Chile’s Easter Island has a deep history, with Moai statues and unique traditions that make it one of the world’s most mysterious tourist destinations.
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and is one of the world’s most fascinating and mysterious tourist destinations.
The isolated island is known for its iconic Moai statues and rich culture. Its enigmatic history and enchanting natural beauty make Easter Island a must-visit place.
This island holds many interesting facts that are not widely known. Let’s review 10 interesting facts about Easter Island that will further increase your curiosity to explore this place.
1. Origin of the Name Easter Island
Easter Island was first discovered by Dutch Admiral Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722. Because his arrival coincided with the Easter celebration, Roggeveen named the island “Paasch-Eyland” which means Easter Island in Dutch.
In addition, the island is known by the name Rapa Nui, which is used by the island’s native population. However, the origin of the name Rapa Nui is still debated.
Some experts believe that this name was given by slave raiders from Peru in the 19th century. Previously, the island was believed to have the original name Pito O Te Henua, which means “center of the world” in the local language.
2. Location of Easter Island
Easter Island is located far in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, about 3,700 kilometers from mainland Chile, making it the most remote inhabited island in the world.
This island is part of Chile and has had administrative status as part of Chilean territory since 1888. Its isolated existence makes it a very unique and difficult place to reach, but it is also a major attraction for tourists who want to explore the natural beauty and history buried there.
3. How to Get to Easter Island
Since the island has no port, the only way to reach Easter Island is by air. Mataveri Airport, located on Easter Island, serves international flights primarily from Santiago, Chile, with LATAM airlines.
The flight time from Santiago to Easter Island is about five hours, while flights from Tahiti in French Polynesia take longer, about seven hours. Interestingly, Mataveri Airport was built by NASA as an emergency landing strip for the space shuttle, making it one of the airports with an interesting story behind its construction.
4. Origin of the Population of Easter Island
The first inhabitants of Easter Island are believed to have come from Hiva Island in the Marquesas Islands, Polynesia, around 1,500 years ago. An adventurer leader named Hotu Matu’a is thought to have led a group of people to establish a colony on the island.
The people who first arrived on Easter Island lived in isolation for centuries, far from the outside world. They established a rich culture and tradition, which can be seen through the iconic Moai statues.
5. Current Population of Easter Island
At its peak, around the 1200s, Easter Island had about 10,000 inhabitants. However, over time, the island’s population experienced a drastic decline due to several factors, such as deforestation, which caused soil erosion, as well as hunting and diseases brought by European colonizers.
By the 19th century, the population had fallen to around 2,000 to 3,000 people. Cultural and environmental preservation efforts in recent decades have helped improve the condition of the island and encouraged repopulation.
6. Making Moai Statues
The famous Moai statues on Easter Island are made of tuff, a volcanic rock formed from volcanic ash. The tuff was found in the Rano Raraku crater on the island. The statues were made by carving the tuff rock with their hands or stone tools.
The Moai statues were then moved to locations around the island, but the method and technology used to move the statues remains a mystery to this day.
Some Moai statues weigh up to 82 tons, and some are still buried, adding to the mystery surrounding their creation and movement.
7. The Meaning of the Moai Statues
The Moai statues on Easter Island have deep symbolic meaning for the Rapa Nui people. They are believed to represent the faces of revered ancestors, and the statues mostly face the settlements to provide protection to the people who live there.
Some Moai statues also feature hats or hair, which symbolize power. Although many Moai statues have been taken by collectors or damaged, some are still found in major museums around the world, such as the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London.
8. Rapa Nui Tapati Festival
Tapati Rapa Nui is an annual festival held on Easter Island every February. The festival lasts for two weeks, where two teams led by a “queen” compete for the title of “Queen of the Island.”
The festival involves traditional activities such as traditional dances, wood carving, and local musical performances.
Tapati Rapa Nui is one way that the people of Easter Island celebrate their cultural heritage and is a major draw for tourists visiting the island.
9. The Book of Rongo-Rongo
One of the greatest mysteries of Easter Island is Rongo-Rongo, an ancient writing system that has yet to be solved. The book contains symbols carved into wood or tablets, and is believed to contain important messages about astronomy, navigation, and local wisdom.
However, until now, no one knows how to read or interpret the symbols. The Rongo-Rongo Book remains a fascinating subject of research for many scientists and archaeologists around the world.
10. Tourist Activities on Easter Island: Snorkeling and Diving
Apart from the Moai statues and cultural riches, Easter Island also offers extraordinary underwater natural beauty. The waters around the island are about 50-60 meters deep, making it a perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Tourists can enjoy beautiful views of coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and other marine life. This activity provides a different experience for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Easter Island from a more comprehensive perspective.
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a travel destination that offers a unique and mysterious experience. With a rich history, deep culture, and incredible natural wonders, the island is a must-visit for adventurers, historians, and travelers looking to explore an enigmatic world.
From the majestic Moai statues to the colorful Tapati Rapa Nui tradition, Easter Island is a place with many stories and beauty waiting to be discovered.
Similarly, Gouqi Island offers breathtaking landscapes with its famous abandoned fishing village covered in lush greenery, creating a mesmerizing and unique travel experience. So, if you are looking for an extraordinary adventure, Easter Island and Gouqi Island are perfect choices for your next trip.