Easter Island is hardly what it seems. While it belongs to Chile, the island is actually one of the most isolated islands resting far into the Pacific Ocean. Its culture has more to do with Polynesian traditions than Chilean, and this little island and its people have a reputation that is larger than life, even though it is one of the smallest islands in the Pacific.
You'll recognize the haunting faces of ancient statues, rustic carvings and paintings that are the only traces of Easter Island's oldest inhabitants. You'll hear stories of civil war and strife, dying ecosystems and controversy that have been a part of the history of Easter Island for as long as historians can remember. Easter Island is densely laden with history, culture, mystery and beauty.
Getting in and around Easter Island
Easter Island Airport
Air travel into Easter Island is provided by a single airline, LATAM Airlines, and connections are available in Santiago. The flight is lengthy due to the island's isolated location. Easter Island airport is located in Hanga Roa, the island's capital.
Easter Island Transport
Getting around Easter Island is fairly easy and straightforward as the island is so small. The island is small enough to walk to certain sights. You can even rent a bike or car for transportation.
Easter Island Car Hire
Easter Island car hire is available from a few different agencies in Hanga Roa.
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Easter Island accommdation
Easter Island is not very large, therefore accommodation can be somewhat limited. For the most part, mid-range to budget accommodations make up most of the hotel scene. However, with the recent opening of an elegant, eco-friendly hotel, luxury travellers can enjoy a trip to Easter Island that fits their lifestyle.
Luxury
Explora Lodge Rapa Nui. This hotel is unparalleled on the island in beauty and elegance. If you want five-star accommodation, food and service, this eco lodge is perfect for you. Explora en Rapa Nui. This hotel is unparalleled on the island in beauty and elegance. It's much awaited opening is finally here for your next luxury trip to Easter Island.
Mid-range
Tauraa Hotel is a petite bed and breakfast just a few minutes from the airport. The owners serve a delicious breakfast each morning and have insider tips for exploring the island.
Taha Tai Hotel. Visitors to Easter Island look to Taha Tai Hotel for a fantastic stay at a reasonable rate. Guests enjoy an ideal location, great food and a quality accommodation. Tauraa Hotel is a petite bed and breakfast just a few minutes from the airport. The owners serve a delicious breakfast each morning and give tips for seeing the island.
Taha Tai Hotel Visitors to Easter Island look to Taha Tai Hotel for a fantastic stay at a reasonable rate. Guests enjoy an ideal location, great good, and a quality accommodation.
Budget
O'tai Hotel is a great budget hotel for those that want to experience the essence of Easter Island but don't want to spend a fortune.
Kaimana Inn has everything you need right on site. You'll enjoy this quality, comfortable establishment.O'tai Hotel is a great budget hotel for those that want to experience the essence of Easter Island but don't want to spend a fortune.
The Kaimana Inn Hotel and Restaurant has everything you need right on site. You'll enjoy this quality, comfortable establishment.
Backpackers
Kona Tau Hostelling is a great, basic hostel that has great prices and serves up cheap, fresh local food and has access to transportation. Kona Tau is a great, basic hostel that has great prices and serves up cheap, fresh local food and access to transportation.
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Things to do in Easter Island
Easter Island might be one of the smallest and most obscure islands in the Pacific, but it's an experience that you'll not soon forget.
Moai. The Moai statues are hands down the most famous tourist attraction on Easter Island. Many people have never heard of Easter Island, but they recognise these statues. When you visit Easter Island, you can see the real things.
Rano Kau and Rano Raraku. These sites started as volcanic craters and are now tremendous sites for ancient carvings and art. Both are must-sees on Easter Island.
Anakena. Easter Island has a few white sand beaches that are absolutely breathtaking, and Anakena is one of the most beautiful on the island. Anakena is a perfect spot for body surfing or lazing under the sun.
Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular pastimes for tourists. Motu Nui and Motu Iti are islets where scuba diving and snorkelling reveal beautiful underwater sights.
Hanga Roa. For shopping and dining, Hanga Roa is the place to go. There are numerous shops there for tourists to enjoy and spots to grab a bite to eat. Hanga Roa is a great place to spend an afternoon.
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Day trips in and around Easter Island
Caves. Unbeknownst to many travellers to Easter Island, there is an extensive cave system unlike any other in the world. There are many tours on offer that include cave exploring.
Maunga Terevaka is the highest peak on Easter Island and is just one of the volcanoes anchoring the triangular shaped island. A hike to the top of these peaks is a great opportunity for exercise and adventure.
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