The central highlands of Easter Island offer expansive views out to the sea as well several interesting archeological sites including Ahu Akivi, a stunning sight when the last rays of the sun hit these majestic moai.
Ahu Akivi
The late afternoon light on the green and golden hills was beautiful on the drive up to Ahu Akiva. The dark clouds passing overhead threatened rain creating a dramatic mood.
The restored Ahu Akiva with seven standing moai is best seen late in the day. On this afternoon the passing clouds sometimes left the maoi in shadow but soon the sun would come out again leaving them brilliantly lit against a backdrop of dark stormy clouds.
You can’t get very close to the front of this platform. This is true of all the more intact sites. You can, however, walk all the way around the platform.
Second Visit to Ahu Akivi
We thought that Akivi might be interesting at sunset as it faces west. We arrived close to closing time, 8PM. Luckily, the guard at the gate wasn’t too picky about folks walking around the platform after hours but we did have to leave our car at the gate.
Although the moai glow in the last light the sun soon slips behind the trees so there is no silhouette view of the moai against the setting sun.
Puna Pau Quarry – Afternoon Visit
This small crater is the quarry where they carved the red top knots. On the way up the hill to the rim of the crater there are a few impressive top knots scattered about still waiting for their placement on top of the moai abandoned at the quarry.
Although there is not much inside the crater the views from here are worth the short climb.
Ahu Huri A Urenga – Afternoon Visit
Despite the long name this is a single moai in a field along the road from Hanga Roa town to Anakena beach. He is known for his four hands.
Road Across the Center of the Island
Continuing on to Anakena Beach the road across the center of the island passes through a eucalyptus forest and beautiful open pasture land.
March 16-21, 2018
See the Easter Island page for an outline of all the posts in this series and our complete day by day itinerary.
Such beautiful views, looks so mysterious and I’d love to visit in the future to see for myself. Thanks so much for sharing ❤️
Thank you Tofu for the comment. The Easter Island seascapes are some of my favorite photos of all time. If you like dramatic coastlines check out Tsitsikamma.