Ahu Tahai and Ahu Vai Uri, Easter Island, Chile.

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Ahu Tahai

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)


Ahu Tahai is a highly photogenic site that contains three restored ahu (ceremonial platform). Ahu Tahai proper is the ahu in the middle, supporting a large, solitary moai (large anthropomorphic statue) with no topknot. On the north side of Ahu Tahai is Ahu Ko Te Riku, with a topknotted and eyeballed moai. On the other side is Ahu Vai Uri, which supports five moai of varying sizes and shapes. Along the hills are foundations of hare paenga (traditional houses resembling an upturned canoe, with a narrow doorway).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rapa Nui (Easter Island) attractions

2. Ahu Akapu

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You'll find this ahu with a solitary moai along the coastline, north of Hanga Roa.

3. Caleta Hanga Roa

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4. Ahu Tautira

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5. Playa Pea

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For a little dip, the tiny beach at Playa Pea, on the south side of Caleta Hanga Roa, fits the bill (though it's more of a rocky cove than a sandy oasis).

6. Iglesia Hanga Roa

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The unmissable Iglesia Hanga Roa, the island's Catholic church, is well worth a visit for its spectacular carvings, which integrate Christian doctrine…

7. Caleta Hanga Piko

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8. Puna Pau

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