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 […]
Exploring a Cliff and Cave in Rapa Nui
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 […]
Meet the Moai – Birdman Cult of Rapa Nui
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 […]
Meet the Moai – Rona Raraku
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. […]
Meet the Moai – Tongariki
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.
Meet the Moai – Near Hanga Roa and Ana Kena
Rapa Nui requires tourists to hire a guide to access the park. At first I thought this would be a drag, though hiring a private guide provided for a richer experience. We had a fantastic guide. She was knowledgeable, well-spoken, and great with children. She led us on a tour of the popular sites on […]
Checking In for Rapa Nui
We arrived over two hours before our scheduled departure time for Rapa Nui. Armed with passports, vaccine cards, Pase Mobilidads (vaccine validations), PCR negative test results within 48 hours, and our Delta Skymiles American Express, we strolled to the line to get our boarding passes. At the first line, a lady told us in Spanish […]