Easter Island: The 15 Moai That a Tsunami Knocked Down, Then Were Stood Back Up

In 1960 a tsunami originating off the coast of Chile crossed the Pacific and struck Ahu Tongariki, toppling all fifteen moai from their platform. For three decades they lay where they had fallen, face down in the earth. In the 1990s a Japanese crane company funded and assisted in their re-erection, and they now stand side by side again on the island’s eastern coast, the largest collection of upright moai anywhere on Rapa Nui. At sunrise the light hits from behind them, throwing the figures into silhouette against the Pacific. This is the image most associated with Easter Island, and it earns its reputation.

Rapa Nui lies 3,700 kilometres off the coast of Chile, making it one of the most remote inhabited islands on earth. The nearest neighbour is Pitcairn Island, itself isolated. You get here by LATAM Airlines from Santiago (about 5.5 hours) or from Papeete, Tahiti (about 5 hours). LATAM operates the only commercial service. Book flights and accommodation four to six months ahead for December through March travel; the island’s hotel capacity is limited and fills.

Rapa Nui National Park: Entry Fee and New Rules

As of October 2025, the entry fee for Rapa Nui National Park is 80 USD for international visitors (up from 70 USD in 2024). The ticket is valid for 10 consecutive days from date of issue and allows a single entry each to Rano Raraku (the quarry) and Orongo (the ceremonial village). The fee is managed by the Indigenous Community Ma’u Henua and supports archaeological conservation and community employment.

Since the island reopened to tourism in August 2022, visiting the major archaeological sites requires a licensed local guide or a Rapa Nui host over 18. This is mandatory at Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Orongo, and most protected sites. The exceptions where you can go independently are Tahai (a short walk from Hanga Roa town) and Anakena Beach (not including the formal ahu area). Factor the cost of a guide into your trip budget; half-day and full-day guided options are available from tour operators based in Hanga Roa.

The Main Sites

Rano Raraku is the quarry where the moai were carved from compressed volcanic ash (tuff). Nearly 400 incomplete or unfinished moai remain on the slopes, some buried to their necks in sediment. The whole cliff is covered in them. It is strange and disorienting in a way that photos do not convey: this is where the island’s production of moai simply stopped, at a point no one fully understands.

Ahu Tongariki: see above. Sunrise here is worth the early alarm. Arrive at first light and stay until the colours settle.

Orongo: the ceremonial village at the crater rim of Rano Kau volcano, associated with the birdman cult (tangata manu) that replaced ancestor worship as the island’s dominant ritual tradition. The views down into the volcanic crater lake and out to the islets of Motu Nui are extraordinary. Orongo was the finishing point for the annual birdman competition, in which competitors raced down the cliff, swam to Motu Nui, collected the first sooty tern egg of the season, and swam back. The winner’s clan held authority for the following year.

Anakena Beach: white coral sand, palm trees, and a platform with moai including Ahu Nau Nau, which retains intact carved decoration and, in the case of one figure, red pukao (topknot) and white coral eyes. This is the only moai on the island with eyes still in place. It is the most complete visual picture of what a finished moai originally looked like.

Ahu Tahai: close to Hanga Roa, accessible without a guide, and good for a late-afternoon visit when the light is warm. Ahu Ko Te Riku here is the moai with reconstructed eyes.

Getting Around

The island is small but not walkable for site-to-site travel. Rental cars, scooters, and ATVs are available in Hanga Roa. Roads are paved on the main routes. Most people combine a guided tour for the national park sites with independent exploration of the coast and town. All accommodation, restaurants, and services are concentrated in Hanga Roa; there is no other town.

Where to Stay and Eat

Hotel Hangaroa Eco Villas and Spa sits on the coastline outside town and is the most polished option on the island, with ocean-facing villas and a spa. Mid-range guesthouses and B&Bs (residenciales) are the majority of the accommodation stock; these are often family-run and include breakfast. Book early.

Food on the island is expensive relative to mainland Chile because almost everything is shipped or flown in. Fish and seafood are the exception; the local catch is consistently fresh. Tuna, mahi-mahi, and lobster appear on most restaurant menus. Teretai Restaurant and Kari Kari are reliable options in Hanga Roa. Prices are high by South American standards; budget accordingly.

Practical Notes

Two full days covers the major sites. Three to four days allows a more relaxed pace and time for hiking, snorkelling, and exploring the coastline without rushing. The ferry to Easter Island does not exist; you cannot leave except by air. If flights are disrupted (not uncommon during severe weather), you may be on the island longer than planned. Pack patience alongside your camera.

The best photography light is early morning at Tongariki and late afternoon at Tahai. Midday sun is harsh and flattens the stone. April through November brings fewer visitors and cooler temperatures; the trade-off is less reliable weather.

The island’s indigenous Rapa Nui community is navigating the tension between tourism revenue and cultural and archaeological preservation. The guide requirement and the fee structure reflect this. Follow the rules, stay on marked paths at all sites, and do not touch the moai under any circumstances.