The Hat-Wearing Moai Statues of Ahu Nau Nau

Ahu Nau Nau has some of the best preserved moai on Rapa Nui.

It’s located 100 meters from the white sands of Anakena beach, believed to be where Polynesian voyagers first arrived on the island.

Four of the moai have large red hats made from scoria (volcanic rock) called pukao and the backs of the statues feature really fine tattoo markings.

It’s thought the sand dunes may have protected the moai from erosion .

Next to Ahu Nau Nau is Ature Huki, a much larger moai statue.

Digital technologies like LiDAR are being used by locals to digitally document the monuments and accurately assess their condition.