The Giant Stone Statues of Rapa Nui

Face to face with one of the world’s most remote islands

A Close Up of a Moai in Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk

Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is believed to have first been settled by Polynesian voyagers in the 1200s.  

A Calm Ocean Around Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk

The island is located 2,100 miles from the Chilean mainland and has steep cliffs that drop down into the ocean. 

Two Moai Looking Out Over Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk

The settlers carved giant stone statues called moai to represent important ancestors and chiefs. These statues were then transported to different places around the island.

Clouds Above a Line of Moai in Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk

The island is home to over 900 of these, most of which stand along the coast.

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Some can be seen from the road

Rock Art in Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArkCyArk

Rapa Nui is also home to some rock art sites.

Moai dispersed along coastal Rapa Nui by CyArkCyArk

A lot of the island is now protected as a National Park and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Rapa Nui danceCyArk

Thousands of tourists come to the island every year to experience the unique way of life and visit the incredible archaeology. 

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