Rapa Nui Sites - Photo Album

One of the most famous spots on the island. This ahu is situated at the head of Anakena beach, with the backs of the moai facing the ocean.

A view of Anakena Beach from the opposite shore.

Despite what most may think, Anakena is not the only beach on Rapa Nui. Ovahe, though significantly smaller, is just as beautiful.

This moai stands at the foot of the path leading up the side of Rano Raraku. It is said to be an older version of what evolved into the large stone figures Rapa Nui is famous for today.

Can you spot how many moai are in this picture?

Rano Raraku is also known as the moai quarry. Numerous unfinished moai lay around both the exterior and interior of this crater. The lake is the site of the Tau'a competition, part of the Tapati festival.

Some stories say that a trench encircling Poike is a ditch dug during war time where the losers bodies were burned. It seems more likely that it is a natural geologic feature, as there hasn't been any evidence to support the story but there is evidence to support the geology.

Ana O Keke, known as "the virgin cave" has drawings along its walls starting right at the entrance. Legend says that during the days of the Birdman contest, chosen women were put in this cave before hand to whiten their skin so that when the winner was proclaimed, they could also claim a fair-skinned bride.

A very interesting natural stone that is capable of being used as a trumpet. We heard it!

One of my favorite places on the island. Legend says that Hotu Matu'a, the island's first king, brought this stone with him and placed it on the nearby altar. At some point in history, the stone rolled off and stopped in its present position. The smaller stones and wall were built around it. The stone is always warm to the touch, no matter what the outside temperature.

Remaining evidence from a time when moai were no longer favored and were purposely destroyed.

Ahu Vinapu is one of the places that scientists claim as evidence of contact between Rapa Nui and South America. The way the stones are cut and the ahu constructed here is similar to structures in South America.

The ceremonial base for the Birdman Competition, Orongo is highly carved with petroglyphs. It is nearly impossible to find a rock without some kind of design on it. It is a most impressive sight...

Rano Kao is one of two volcanic craters on the island.

Motu Nui, Motu Iti & Motu Kaokao. The farthest, Motu Nui, was the island that Birdman competitors had to swim to in order to fetch and bring back a bird's egg. The first person to return with egg intact would win his clan's right to rule for the coming year.

This cave along the shore is called by some the "man-eating cave," because that is a literal translation of its name. However quick scholars are to always jump to the most negative ideas, there is no evidence of cannibalism here. These cave paintings are amazing, but fading quickly.

Moai stand everywhere in Rapa Nui, even along the town's edge where everyone frequents daily.

Some ceremonies are still conducted here today. I attended a wedding here as well as a ceremonial performance during the Tapati festival.

Ahu Tahai, the only moai with the eyes permanently painted on. This moai stands alone, separated from another nearby ahu with more moai on it.

This is one of the most photographed places on Rapa Nui. These moai are unusual in that they are situated inland and appear to be facing the sea. All other moai around the island are along the shore and face towards the center. There are many theories why this is situated as such, but nothing has been confirmed.

Haunting, yet spectacular...