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Island in the southeastern Pacific
Photo: Javier Ramos Pinochet, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Easter Island (Spanish: Isla de Pascua, Rapa Nui: Rapa Nui) is one of the most isolated islands on Earth. Early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (The Navel of the World). It is a territory of Chile that lies far off in the Pacific Ocean, about 3,600 km away from the mainland and roughly halfway to Tahiti. The island is most famous for its enigmatic giant stone statues or moai depicting oversized heads. Carved centuries ago, they're reflecting the history of the dramatic rise and fall of the most isolated Polynesian culture.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Another extinct volcano, the highest elevation on the island with great views.
The third "corner" of the island, and extinct volcano featuring the smallest moai (1.13 m in height).
From the crater of the Puna Pau volcano, material for the pukao, the red hats of the moai statues was excavated. One can still see unfinished pukaos in the crater. Entrance with the same ticket as to the other sites that costs to enter.
Parish church where the local traditions are fused with Catholicism (songs, sculptures). Every Sunday there's a Mass at 10:00, gathering the whole community and worth visiting.
An interesting collection of the Rapanui culture and history. An excellent place to visit for some context before going on tours to various sites. Most signs in Spanish and English. A 5-minute walk from Tahai.
Garden with 1200 flowers and plants from all over the world but with a focus on Polynesia's native flora.
Tour operator mainly for Spanish-speaking groups. Their office is near the reception of Hotel Manutara.
One of the older operators, specializing in tours in French.
Tour operator mainly for German groups.
Different empanadas ready or made to order. Try one with tuna.
Specializing in sandwiches but they have great empanadas as well. They have good banana and orange juice. Not open for breakfast.
Makes a classical menu with bread, butter, soup, fish, rice, juice and dessert.
This restaurant, one of the largest, is easily recognized because of the two Moai facsimiles that stand either side of its front door. Its location at the southern end of the main road and its simple and low-price dishes mean it's often quite busy.
A family-operated restaurant with traditional cuisine. They specialize in tunu ahi (food prepared on hot stones).
A bit away from the main tourist drag. They specialize in lobster and the cuisine, service and views are comparable to the finest restaurants but at a lower price.
Outside town, it offers a package with transportation from your hotel and back, a Polynesian dance show with Brazilian influences and dinner. As it's a really popular place, you should make reservations beforehand.
The tuna sandwich is particularly good. A live band is often playing on Wednesdays and the weekends. Get to Te Moana early or it is likely that you will not get a table.
A new restaurant with all the classics to be found on the island at good prices, plus an excellent value Menu del dia (starter, main course and fruit juice for 9,000 pesos). Service and food are excellent.
Hetu U
Great food and staff. Try the shrimp, tuna, and sopaipillas.
Great Japanese restaurant, it's a small place entirely operated by one chef. You need to make a reservation. According to its website, children are not welcome.
Great food and splendid ocean view. It has the reputation as the best restaurant on the island with prices to match.
A small restaurant in the port section of the village held by a resident of Rapa Nui who lived for some time in French Polynesia. Very good seafood, the most expensive restaurant on the island. Some consider it to be a lot of money for not much value.
A nice Belgian restaurant overlooking the sea. Pretty expensive but the seafood is really good. During certain nights, you can also watch a Polynesian dance for an hour or so. It costs 10,000 pesos but it is definitely worth it.
Rooms of many types, transport to/from the airport, free Wi-Fi.
A great place to stay on the main street in the centre of town, close to restaurants, supermarkets, pubs and services. There are 15 rooms with a variety of configurations with private bathroom and two self-contained apartments. Fully equipped kitchens are available for guest to prepare their own meals. Alvaro (the son) offer excellent full day tours in English mixing his own experiences, his grandfather's (former Major Pedro Atan) and his grandmother's (the oldest woman on the island) with facts and oral traditions. Four-wheel drive vehicles are also available for rent. Alvaro Atan Sr. (an islander) and his wife Isabel are the owners and they do a great job to keep guests feel at home. Prices are very reasonable and the place is very clean.
Cell. Excellent accommodation close to the center of the town, but not on the main street. It is a 2-bedroom 1-bath cabin/house with a fully equipped kitchen, a washer (for clothes), TV, and other amenities. Breakfast is included in the price (and very filling). The owner, Paul, knows English and Spanish (and some Rapa Nui) and has been living on the island for quite some time, and even helped out with the restoration of a group of moais. Paul also gives tours, and it is highly recommended. A discount can be obtained for booking the cabin/house along with the tours, and also if it is off season. Perfect for families, couples, or friends. Price is reasonable, around US$100 a night depending on exchange rate for 2 people.
A very nice hostel, and quite cheap taking the island in mind (10 000 pesos per night). The rooms are very basic, as is the breakfast. Scooters are rented out and they have a table football game. One of the guys employed at the hostel (he mainly cleans) cooks cheap empanadas (1000 pesos) most nights. They offer free airport pick up and upon arrival, they have pretty leis for you.
A larger 30-room hotel with a spectacular ocean view, two blocks from the main street. Free breakfast and hotel transport and free wifi in the lobby. The hotel staff can easily arrange for private tours and excursions throughout the island. They are constantly running price specials for different seasons.
Nice architecture, clean, spacious, Hot water from solar panels, ecological. Four cabanas with BBQ area, Wi-Fi and bicycles for the guests. They offer free airport pick up and upon arrival. Book up in advance. They can help you with tours and car rentals.
The only camping on the island is in town as well, on the coast just south of downtown. You can rent tents too. Also cabins & rooms
One of the older hotels, associated with Kia Koe Tour.
Near the main street, this hotel is also associated with Kia Koe Tour.
One of the most popular hotels, across from the post office. Forty rooms, all with air conditioning, private terrace, and ensuite bathroom. Beautiful gardens, lovely pool, nice people. A range of prices depending upon the room.
Calm location, associated with Aku Aku Turismo.
Associated with Kia Koe Tour and offers discounted packages if you book tours with them.
Single, double and triple rooms. Rates include breakfast and Internet.
Very clean guest house, less than 5 minutes from the airport. Bill and Edith are very nice to talk to, and they can talk about the island for hours. Good breakfast, different everyday. Together with the hotel is a tour company, which offers visits of basically the whole island in 2 days. A bit on the pricey side however, US$150 per night.
The most expensive and luxurious hotel by far, and the only one outside of Hanga Roa. While this means that you won't be bothered by the noise of the town, it also means you need to take a tour or other transportation to get anywhere else. Has a restaurant and a bar.
Perhaps the island's grand old hotel, that has been "renovated to international standards". However it's a bit impersonal or similar to hotels elsewhere in the world (but with higher rates).
Has a pool and Wi-Fi in common areas.
By plane
As of September 2026, there are no longer any flights from Tahiti.
By boat
If you want to take the intrepid route, Tallship Soren Larsen sails to Easter Island from New Zealand once a year. The voyage takes 35 days, crossing the point on earth furthest from land.
By car
With a car, it's possible to explore the island at your own pace, even see the main sites on the island in a day or all in two.
By taxi
There are no micros or colectivos like in mainland Chile.
By bike
Bicycles can be rented on a daily basis.
By scooter
For motor scooters and motorbikes, a valid driver's license specifically for these vehicles is required. Otherwise, driver's licenses for cars will allow the use of cars or 4x4 quad bikes.
By foot
Places closer to town (like Rano Kau, Tere Vaka, Ahu Akiwi) are easily accessed by foot. If heading out in the wilderness, tell your host where you're going just in case.
Rental
Some example prices (all in Chilean pesos):
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Isla De Pascua · International · IPC
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