an ATV.
Taxis are another option, but are quite expensive: for example, it costs 55,000 pesos ($65 USD) to get from Hanga Roa to Anakena Beach, which is only a twenty minute drive each way.
Where to stay on Easter Island
I’m not going to sugar coat it: Easter Island accommodations aren’t cheap. Expect to shell out at least $200+ USD per night for a basic room in Hanga Roa, and $1000/night to stay at one of the island’s more luxurious, five-star properties.
Nayara Hangaroa: As the first five star hotel on the island, it doesn’t get much better than the idyllic surroundings at Nayara Hangaroa.
Located along the waterfront just a five minute walk from town, natural elements are incorporated into every aspect of the property and you might even see wild horses grazing on the lawn.
After a day of sightseeing, guests can relax around the pool or at the spa, hit the gym, or enjoy happy hour and dinner at one of the restaurants (there’s a complimentary signature cocktail and hor d’oeuvres pairing each night).
There’s also an option to book room only, or packages that include meals and excursions.
The staff are very friendly and greet each guest by name, and are happy to assist with requests and offer tips for exploring around the island. Nayara Hangaroa organizes several tours each day with fantastic guides, so it’s definitely worth booking through the hotel to keep it easy.
Book on Expedia or Reserve on Booking.com
explora Rapa Nui: Part of one of the top hotel brands in South America (explora also owns the luxe lodge at the base of Machu Picchu), their Rapa Nui property is the most luxurious–and expensive–of the Easter Island hotels.
Strategically perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean to bring the outdoors in, the all-inclusive property boasts an outdoor swimming pool, garden and terrace and restaurant. Room rates also include things like free bike rentals and tours around the island.
While some guests will appreciate how isolated and remote it is, explora’s location near the quarry means it’s a half hour drive back to Hanga Roa and other island attractions (though there is a complimentary shuttle service). Book on Expedia or Reserve on Booking.com
Hare Nua Hotel Boutique: A slightly less budget-blowing option for Easter Island accommodation is the Hare Nua boutique hotel, which is conveniently located right in downtown Hanga Roa.
The tranquil decor has an organic feel, and on-site amenities include a bar, pool, hot tub, and healthy breakfast included. Guests also rave about the personalized, friendly service. Book on Expedia or Reserve on Booking.com
Currency on Easter Island
Most places on the island accept credit cards, and while the official currency is Chilean pesos USD are also commonly used.
It’s a good idea to have cash on hand since a few places like souvenir stalls and the restaurants on Anakena Beach don’t take cards. If using USD, ensure the bills are in perfect condition as some vendors might not accept money with any damage such as small tears.
Rapa Nui weather: The best time to go to Easter Island
Rapa Nui enjoys warm, temperate weather year-round, so it’s always a good time to visit. As it’s in the southern hemisphere the seasons are opposite from North America, so June to August is considered winter which brings more rain.
January and February are the hottest months during the height of summer, when temperatures hover around 30 degrees celsius. I travelled there during shoulder season (November, which is spring) and the weather was fantastic and hot enough to get a sunburn so be sure to pack sunscreen when visiting Easter Island!
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