Easter Island

Easter Island is not just a place you visit — it’s a place that visits you. It stays with you long after you’ve left, like a dream you keep remembering in flashes. It's hauntingly beautiful, deeply mystical, and one of the most powerful, spiritual travel experiences you can have on Earth. If you're someone who seeks more than just photos — if you want meaning, energy, and presence — Easter Island will speak to your soul.

Moai or moʻai (/ˈmoʊ.aɪ/ ⓘ MOH-eye; Spanish: moái; Rapa Nui: moʻai, lit. 'statue') are monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in eastern Polynesia between the years 1250 and 1500.[1][2] Nearly half are still at Rano Raraku, the main moai quarry, but hundreds were transported from there and set on stone platforms called ahu around the island's perimeter. Almost all moai have overly large heads, which account for three-eighths of the size of the whole statue. They also have no legs. The moai are chiefly the living faces (aringa ora) of deified ancestors (aringa ora ata tepuna). The statues still gazed inland across their clan lands when Europeans first visited the island in 1722, but all of them had fallen by the latter part of the 19th century.[4] The moai were toppled in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, possibly as a result of European contact or internecine tribal wars.[5] The production and transportation of the more than 900 statues[6][7] is considered a remarkable creative and physical feat.[8] The tallest moai erected, called Paro, was almost 10 metres (33 ft) high and weighed 82 tonnes (81 long tons; 90 short tons).[9][10] The heaviest moai erected was a shorter but squatter moai at Ahu Tongariki, weighing 86 tonnes (85 long tons; 95 short tons). One unfinished sculpture, if completed, would be approximately 21 m (69 ft) tall, with a weight of about 145–165 tonnes (143–162 long tons; 160–182 short tons).[11] Statues are still being discovered as of 2023.

I loved Easter Island. We stayed at Explorer Rapa Nui. This island is unique as the only animals that are there natively are birds. The only other animals that are there are cows, horses, chickens, pigs, goats, cats and dogs. The animals roam free all over the island and the horses are mostly wild. We came to learn that the natives don’t really like the horses as they no longer serve a purpose. They used to be used for transportation, but now they have cars. I personally think the horses are an attractive attribute to the island. I actually sought out souvenirs about the horses but found none. There is many different beliefs on this island about how and when the first people arrived, and who created the statues, I guess no one really knows.

Easter Island, a remote Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, ancient history, and Polynesian culture. The island is renowned for its iconic moai statues, towering stone figures that have puzzled and intrigued visitors for centuries. These remarkable sculptures are scattered across the island's rugged terrain, standing as silent guardians of a mysterious past. Exploring Easter Island is like stepping back in time, with its rugged coastlines, lush greenery, and volcanic craters providing a dramatic backdrop for adventure. Visitors can hike along scenic trails to discover hidden archaeological sites, witness breathtaking sunsets over the ocean, or simply relax on pristine beaches. In addition to its natural beauty, Easter Island also offers insights into its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about the island's Polynesian roots through traditional dance performances, artisan workshops, and visits to local museums. The island's small but vibrant community welcomes visitors with warmth and hospitality, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience. When visiting Easter Island, it's important to be mindful of its fragile ecosystem and respect the island's cultural heritage. Sustainable tourism practices are encouraged to preserve this unique destination for future generations to enjoy. Overall, Easter Island is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure, history, and natural beauty. Its remote location and enigmatic charm make it a truly unforgettable experience.

BEST VACATION EVER! No explanation needed. Love the Polynesian culture. the heads are GIANT. By far the best sunset views on the island is Ahu Tahai. The moai quarry is magical if I could I would rate this 100 stars I would no hesitation. The sand has a pinkish hue and crystal clear water. When my plane landed in Mataveri international airport I yelled welcome to paradise! If you can afford to go here go. This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in my life. The park ragers are super friendly,I accidentally went to Ahu Tongariki without a guide and they let me in without a guide. And hotel staff of Hotel Ohana are super friendly. Thugs are expensive but worth it. Best cafe in town Nena’s specialty coffee Rapa Nui go there if you can find it.

Rapa Nui or Easter Island is a magical and unique island with fascinating history but what struck me the most is the hospitality and friendliness of the local people. I would love to come back and stay at least a week to explore this unique island in more depth. I'm so glad I was able to visit, and that places like Rapa Nui still exist on earth. I hope the locals manage to keep the island as it is and don't change a thing as it's incredibly beautiful and unique. For the lucky ones who managed to visit the island, I'm pretty sure you'll agree with me, and for those that are planning to visit the Rapa Nui, you're in for a delight! Once in a lifetime experience!

Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui, is a remote island in the Pacific Ocean famous for its mysterious moai statues. These colossal stone figures, carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 14th and 17th centuries, reflect the island's rich cultural heritage and complex history. Each moai is believed to represent an ancestral figure, symbolizing power and prestige. The island’s unique landscape, featuring volcanic craters and lush vegetation, adds to its enchanting allure. However, the story of Easter Island also serves as a cautionary tale about the impacts of environmental degradation and resource depletion. Today, Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting researchers and tourists eager to unravel its mysteries and appreciate its breathtaking beauty.

It has been my worst trip experience so far during my time in Chile. Their attitude is horrible, you can’t do anything on this island unless you’re willing to spend 200USD per day minimum, you can’t even go for a hike, I had a security guard FOLLOWING me for going hiking, all trails are closed unless you pay a guide for it. Local people literally told me straight in my face that they do NOT want visitors to come to this island who are not willing to spent at least 1,000USD during their stay. Their culture has been so sold to tourism it’s and their greed is absolutely shocking, they are the most rude agressive and unwelcoming community I have ever encountered on my trips in South America. Everyone please stay away from this island, they do not deserve to receive any more visitors.