Easter Island
Ko Te Riku at Tahai Easter Island
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of the most remote populated islands in the world. It is famous for its huge stone statues, or moai, which occur in many places around the island. Easter Island is a territory of Chile and is a world heritage site. Much of the island is protected by Rapa Nui National Park. In addition to viewing archaeological sites, activities include horseback riding, hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Hanga Roa


The only village on Easter Island is Hanga Roa, where most Easter Islanders live. Several hotels and restaurants are present, and taxis and vans are available for transport around the island. Bicycling and horseback riding are alternate forms of transportation.

Ecology


Easter Island’s forests were long ago cut down, and this Polynesian island is strangely dominated by grasslands. The groves of trees scattered around the island are mainly Eucalyptus, introduced relatively recently from Australia. There is no well developed barrier coral reef system, although patches of coral do exist. The combination of dark lava rock, scattered reef formations, and clear water make for good snorkeling and scuba diving in many areas.

Ko Te Riku at Tahai
Ahu Tongariki Easter Island
Ahu Tongariki

Tahai Easter Island
Tahai

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See our sister site, Photography Worldwide photographyww.com, for additional images of Easter Island.

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