Visiting Easter Island is considered a badge of honour by
dedicated globe-trotters, due as much to the island's mystique as
its out-of-the-way location. Rapa Nui, or 'Navel of the Earth' as
the locals call it, is one of the world's most isolated places,
situated 2,361 miles (3,800km) west of mainland Chile, halfway to
Tahiti. Easter Island is practically an open-air national park,
protecting the archaeological sites and Moai, the giant stone
statues that the island is famous for, which are scattered all over
the landscape. These figures stand at heights of up to 32 feet
(10m) and are at the centre of the island's magnetism.
There is still some uncertainty as to the origins of the first
people on Easter Island, and the 12 centuries between their arrival
in the year 500 and the arrival of the first Europeans in 1722
remains one of the world's great mysteries. Included among the
archaeological sites on the island is the Rano Raraku Volcano where
the Moai were cut from the volcanic rock. In a bizarre scene, over
600 figures are scattered on the slopes of the volcano, some in the
early stages of development and still part of the rocky cliffs and
others partly buried or stacked in an irregular line. For years
researchers have puzzled over the method of construction and
transportation of these megaliths from the quarries inland to their
present day coastal positions. It is the mystery of the unknown
artisans and the intriguing remainder of their awe-inspiring work
that continues to draw researchers and tourists from around the
world today.
Aside from the intriguing statues, there are other interesting
features on Easter Island. Anakena Beach is a sandy white crescent
popular for bodysurfing, and scuba diving and snorkelling is
possible near the islets of Motu Nui and Motu Iti. There are also
some fascinating and extensive cave systems to be explored near Ana
Kakenga. Most of the island's 5,000 inhabitants live in the main
town Hanga Roa. It has accommodation, shops, restaurants and
transport as well as a museum on the Rapa Nui people and their
history.