Showing 18 attractions · Sorted by importance
Ahu Nau Nau at Anakena
📍 Hanga Roa
🏛 LandmarkThis scenic white-sand beach is the legendary landing site of the island's first king and features a platform of well-preserved moai with red topknots.
Ahu Tongariki
📍 Hanga Roa
🏛 LandmarkFamilies can marvel at the island's largest collection of standing stone giants, set against a dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Anakena Beach
📍 Hanga Roa
⛱ BeachA stunning white-sand beach featuring palm trees and the Ahu Nau Nau Moai statues, offering a perfect blend of tropical relaxation and history.
Orongo Ceremonial Village
📍 Hanga Roa
🏰 CastleExplore the remains of stone dwellings and ancient rock carvings while learning about the legendary Birdman competition on a dramatic crater rim.
Rano Kau
📍 Hanga Roa
🌲 NatureA spectacular, massive volcanic crater filled with a mosaic of freshwater lakes and unique vegetation, offering stunning panoramic views.
Rano Raraku
📍 Hanga Roa
🏰 CastleA fascinating open-air museum where children and adults can see moai statues in various stages of completion, frozen in time on a volcanic hillside.
Tapati Rapa Nui
📍 Hanga Roa
🎭 EventFebruary, 14 days. This world-renowned Polynesian cultural festival celebrates Rapa Nui heritage with traditional sports like Haka Pei (banana trunk sledding), a triathlon, and massive dance competitions. It attracts thousands of international visitors annually and is highly family-friendly, offering communal feasts, artisanal markets, and vibrant parades.
Anakena Coastal Cycling Loop
📍 Hanga Roa
🥾 Hiking & Cycling40km moderate 5-hour cycling route with 450m elevation gain. The route follows the southern coastal road passing Ahu Tongariki, reaches Anakena Beach, and returns via the central inland road. Paved and gravel sections. Bike rental: Rapa Nui Bike (rapanuibike.com).
Southern Coastal Road (Camino Costero)
📍 Hanga Roa
🚗 Road Trip20km paved coastal route (1-2 hours driving time) connecting Hanga Roa to the eastern end of the island. This is the island's primary scenic artery, passing major archaeological sites including Ahu Akahanga, the moai quarry at Rano Raraku, and the massive 15-moai altar at Ahu Tongariki.
Te Ara o Te Ao (Rano Kau Trail)
📍 Hanga Roa
🥾 Hiking & Cycling6km moderate 3-hour round-trip hike with 300m elevation gain. The trail leads from the outskirts of Hanga Roa up the slopes of the Rano Kau volcano to the Orongo ceremonial village, offering views of the crater lake and the ocean. Bike rental: Rapa Nui Bike (rapanuibike.com).
Ahu Akivi
📍 Hanga Roa
🏰 CastleVisit the only ceremonial site where the mysterious stone statues face the ocean, offering a unique perspective on the island's navigation history.
Ahu Tahai
📍 Hanga Roa
🏰 CastleAn easily accessible archaeological site near the main town featuring three restored platforms and offering one of the island's most scenic sunset views.
Mount Terevaka
📍 Hanga Roa
🏔 Scenic ViewThe highest point on the island, offering a challenging but rewarding hike with 360-degree views of the entire coastline and the surrounding Pacific Ocean.
Ovahe Beach
📍 Hanga Roa
⛱ BeachA secluded cove with reddish-pink sand and dramatic volcanic cliffs, providing a quiet and scenic spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Ara Mahiva (North Coast Trail)
📍 Anakena
🥾 Hiking & Cycling18km moderate to challenging 7-hour one-way hike with 250m elevation gain. This remote wilderness trail follows the rugged northern coastline from Anakena Beach back toward Hanga Roa, passing numerous unrestored moai and volcanic caves. No road access exists for this section. Bike rental: Rapa Nui Bike (rapanuibike.com).
Inland Road to Anakena (Camino Vaitea)
📍 Hanga Roa
🚗 Road Trip18km paved highway (30 minutes driving time) cutting through the center of the island. It provides a direct route from the main town to the northern coast, passing the Puna Pau red scoria quarry and the historic Vaitea ranch before ending at the palm-fringed Anakena Beach.
Ma’unga Terevaka Trail
📍 Ahu Akivi
🥾 Hiking & Cycling10km moderate 4-hour round-trip hike with 320m elevation gain. Starting near Ahu Akivi, this trail ascends to the highest point of the island (511m), providing a 360-degree panorama of the entire island and the horizon. Bike rental: Rapa Nui Bike (rapanuibike.com).
