Easter Island Travel Guide: How to Visit Rapa Nui and Its Mysterious Moai

Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui to its Polynesian inhabitants, is one of the most remote inhabited islands on earth and home to the iconic moai statues. Windswept cliffs, volcanic craters, wild horses, and ancient ceremonial sites make it a dream destination for slow, thoughtful travel. This practical Easter Island travel guide explains how to get there, how many days you need, where to stay, and how to plan your days so you can see the moai, beaches, and volcanoes without rushing or missing key sites.

Where Is Easter Island and How Do You Get There?

Easter Island is a Chilean territory in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, thousands of kilometers from the South American mainland. Almost all travelers arrive by air.

By air: Commercial flights typically operate between Santiago (Chile) and Easter Island’s Mataveri Airport (IPC). Some seasons may also see limited connections via other Pacific destinations; always check current schedules.
Entry requirements: Because Rapa Nui is a protected territory, Chile sometimes applies special entry forms or limits on length of stay. Confirm current requirements before your trip.
Language and currency: Spanish and Rapa Nui are widely spoken, and the currency is the Chilean peso.

Due to the island’s isolation, flights and accommodation can book out far in advance, especially in high season and around holidays.

How Many Days Do You Need on Easter Island?

3 days: The minimum recommended stay, enough to see the main sites with one full-day tour and a couple of half days.
4–5 days: Ideal for a relaxed pace, sunrise and sunset visits, free time in Hanga Roa, and extra hikes or beach time.
1–2 days: Possible but rushed, and risky if any flight delays occur.

Because of the distance, most travelers prefer at least 4 days to justify the journey and have flexibility if weather affects plans.

Where to Stay on Easter Island

Most accommodation is concentrated in and around the island’s only town, Hanga Roa.

Guesthouses and cabins: Family-run stays with simple rooms, shared kitchens, and warm local hospitality. Great for independent travelers.
Hotels and lodges: Ranging from midrange to luxury, some include guided excursions, meals, and transfers.
Eco-lodges and boutique stays: Small properties with design-focused rooms and ocean or countryside views.

Staying in or near Hanga Roa lets you walk to restaurants, shops, the harbor, and coastal sunset spots, with easy access to tour pickups.

Understanding the Moai and Key Archaeological Sites

The moai are large stone statues carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago, believed to represent important ancestors. They stand on stone platforms called ahu, many of which are part of Rapa Nui National Park.

Ahu Tongariki: The largest ceremonial platform, with fifteen moai lined up facing inland. Spectacular at sunrise.
Rano Raraku (the quarry): Volcanic hillside where most moai were carved. Hundreds of partially finished statues stand or lie scattered around the slopes.
Anakena Beach: White-sand beach with palm trees and moai platforms nearby. Perfect for combining culture with swimming and relaxing.
Ahu Akivi: Seven moai facing the ocean, associated with important legends and aligned with astronomical events.
Orongo and Rano Kau: Ceremonial village on the rim of a dramatic volcanic crater, linked to the Birdman cult that developed after the period of moai building.
Tahai: Coastal site near Hanga Roa with several restored moai, popular for sunset.

Most of these sites are within the boundaries of the national park; you will need a park ticket to visit, and some sites allow only one entry per ticket, so plan your sequence carefully.

Suggested 4-Day Easter Island Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and First Look at the Moai

Arrive at Mataveri Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Hanga Roa.
Spend the afternoon exploring town: walk along the waterfront, visit the small harbor, and get your bearings.
In the late afternoon, walk or drive to Tahai to watch your first sunset behind the moai.
Dine at a local restaurant serving fresh fish, ceviche, or traditional dishes with taro and sweet potato.

Day 2: Full-Day Island Highlights Tour

Join a full-day guided tour that includes Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku, and Anakena Beach.
Start at Ahu Tongariki, ideally in the morning light, to see the fifteen moai lined up against the ocean.
Continue to Rano Raraku, walking the trails around the quarry to see half-buried and unfinished moai up close.
In the afternoon, relax and swim at Anakena Beach, visit the nearby moai platforms, and enjoy the palms and soft sand.
Return to Hanga Roa for dinner and an early night or live music at a local bar.

Day 3: Volcanoes, Ahu Akivi, and Free Time

In the morning, visit Rano Kau crater and the ceremonial village of Orongo. Walk along the edge of the crater for sweeping views of the lake-filled caldera and offshore islets.
Learn about the Birdman competitions and the shift in Rapa Nui culture after moai construction slowed.
In the afternoon, head to Ahu Akivi and nearby sites, either on a guided tour, rental car, or bike if you are comfortable with hills and changing weather.
Return to Hanga Roa with time for a coffee, ice cream, or stroll through craft markets.

Day 4: Extra Sites, Beach Time, or Adventure Activities

Use your final day for sites you may have missed, such as smaller ahu, caves with rock art, or additional viewpoints.
Relax with more time at Anakena or another coastal spot if weather is good.
Consider a horseback ride, diving or snorkeling excursion (subject to conditions), or a longer coastal hike.
Enjoy a final sunset at Tahai and a farewell dinner in town.

Getting Around Easter Island

Guided tours: Convenient for seeing key sites with explanations and minimal logistics. Many visitors combine one or two full-day tours with free exploration days.
Rental car: Popular for independent travelers. Reserve ahead, especially in high season. Roads are mostly paved or well-maintained dirt roads, but drive carefully and respect speed limits.
Bike or scooter: Good for shorter distances and on days with good weather, but some sites are far and hills plus sun can be challenging.
On foot: Hanga Roa itself is easily walkable, including Tahai and some coastal paths.

Fuel and services are limited compared to the mainland, so keep your tank topped up and carry water and snacks on longer excursions.

Rapa Nui National Park Tickets and Rules

You must purchase a Rapa Nui National Park ticket to enter most archaeological sites. This is usually available at the airport or in designated offices in Hanga Roa.
Some key sites, such as Rano Raraku and Orongo, can only be entered once per ticket, so plan carefully which day and time you visit.
Stay on marked paths, do not touch or climb the moai or platforms, and follow all posted rules to help protect the heritage.
Always carry your ticket and ID when visiting sites as rangers conduct checks.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Easter Island

Easter Island has a mild, subtropical climate.

Summer (roughly December to March): Warmer temperatures, more humidity, and a livelier atmosphere. Good for beach time, but also busier and sometimes more expensive.
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall): Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, a good balance for many travelers.
Winter (roughly June to August): Cooler but still relatively mild. Some days can be windy or rainy, but sites remain open.

Whenever you visit, pack for sun, wind, and occasional rain all in the same day.

What to Pack for Easter Island

Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes for uneven terrain and trails.
Light layers: T-shirts, long sleeves, and a light jacket or sweater for evenings.
Rain jacket or compact poncho; showers can arrive quickly.
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The sun can be strong, especially near midday.
Reusable water bottle and small daypack for daily excursions.
Swimwear and a towel for Anakena and other coastal spots.
Basic medications and toiletries, as choices on the island are more limited and often more expensive.

Food, Culture, and Local Life

Try local dishes featuring fresh fish, tuna empanadas, and preparations with taro, plantain, and sweet potato.
Visit craft markets and small shops for wood carvings, stone souvenirs, and jewelry made by local artisans.
Consider attending a cultural show that presents traditional Rapa Nui dance and music in the evening.
Learn a few words in Rapa Nui or Spanish as a gesture of respect toward local culture.

Respectful and Responsible Travel on Rapa Nui

Remember that Easter Island is not just a bucket list destination but a living homeland for the Rapa Nui people.
Respect signage, barriers, and instructions at all archaeological sites.
Do not take stones, shells, or sand from the island as souvenirs.
Support local businesses by choosing locally owned tour operators, restaurants, and accommodations when possible.
Reduce waste by using refillable bottles and bags; island ecosystems are sensitive, and waste disposal is more complex in remote locations.

Visiting Easter Island is a chance to stand face to face with history while connecting with a unique Pacific culture and landscape. With thoughtful planning, respectful behavior, and enough days to explore beyond the main viewpoints, you can experience Rapa Nui in a meaningful, memorable way that honors both its people and its ancient moai.