We woke in the early morning hours on our last day for sunrise with the Moai at Tongariki. We arrived in time for the sunrise, which didn’t disappoint. Though the magic happened behind us as a rainstorm caused a rainbow to appear over the volcanic crater and quarry, Rona Raraku, where the stone for the […]

At the suggestion of our guide, we visited the Catholic church and the Christian cemetery in Hanga Roa. It turned out to be an interesting excursion. The Catholic church includes elements of the Moai, Polynesia, and the Birdman cult. The mixture created a space uniquely Rapa Nui.  In the cemetery, we found the grave memorials […]

When the Covid restrictions on the island impacted our expected itinerary, our guide led us on a short hike detour to a “banana cave”. The cave has archeological significance as a former dwelling, and it’s unique in that banana trees grow inside the cave. It was a quick burst of fun for the kids, something […]

We haven’t had a ton of luck foodwise since arriving in Santiago. It’s not that the food is terrible. I’d just equate most meals, even meals out to eat, as not being impressive. I’ve shared about my joy of cooking and the lack of spices and array of ingredients here, so it seems to just […]

For a millenia, the people living on Rapa Nui have had historical periods of plenty and periods of scarcity. This history shows in records left by the Moai, religion, and traditions. Given the tiny size and isolation of the island, positive and negative events can have a dramatic impact on the population managing to survive […]

We explored the cliffs and a cave below the cabana where we stayed. The cave was across the street, a minute walk from our front door, and it has ancient drawings on the roof. Spending time with the kids messing around the cliff and cave reminded me of many afternoons on our Airstream trip around […]

Our guide led us on a tour of the remains and history of the Birdman cult. This unique religion emerged on Rapa Nui in about the 1600s and lasted into the 1800s.  In this religion, warriors and priests retreated annually to the edge of a crater. Warriors competed in an annual competition to retrieve an […]

We made the rounds at the volcanic crater where islanders quarried the stone for Moai. I presume they tried all sorts of rock over the centuries, and they determined this volcano to produce the best stone for the job. They would carve the stones at the quarry, transport them miles overland, and then erect them. […]

A visit to the largest ahu (altar) on Rapa Nui with fifteen Moai. Had the place to ourselves for the most part. Tourism is slowly returning to Rapa Nui after the pandemic.