The iconic statues of Moai are the most recognizable feature of Rapa Nui, the best place to see these gigantic statues is in Rapa Nui National Park which covers half of the Island. Para Nui is home to approximately 900 Moai statues, some easily visible while others are buried neck deep with only the heads visible. The best wat to explore the Moai and the National Park is by taking a guided tour, tickets for a 10 day pass to access the park cost $80.

Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum is the only museum on the Island and is a great place to get a feel for the history and culture of the people. It is free to visit the museum, donations are always welcome. Most of the coastline is rocky, except for Ahu Tongariki on the south coast of Rapa Nui, home to Playa de Anakena with white sand beaches, palm trees and turquoise waters.

A beautiful hike to Rano Raraku will take a couple of hours, but visitors will be rewarded with stunning views from the islands only volcano. The Hanga Roa harbour is a great place to for the whole family with a promise of seeing sea turtles, if you’re there when the fisherman are back and cleaning their fish, the sea turtles can be seen just below the surface waiting to snack.

The Island boasts mild weather for most of the year, and can be visited at any time. It is best to avoid April as it is the wettest time of year with highest rainfall. If you are averse to the rain however, it might be best to visiting between October and February as it is the driest period of the year. February is a great month to visit for the annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival celebrating culture and heritage. You can expect various competitions including canoeing, horse racing and a chance to try Haka Pei, a local sport where you use a banana leaf to slide down the steepest hillside in Rapa Nui.

Getting to Easter Island, you must travel through Chile (Santiago) as only one airline makes the five and half hour journey across. If you feel drawn to the mystery and isolation of this ancient place, the journey will be well worth it!