This is from Ahu Vai Uri Tahat Archeology Complex. The two largest figures might represent the parents or leaders of the indigenous people. No one knows for sure what they represent. Most of the Moai (monolithic human figures) were destroyed during an uprising by the natives who carved them. Many have been restored.
More from Ahu Tahai and Ahu Ko Te Riku at the Tahat Archeology Complex. To the right of the 5 statues are these two. Some have burial mounds in front of them. For that reason you are not allowed to get very close. You can be arrested for touching them. They are large enough that you don’t need to get close anyway. This island had very jagged cliffs making it very hard to dock.
The sign is the Moai Ahu Hanga Kio’e at Hanga Kio’e A Complex. Ahu means shrine—a ceremonial platform altar.
While we gazed at Hanga Kio’e, two guys on motorcycles herded several dozen super skinny horses. They were beautiful, but you could see the ribs on each of them.
The Christian Church of Rapa Nui is fairly small. They still had a full nativity scene inside during the end of January. Holy water was at each door in giant clam shells. Spooky carved statues along all of the walls. Some were Saints, others were native gods with large eyes.
Just inside the front doors of the church were 4 small stained glass windows. The church was very dimly lit with few windows. It was swampy inside. I couldn’t imagine being inside for any length of time during a filled service. Pretty sure they didn’t have air conditioning, at least not that I noticed.
I believe this is a replica Moai. It was across the street from the church and in front of the artisan market. Inside housed kiosks for over a dozen handicraft merchants. You had to circle to find the best deal. All booths had pretty much the same merchandise, but at varying prices.
This is Ahu Riata in Hanga Piko Bay. He’s directly across the street from the small dock. You could walk as close as you wanted to this one, but I didn’t want to risk getting too close. This one had many tiny mounds.
The view as you stand between Ahu Tahai and Hanga Kio’e.
A closer view of the area between Ahu Tahai and Kanga Kio’e. You can’t really call it a beach. There wasn’t much sand.
This hibiscus was in the courtyard of the Christian church. It was breezy so it’s a bit blurry.
Sunset or sunrise from my balcony. They all look the same. Easter Island is in the distance. Tender boats were in the water.
