--- title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Hanga Roa, Chile | Wimup" description: "The 10 best things to do in Hanga Roa, Easter Island: sunrise at Ahu Tongariki, the Rano Raraku quarry, Orongo, Anakena beach and sunset at Ahu Tahai." url: https://wimup.com/city/hanga-roa type: City guide updated: 2026-10-23 publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com) --- # Top 10 Things To Do in Hanga Roa Hanga Roa, Chile · South America · By Wimup Editorial, 10 min read Hanga Roa is the only town on Easter Island, a low, walkable strip of guesthouses and fish restaurants on the west coast of Rapa Nui, about 3,700 km off mainland Chile. Every moai, crater and beach is a short drive from here, so this is where you sleep, eat and plan the island. ## Quick answer Buy the national park ticket first, then give the moai a day on each coast: sunrise at Ahu Tongariki and the quarry at Rano Raraku in the east, Orongo's crater rim and the stonework of Vinapu in the south. Spend an afternoon swimming at Anakena below Ahu Nau Nau, see the Englert museum before you start, and end each evening at Ahu Tahai for the sunset. Hire a car; the town itself is all on foot. ## Quick facts - **Best months:** Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr - **Ideal length:** 4–5 days - **Budget per day:** $110–220 - **Language:** Spanish and Rapa Nui; English at hotels and tours - **Getting around:** Hire car, scooter & guided tours - **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://www.chile.travel/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## The 10 best things to do in Hanga Roa ### 1. Watch sunrise at Ahu Tongariki Moai platform · Ahu Tongariki, Hotu Iti, Rapa Nui Fifteen moai stand on the island's largest ahu, scattered by the 1960 tsunami and raised again in the 1990s with a crane from Japan's Tadano. Arrive before dawn: the sun comes up behind them, and the site opens early for it. - **Time:** 1–2 hrs - **Cost:** Park ticket - **Best at:** Sunrise - **Tip:** Leave town 45 min before dawn ### 2. Walk the quarry at Rano Raraku Moai quarry · Rano Raraku, Rapa Nui Nearly every moai was carved from this crater's tuff, and close to 400 remain on its slopes, many buried to the chest, one unfinished at about 21 m. The ticket allows a single entry, so give it a full morning. - **Time:** 2 hrs - **Cost:** Park ticket, one entry - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Pair it with Tongariki next door ### 3. Stand on the rim of Rano Kau at Orongo Ceremonial village · Orongo, Rano Kau, Rapa Nui The stone houses of the Birdman cult sit on a knife edge between a reed-filled crater lake and sheer sea cliffs, with Motu Nui offshore. Petroglyphs of the birdman cover the rocks at the tip; this is a single-entry site too. - **Time:** 2 hrs - **Cost:** Park ticket, one entry - **Best at:** Clear afternoon - **Tip:** Walk up from Mataveri ### 4. Catch sunset at Ahu Tahai Moai platform · Tahai, Hanga Roa Three ahu on the north edge of town, among them Ko Te Riku, the one moai with restored eyes of white coral. The sun sets behind them over open ocean, a 15-minute walk from the centre. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Sunset - **Tip:** Bring a torch for the walk back ### 5. Swim at Anakena Beach · Anakena, north coast, Rapa Nui The island's main white-sand beach, under coconut palms, with the seven moai of Ahu Nau Nau behind it, four wearing red pukao. Oral tradition puts the landing of Hotu Matu'a here; food stalls run along the edge of the sand. - **Time:** Half day - **Cost:** Park ticket - **Best at:** Afternoon - **Tip:** Swim, then see the moai ### 6. See the seven at Ahu Akivi Moai platform · Ahu Akivi, Rapa Nui Seven moai inland on the slope of Terevaka face the sea, the exception on an island whose statues look inland. Tradition ties them to the seven scouts Hotu Matu'a sent ahead, and they face the equinox sunset. - **Time:** 45 min - **Cost:** Park ticket - **Best at:** Late afternoon - **Tip:** Start the Terevaka walk here ### 7. Start at the Englert museum Museum · Tahai, Hanga Roa The anthropological museum at Tahai holds a white coral moai eye found at Anakena in 1978 and a rare female moai. Admission is free, and an hour here makes every site afterwards easier to read. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** First day - **Tip:** Check opening days before you go Links: [Website](https://www.museorapanui.gob.cl/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 8. Climb Terevaka Hike · Maunga Terevaka, Rapa Nui The island's highest point, about 507 m, is a grassy half-day climb from near Ahu Akivi, and the one place to see the whole coastline at once. There is no shade or water on the way, so carry both. - **Time:** 4–5 hrs - **Cost:** Park land - **Best at:** Clear morning - **Tip:** Take a windproof layer ### 9. Dive Hanga Roa bay Diving · Caleta Hanga Roa The water off the harbour is famously clear, and the bay's easy dive passes a replica moai sunk about 20 m down. Dive centres on the caleta run short guided dives; leave a day free before your flight home. - **Time:** 2–3 hrs - **Cost:** Paid dive - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Book a day ahead ### 10. Hear Sunday Mass at Holy Cross Church · Iglesia de la Santa Cruz, Hanga Roa Mass is said in Spanish but the hymns are sung in Rapa Nui, and the church's wood carvings fold island motifs into the Catholic story. Sit at the back, and walk across to the craft market afterwards. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Sunday morning - **Tip:** Confirm the Mass time locally ## Best moai sites on Easter Island The ahu worth a detour once Tongariki, Tahai and Akivi are done. 1. **Ahu Te Pito Kura** (Moai · North coast · La Pérouse Bay): Paro, the largest moai ever raised, about 10 m, lies face down beside a smooth round stone. 2. **Ahu Vinapu** (Stonework · South coast · Vinapu): Basalt blocks fitted as tightly as Inca masonry, with toppled moai, at the end of the runway. 3. **Ahu Huri a Urenga** (Moai · Inland · Inland): A lone inland moai with four hands, thought to be aligned on the winter solstice sunrise. 4. **Ahu Akahanga** (Moai · South coast · South coast): Toppled moai and the foundations of a south-coast village; tradition puts Hotu Matu'a's grave here. 5. **Puna Pau** (Quarry · Inland · Inland): The red scoria quarry where the pukao topknots were cut; several still lie on the slope. ## Best caves and rock art on Easter Island Lava tubes, a painted sea cave and the island's clearest petroglyphs. 1. **Ana Kai Tangata** (Sea cave · South of town · Mataveri): A sea cave below the Rano Kau road with seabirds painted in red and white on its ceiling. 2. **Ana Te Pahu** (Lava tube · Inland · Inland): A long lava tube with banana and taro gardens growing in its collapsed openings. 3. **Papa Vaka** (Petroglyphs · North coast · North coast): Flat basalt carved with canoes, fish hooks and a large tuna, beside the north coast road. ## Best beaches beyond Anakena The island has two sand beaches and a few sheltered pools in town. 1. **Ovahe** (Beach · North coast · North coast): Pink-tinged sand under a cliff near Anakena; strong currents and no lifeguard, so swim with care. 2. **Playa Pea** (Beach · Hanga Roa · Hanga Roa): The small town beach by the caleta, with a walled pool shallow enough for children. 3. **Poko Poko** (Sea pool · Hanga Roa · Hanga Vare Vare): A natural sea pool at Hanga Vare Vare, a short walk from the centre. ## Best restaurants in Hanga Roa Tuna, lobster and the catch of the day, mostly within sight of the sea. 1. **Te Moana** (Seafood · Waterfront · Hanga Roa): A blue-and-wood dining room on the waterfront, for ceviche, tuna tartare and the sunset. 2. **Tataku Vave** (Seafood · Hanga Piko · Hanga Piko): Seafood and lobster on the water at Hanga Piko, a 15-minute walk from the centre. 3. **La Kaleta** (Seafood · Caleta · Caleta Hanga Roa): On the point of the caleta, with a chalkboard of the day's catch and waves breaking below. 4. **Empanadas Tía Berta** (Empanadas · Centre · Hanga Roa): Fried empanadas to go, among the cheapest meals in town. 5. **Mikafé** (Café · Caleta · Caleta Hanga Roa): Coffee and ice cream at tables down by the caleta. ## Best culture in Hanga Roa The evening shows and the places islanders sell their work. 1. **Ballet Cultural Kari Kari** (Dance show · Centre · Atamu Tekena): The island's longest-running dance company, on Atamu Tekena; expect to be pulled on stage. 2. **Maori Tupuna** (Dance show · Centre · Hanga Roa): Music, dance and theatre performed entirely in the Rapa Nui language. 3. **Mercado Artesanal** (Crafts · Centre · Hanga Roa): The craft market across from Holy Cross, built in the 1970s with Tapati funds, for wood carving. 4. **Feria Municipal** (Market · Centre · Atamu Tekena): The produce and craft fair on Atamu Tekena, where islanders sell fruit, fish and carvings. ## Best hikes on Easter Island Three walks that show the island at walking pace, beyond Terevaka. 1. **Rano Kau from Mataveri** (Hike · South of town · Mataveri): A marked trail of about 1.8 km climbs 230 m from the edge of town to the crater rim. 2. **Poike peninsula** (Hike · East end · Poike): The island's oldest volcano, a long day on the empty east end, best walked with a guide. 3. **North coast to Ana Kakenga** (Hike · North of town · Tahai): A coastal walk from Tahai to the cave of two windows, which opens onto the sea cliffs. ## Best ocean trips on Easter Island Lessons in the bay, a serious reef break and the Birdman islet. 1. **Hahave Rapanui Surf School** (Surf school · Caleta · Caleta Hanga Roa): Lessons from the cove of Hanga Roa, using the gentle waves at Pea for beginners. 2. **Papa Tangaroa** (Surf · South coast · South coast): An exposed south-coast reef break with urchins, rips and rocks, for experienced surfers only. 3. **Motu Nui** (Dive · Offshore · Off Orongo): The Birdman islet off Orongo, a dive for certified divers booked through the town's dive centres. ## Festivals & annual events in Hanga Roa (2026) - **Tapati Rapa Nui** (Feb): Two weeks of island-wide contests in dance, song, canoeing and body painting, held since 1969. - **Haka Pei** (Feb): Tapati's famous race: young men slide down Maunga Pu'i on banana-trunk sleds. - **Semana Santa** (Mar–Apr): Easter week services at Holy Cross, with hymns sung in Rapa Nui. - **Rapa Nui Marathon** (May–Jun): Full, half and 10 km races run across the island's roads. - **Día Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas** (Jun): Chile's public holiday for its Indigenous peoples, held on the winter solstice. - **Fiestas Patrias** (18 Sep): Chile's national holidays; expect closures, including the museum. - **Mahana o te Re'o** (Nov): Rapa Nui language day, with schools and groups performing song and dance in the language. - **Christmas at Holy Cross** (25 Dec): Christmas Mass in the island's church, sung in Rapa Nui. ## Must-try dishes on Easter Island - **Umu**: Meat, fish, sweet potato and taro cooked under banana leaves in an earth oven, the feast meal. - **Tunu ahi**: Fish cooked on hot stones over a fire, the old shoreline way. - **Po'e**: A dense pudding of banana, pumpkin or taro with flour, baked in banana leaves. - **Tuna ceviche**: Yellowfin tuna cured in lime, the island's everyday order. - **Tuna empanadas**: Fried pastries filled with local tuna, Hanga Roa's quick lunch. - **Kana kana**: Sierra, a firm local fish, grilled or fried at the caleta. - **Ura**: Rapa Nui lobster, the splurge on a seafood menu. - **Kumara**: Sweet potato, the island's old staple, roasted in the umu or served on the side. ## Hanga Roa transport & airports - **Mataveri International Airport (IPC)** (IPC): On the southern edge of town, with LATAM the only airline flying to Santiago, about five hours. Many lodgings include the airport pickup. [Website](https://www.latamairlines.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Entry form (FUI)** (FUI): Every visitor files the online Formulario Único de Ingreso before flying. Stays are capped at 30 days and need a return ticket and registered lodging. [Website](https://ingresorapanui.interior.gob.cl/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Car & scooter hire** (Car): Local firms on Atamu Tekena rent cars and scooters; no international chains operate. Book ahead and check what cover the contract includes. - **Taxis & minibuses** (Taxi): White licensed taxis cover town and the airport. Informal minibuses run without timetables, so tours or a hire car are the way to reach the sites. ## Hanga Roa at a glance - **Country:** Chile - **Region:** Isla de Pascua Province, Valparaíso Region; the island's only town - **Population:** 4,800 on the island (2024 census), nearly all in Hanga Roa - **Founded:** Grew around the Catholic mission of the 1860s; Chile annexed the island in 1888 - **Nickname:** Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua, Easter Island - **Language:** Spanish and Rapa Nui; English at hotels and tours - **Currency:** Chilean peso (CLP); US dollars widely taken - **Time zone:** UTC-6, UTC-5 in the southern summer; two hours behind Santiago - **Calling code:** +56 32 - **Airports:** Mataveri International (IPC), on the edge of town - **Power:** 220V, 50Hz, plug types C and L - **Emergency:** 133 police, 131 ambulance, 132 fire ## Interesting facts - Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen sighted the island on Easter Sunday 1722, which gave it its European name. - UNESCO listed Rapa Nui National Park as a World Heritage Site in 1995. - Until the 1966 Easter Law, islanders were largely confined to Hanga Roa while a sheep ranch leased the rest. - The British Museum has held Hoa Hakananai'a, a basalt moai taken from Orongo in 1868, since 1869. - Rongorongo, the island's carved glyph script, survives on about two dozen wooden objects and is undeciphered. ## Hanga Roa travel FAQ ### How many days do you need in Hanga Roa? Four or five days covers the main sites at an easy pace: a sunrise at Tongariki, a morning at Orongo, an afternoon at Anakena and the quarry at Rano Raraku. The park ticket is valid for 10 days, so a longer stay costs nothing more in entry. ### Do you need a ticket to see the moai? Yes. Most sites sit inside Rapa Nui National Park, run by the Ma'u Henua community, and need a ticket bought online or at the office in Hanga Roa. Rano Raraku and Orongo allow one entry each. Prices rose in October 2025, so check the current rate before you fly. ### What do you need to enter Easter Island? A passport or ID, the online entry form (Formulario Único de Ingreso), a return ticket within 30 days and a booking at registered lodging. Chilean immigration checks the form before you board in Santiago. ### When is the best time to visit Easter Island? January to April is warm and the sea is at its best. February brings Tapati and the year's fullest flights and highest prices. June to August is cooler, wetter and quieter. ### Do you need a car on Easter Island? Not in town, which is walkable, but the sites are spread across an island about 24 km long with no scheduled buses. Hire a car or scooter from a local firm, or book guided tours that handle the driving. ## Nearby guides - [Valparaíso](https://wimup.com/city/valparaiso.md): Chile · 10 picks - [Santiago](https://wimup.com/city/santiago.md): Chile · 10 picks - [Lima](https://wimup.com/city/lima.md): Peru · 10 picks - [All of South America →](https://wimup.com/south-america): 33 cities Part of the [Chile guide](https://wimup.com/country/chile.md) · [South America](https://wimup.com/south-america.md) ## Sources - [Hanga Roa tourism board](https://www.chile.travel/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Start at the Englert museum (official site)](https://www.museorapanui.gob.cl/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Mataveri International Airport (IPC) (official site)](https://www.latamairlines.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Entry form (FUI) (official site)](https://ingresorapanui.interior.gob.cl/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.