Top things to do in Hanga Roa

This elaborately costumed and talented group performs island legends through song and dance at a venue off the main street. With 15 different programs, you can attend several times and never see the same show. As...

Detox juices, fruit smoothies, infusion teas and hot (or iced) coffees make this beachy Hawaiian-themed cafe on the main drag a highly recommended morning hangout. Healthy breakfasts (including açaí bowls and...

Santiago's El Mercurio newspaper crowned La Kaleta the best regional restaurant in Chile in 2016 and the seafront tables have been packed with vacationing Chileans ever since. The menu changes with the season to...

Make this chic new restaurant your go-to spot in the late afternoon when the moai of Tahai are silhouetted against the setting sun just below your table. Dine alfresco on the hanging wicker chairs or next to one...

One of the most reliable options in Hanga Roa, this buzzy restaurant boasts a spiffing location, with an atmospheric veranda opening onto the ocean. It's renowned for its tasty meat and fish dishes. The...

Fish dishes, steaks, homemade pasta, burgers and salads round out the menu at this well-regarded eatery blessed with unsurpassable ocean views. The grilled fish with papaya chutney is particularly flavorsome.

Surrender to some melt-in-your-mouth seafood empanadas prepared mamma-style in this no-frills den.

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...

This well-organized museum makes a perfect introduction to the island's history and culture. It displays basalt fishhooks, obsidian spearheads and other weapons, circular beehive-shaped huts, petroglyphs,...

Tucked behind the Caleta Hanga Piko, Tataku Vave is that easy-to-miss 'secret spot' that locals like to recommend, with a delightfully breezy terrace that’s just meters from the seashore. Munch on superb fish...

Stellar cuisine is the star of this somewhat bland-looking restaurant run by a Belgian woman. Every visitor ought to try the tuna in Tahitian vanilla sauce, the homemade pasta or the organic beef fillet. Leave...

If you've just arrived and can't wait for your first encounter with the moai (large anthropomorphic statues), head straight to Ahu Tautira. This site overlooks Caleta Hanga Roa, the fishing port in Hanga Roa at...

Whether you satisfy yourself with ultrafresh tuna or sample the lomo (beef with a homemade sauce), among a variety of hearty dishes, you'll be pleased with the careful preparation, attentive service and...

Pikano is the island's biggest event space, isolated on the road to Anakena about 3km from the airport. This multifaceted venue is very popular on weekends with an eclectic crowd gulping down glasses of beer...

Caleta Hanga Roa

Your first encounter with the moai will probably take place at Ahu Tautira, which overlooks Caleta Hanga Roa, the fishing port in Hanga Roa at the foot of Av Te Pito o Te Henua. Many dive outfits operate out of...

Sometimes this green-lit dive by the airport is a full-on sports bar with fútbol on the big screen. Other times it's a live concert venue or a boisterous karaoke bar. Whatever the night may be (check its Facebook...

The Kuki Varua has a great selection of fish delivered daily from the harbor, including tuna and mero (grouper). The upstairs terrace is perfect for enjoying the cool, ocean breezes. Room should be kept for...

This open-air eatery on the edge of the fútbol (soccer) field has cheery turquoise furniture, a beautiful wood-carved bar and a big flat-screen TV playing surf videos to inspire the young and hip crowd. Come for...

Mmm, the helados artesanales (homemade ice creams)! Oh, the damn addictive banana po'e cake! Other treats include panini, sandwiches, muffins and brownies. Also serves full breakfasts (from CH$6000) and real...

The unmissable Iglesia Hanga Roa, the island's Catholic church, is well worth a visit for its spectacular carvings, which integrate Christian doctrine with Rapa Nui tradition. It also makes a colorful scene on...