Saturday – February 15, 2025
Today was all about Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the moai. Moai is the term used to refer to the large carved statues of human figures that remain a mystery. Here is a link to an article in Wikipedia that can give you background and a much better explanation than I can provide.
We had to anchor when we reached Hanga Roa (city in Easter Island) because the water is shallow. This meant we would tender to shore. But that was tricky because there are rocks not far below the surface so the tenders could not be fully loaded and they needed to follow a channel to reach shore. I included a short video view from the front of the tender as we begin our trek from ship to shore. I also included a shot with a couple of the tenders showing their relation to some of the rocks. Later in the media there are photos showing more of the rock/tender relation.
When we reached shore there were vendors waiting to help us spend money for souvenirs. We chose to wait for that until we returned from our excursion. Opposite the vendor tents was our first moai. We walked up the small hill to the front side of the moai (all those standing erect face toward land and away from the water). Couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a selfie. Returned to the vendor area and waited for our shuttle bus that would take us to Anakena beach. Here is a Wiki reference for Anakena. I included a short video which shows our arrival at the Anakena area. You can see it is quite different from the surrounding area if for no other reason – the large number of palm trees. These were a gift from Tahiti.
We existed our van, met our tour guide and walked to the ahu – the platform on which moai were standing. As with the moai at the dock, these were facing toward land and away from the ocean. Elena, our guide, gave us a history of the Rapa Nui people and a brief history of the moai and their current state. Most were carved from a particular type of lava stone some time between 1250 and 1500 A.D. the stone was found in a volcano crater at another location on the island. Once complete the statues had to be moved to locations scattered around the periphery of the island. It is not known how the Rapa Nui people moved the statues (each of which weighed tons). Various methods thought to have been used to make the move have been tried over the years, but none has been conclusive as the means of transport.
The Wiki article explains that in the 1700’s and 1800’s the erect moai were all toppled – either intentionally by humans or perhaps as the result of earthquakes. It was not until the 1950’s that an effort began to return moai to their erect stance on ahu stands. The article also explains what happened to the native Rapa Nui population. Sad but true – conquest has consequences!
Elena told us that the first of the moai to be returned to an erect posture was the single moai at Anakena on the base known as Abu-Ature. Since Anakena was believed to be the location the original settlers of the island landed, it was theorized that the oldest moai was probably located here. The moai was brought erect using stones to change the angle with the ground until the angle was great enough to attach ropes so it could be pulled upright. That moai is wider than the others located at Anakena – don’t know why. In the photos of the moai you’ll see light colored spots on them. These are not gifts from passing birds. They are colonies of lichen.
Anakena is unique as it is one of only 2 sand beaches on the island. Kelsey came prepared and wore a swimming suit so she could get her legs in the Pacific. You’ll see photos of her (and Jan) on the beach. Unfortunately she did not bring the beach set Jan won early on in our trip (bucket, shovel, rake, watering can). The Anakena area was home today to a family of chickens. I found the hen and her chicks out for a stroll. Dad was walking behind crowing every now and then to show how proud he was of the family.
Shuttle buses were running every hour so we grabbed one when we had finished our exploration of Anakena. I was able to sit up front with the driver and got a few video segments along the way. They include a general view of the countryside, wild horses along the route and our arrival back at the dock/vendor area.
Once out of the shuttle we headed to the vendor tents. Jan and I found a t-shirt we liked and bought one in blue and one in red. Kelsey found a dress, t-shirt and small moai carving. I thought the lady who sold us the t-shirts had a good smile so I took her photo. As we were making these purchases it began to rain – pretty heavily. Lucky for us we were under one of the tents. Rain didn’t last long then we got in line to board a tender back to the ship.
The return trip was not as smooth as earlier in the day. In fact, in the chatter between the tenders, at one point our driver was told not to come back because the swells were too high. We started back and encountered some of those swells. I have a photo taken from the ship showing their size in relation to the tenders. I also included a video as we were approaching the ship to dock. You can see the motion of the tender relative to the ship through the windows of the tender. After docking the exit and docking platform were manned by at least 4 crew from Magnifica to assist us leaving the tender. The waves raised and lowered the tender so we had to time stepping off to the instructions of the crew. It was an interesting experience!
We were hungry so went to the buffet for some late lunch. After consuming mass quantities, we walked to the stern on deck 13 and relaxed. I took photos of the surroundings, moai in the area and of the tenders coming and going. Jan met a couple we had seen on previous cruises and discovered they would also be taking the 2026 World Cruise – so she got to talking about that for quite a while. The wife was from Liverpool, England. He was from the US. They have been married 40 years and were celebrating that anniversary on this trip. Now we know at least 4 people who will be making the trip next year with us.
Balance of the photos and video are Kelsey showing off her new dress, selections from dinner (no fish tonight Sharon) and a sunset video.
Once again, a unique port and well worth the travel to reach it.
4 responses to “Moai!”
Amazing, is all that can be said. The stones have lasted how long?????? Wow. -1 degrees and -15 wind chill. Burr.
I believe the moai were carved between 1250 and 1500 AD. Temp here currently is 82 Fahrenheit.
Looks like you guys had a great time at Easter Island. Why is it called Easter Island? Enjoyed all the photos. Glad you got to go in the pacific and glad you found your souvenirs. The Moai are interesting. Looks like a couple of them were damaged.
Each year all the Polynesians from hundreds of miles around gather on Easter to celebrate with a gigantic egg hunt. That is one possible explanation. Another is that when the Dutch discovered this island, it was on Easter Sunday. You choose which seems more likely. (Siri can help you with this.)