Ahu Tahai & Island Drive

Points of Interest
- Ahu Tahai
Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Towering moai carved out of volcanic rock, moon-like landscapes, and untold mysteries: these are the wonders that Easter Island offers during this unique three hour excursion.
First, you'll board your bus at the pier and travel through the stunning and stark terrain. Once you reach Ahu Akivi, you'll immediately be struck by the commanding views of the western part of the island. The positioning of the seven stone giants is equally startling. Unlike the other 900 moai that are situated on the coast, these statues are located nine miles inland. Although they look out towards the ocean, they were originally erected to stand guard over a large village, which today lies in ruins. According to ancient legend, these 14-foot-tall moai represent the seven young explorers King Hotu Matu'a sent out into the watery wilderness to find new land for the island's people.
Then, you'll reboard your bus for another scenic drive, this time to the site called Vaihu. Not only will you see a number of moai but the ruins of an old platform, as well. Next, on the agenda is a stop at Hanga Kioe, the last statue to be mounted on the platform on Easter Island. Originally erected in the middle of the 17th century, the statue is of two separate ahu, but one of them contains only a small remainder of the statue it holds with part of it recovered from the ocean shore.
Your final stop is a small moai complex called Ahu Tahai. Believed to be constructed around 690 A.D., the five silent stone figures at Ahu Tahai stand in a straight row and are all very different from each other in scale and shape. There is a large figure in the center, with two figure of similar size on its left. Then to the right we have a smaller, squatter figure and the remains of an even smaller statue. Yet they each are a perched atop ahu, or stone altars, all with their backs to the sea. Here is where you'll find the renowned Ko Te Riku, the moai with the mesmerizing black and white eyes and topknot called a pukao on its head. Like many of the statues around the island, the moai of Ahu Tahai were knocked over during the tribal conflicts during the 18th century. During the 1960s archaeologist William Mulloy, whose gravesite overlooks the complex, restored many of the moai to their rightful place.
After all your gazing and photography taking, you'll head back to the pier along the same scenic route with a lifetime of memories to share with your fellow passengers and friends back home.
Special Notes:
A $80 National Park entrance fee is included in the cost of the tour.Vehicles are not air conditioned. Guides provide narration during site visits only. No narration is provided during travel time.
Child Price:
12 years and under onlyTour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.
Depart from pier towards Ahu Tahai
- Transport type:
- Non Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 35
- Travel time:
- 00:15
- Time at site:
- 00:30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 220
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- No
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
Depart from Ahu Tahai towards Hanga Kio'e
- Transport type:
- Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 35
- Travel time:
- 00:10
- Time at site:
- 00:15
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 20
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- No
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Depart Hanga Kio'e towards Vaihu
- Transport type:
- Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 35
- Travel time:
- 00:20
- Time at site:
- 00:20
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 20
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- No
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Depart Vaihu towards Akivi
- Transport type:
- Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
- Transport Capacity:
- 35
- Travel time:
- 00:20
- Time at site:
- 00:20
- Free time at site:
- 25
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 10
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- No
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Re-board your transportation and return to your ship
- Transport type:
- Non Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 35
- Travel time:
- 00:30