 A remote island 2300 miles off the coast of Chile, 1200 miles from Pitcairn and 2500 miles east of Tahiti, I have always found Rapa Nui, aka Easter Island, to be fascinating, intriguing and mysterious. The arrival of the early inhabitants, Polynesians possibly from the Marquesas Islands, is estimated to be between 400 AD – 800 AD. Fascinating how a group of people traveled thousands of miles in open ocean to eventually land on this relatively small island, only 14 miles long by 7 miles wide. Why did they leave their home? What lead them to this most easterly outpost of Polynesia? Equally fascinating are the island’s famous Moai statues – 900 (+/-) giant stone busts that can be found all over the island. The largest is 32 feet high and weighs 82 tons – most average 13 feet high and weigh 13 to 14 tons each. The mystery? Though many archeologists and historians suspect the statues were carved to honor ancestors, tribal chiefs and symbolize political and religious power, questions still remain: Why were they carved? Why were so many carved? How were the statues moved around the island from the quarry from which the volcanic stones came from?   Another mystery: What happened to all the giant palms that once covered much of the island? They were possibly cut to clear fields or used for fire. Rats, arriving with human settlers, may have consumed enough seeds to destroy future growth. What is known is that by the time the first Europeans arrived in 1722, the island was mostly barren. This change in the ecosystem greatly impacted the inhabitants - few trees meant they had no way to build canoes – fewer canoes meant little to no ability to fish, which eventually lead to warring factions.  Easter Island was named by a Dutch explorer in honor of the day of their arrival in 1722. The population at this time was estimated to be around 3000. By the time Captain James Cook arrived 4 years late, the population was around 600-700 men and only 30 women – believed to have been decimated by civil war between the island’s two main groups – the Short-Ears and the Long-Ears. The population was nearly exterminated in the 1800’s by Peruvian slave raids and diseases.  Easter Island was annexed by Chile in late 19th century, and today residents are full Chilean residents. Easter Island is a special territory of Chile and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The population has grown to over 8000 (estimated 2023 statistics) – just under half identifying as indigenous Rapa Nui. Spanish is the primary language and the island’s economy today is largely based on tourism. Best time to visit? Located in the southern hemisphere, high season runs October to April. Many visit the island the first 2 weeks of February during the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, a display of Rapanui culture (also making this one of the most expensive times to go). Shoulder season, September/October and April/May are far less crowded and quieter. How to visit? Easter Island visits can be found on guided tours of Chile as well as cruise itineraries. Independent travel to the island is also common. Daily flights are available from Santiago and Tahiti. The best way to visit is based on your individual travel style. Why visit? The overall adventure but more so learning about the Rapa Nui culture and history combined with the intrigue of the Moai for which the island is famous for.
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