The Stone Giants of Easter Island

location

In terms of location, there’s hardly anything better on the island: The resort is situated right on the coast of Hanga Roa, just a few minutes’ walk from town and only one kilometer from the airport; the hotel staff will pick you up there. You can walk along the waterfront for hours, past surfers and local families. The resort is specifically designed to cater to both couples and families.

Rooms

There are two categories to choose from. The Kainga rooms(“Earth,” 49 m²) are inspired by the island’s caves: an open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sound of the waves, a handmade bathtub made of fired clay, and a sink carved from a single piece of volcanic rock; an accessible option is available. The Maunga rooms(“Mountain,” 74 m²) span two levels, featuring a king-size bed and two sleeper sofas, one and a half bathrooms, a living room, and a private outdoor terrace—ideal for families. All rooms include Wi-Fi, a safe, a minibar, and twice-daily housekeeping.

catering

Three dining options on the property: The Poerava Restaurant serves ceviches, carpaccios, and stone-grilled tuna for breakfast and lunch, with a view of the Pacific from the terrace and a selection ranging from Chilean wines to wine-pairing evenings. The Kaloa Lounge is the romantic spot for sunset cocktails, while the small Vaikoa Bar mixes tropical drinks under a dense thatched roof. The cuisine follows the “zero-kilometer” principle: fresh fish caught daily, the local Ra Rape lobster, sweet potatoes, plantains, and mangoes from local producers.

Meals and Activities

Four programs cater to every travel style: Dream with breakfast, Discover with one meal of your choice and one guided half-day excursion per night, Full Experience with three à la carte meals and two excursions daily, and Full Private with full board and an exclusive private guide. Airport transfers are included in all programs. What makes this special: The hotel has its own team of guides and its own excursion catalog, ranging from major cultural sites to treks on Terevaka or Poike, and only hotel guests participate in the tours in small groups. Individual excursions can be exchanged for three hours of quad biking or mountain biking.

Special Features

Despite its membership in Leading Hotels of the World (Condé Nast Traveler ranks the property among the top 15 resorts in South America), the Nayara is not a stuffy luxury hotel, but rather embodies a laid-back, barefoot lifestyle. The architecture pays homage to the ceremonial village of Orongo: thatched roofs made of “Mauku,” curved stone walls, cypress wood, and volcanic rock. The Manavai Spa is modeled after an ancient stone circle of plants, featuring four cave-like treatment rooms and treatments for couples. Upon request, you can carve your own small moai as a souvenir in the Moai Carving Class, get a traditional Takona body painting, or spend an evening under the starry sky with a campfire and telescopes. Your hosts are the Hito family, descendants of the original settlers; the staff are all from the island.

location

Hare Uta is located on Avenida Hotu Matu’a in Hanga Roa, nestled in a peaceful tropical garden filled with local flora and fruit trees—an intimate retreat dedicated to the island’s natural rhythm.

Rooms

There are only nine rooms here, inspired by the homes of the island’s first inhabitants; all are equally comfortable, with spacious balconies offering views of the island and its sunsets. The rooms are spread across larger houses, each of which shares a cozy common area with a living room, dining room, and a tea and coffee corner accessible around the clock; one room is built in a country-style design.

Outdoor Facilities and Spa

The natural stone pool is shaped like the boats the first settlers used to reach the island; it is surrounded by thatched-roof pavilions, lounge chairs, and plenty of greenery. At the volcanic stone spa, experienced massage therapists help you unwind after a long day with relaxing and tension-relieving treatments.

catering

Motu Umanga Restaurant is known for its signature cuisine with a local flair: a menu that changes with the seasons, fresh fish from the Pacific, and a curated selection of Chilean wines with character. In the morning, the day’s weather is handwritten on the chalkboard; in the evening, the bar mixes its acclaimed cocktails.

Meals and Activities

There are three programs to choose from, all of which include transfers, a breakfast buffet, and flower leis upon arrival and departure: Hare (with a welcome drink) for those who want to explore the island at their own pace. Mahatu adds a daily three-course meal with a drink and private excursions on each day of your stay. Terevaka is the all-inclusive option: all à la carte meals, unlimited drinks at the bar, all private excursions, admission to Rapa Nui National Park, and one hour of massage per guest.

Special Features

Hardly any other hotel is so closely intertwined with the island: Since 1968, when the first scheduled flight landed in Mataveri, the Rapa Nui family that runs the hotel has welcomed travelers as if they were family; “Hare” means home, and that’s exactly how every room is meant to feel. The property even has its own obsidian mine—the black stone is considered sacred on the island. All excursions are private, can be freely combined, and are conducted in a private vehicle—ranging from the “Imperdibles,” the island’s must-see sites, to sunrise at Tongariki and a hike through the lava caves of Roiho.

location

Just outside Hanga Roa, on the outskirts of town, the Explora lodge is nestled among rugged hills, surrounded by trees and meadows, with panoramic views of the endless Pacific Ocean—secluded enough to offer complete tranquility, yet only a 15-minute drive from the airport.

Rooms

The 30 rooms, crafted from natural wood, embody Explora’s vision of essential luxury: tranquility, privacy, and space to unwind after long days of exploration. All rooms overlook the gardens and the sea, each featuring either two single beds or a king-size bed, heating, and a whirlpool tub: 26 Varúa rooms measuring 32 m² and four Raa suites measuring 44 m², which also have space for a crib. You can request your preferred view when booking.

Outdoor Facilities and Spa

The outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna are included with spa access; individual treatments at the Hare-Vaka Spa—many of which are Polynesian-inspired—can be booked for an additional fee.

catering

The award-winning dining program combines Polynesian and Chilean cuisine: fresh Pacific tuna, sweet potatoes, taro, and the famous Rapa Nui pineapple, served in the dining room with an ocean view. Each meal is accompanied by a selection of Chilean wines; the open bar is available all day, and on full-day tours, meals are provided on-site.

Meals and Activities

Explora offers a true all-inclusive experience with no hidden fees: all meals, all beverages (including the bar), admission to Rapa Nui National Park, airport transfers, and—most importantly— over 30 guided explorations across eleven zones with 39 destinations, whether on foot, by bike, or in the ocean while snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll travel in small groups of no more than eight travelers with certified, bilingual guides from the island who were trained at the resort’s own guide school; every evening, you’ll plan the next day’s activities with them. The resort recommends a minimum stay of four nights, and if your flight schedule allows, you can even go on a half-day excursion on your departure day.

Special Features

Award-winning architect José Cruz Ovalle modeled the interconnected, curved structures—made of black and light-colored wood—after the arrangement of the moai; the project has received international recognition. Explora was named the world’s best expedition company in 2025, is ranked among South America’s best resorts by Condé Nast Traveler, and is a certified B Corporation. If you’d like, you can combine a stay at the lodge with visits to our sister properties in the Atacama or Patagonia as part of a multi-destination trip—we’d be happy to put that together for you.

location

This small boutique hotel is located on Avenida Hotu Matu’a in Hanga Roa, just about a five-minute drive from the airport; restaurants, shops, and the waterfront are easily accessible, and in the evening, a free shuttle will take you to the village upon request.

Rooms

Three categories, whose names are derived from the island’s Rongo-Rongo script, all featuring handcrafted furniture, warm colors, and a terrace: The Koia Deluxe Rooms(“he or she,” 34 to 38 m²) open onto the garden. The Ariki Suites (“the king,” 44 to 52 m²) are the most beautiful category at the hotel, featuring a terrace with ocean views for watching the sunset and an optional extra bed. The Nuku Room(“the gathering,” 40 to 48 m²) accommodates up to three people as a family room, also with a terrace facing the ocean; extra beds can be provided for children. All rooms feature air conditioning, a private bathroom, TV, safe, and daily housekeeping.

included services

The stay includes a breakfast buffet (seasonal fruits, eggs, freshly squeezed juices, bread, and pastries) and begins with a flower garland and a welcome drink. Also included: airport transfers, Wi-Fi throughout the property, a barbecue area and relaxation areas in the garden, parking, luggage storage, as well as water, coffee, and ice in the dining room. The front desk staff provides personalized assistance and can arrange for rental cars, restaurants, excursions, and dive centers.

Special Features

“Ohana” means family, and that’s exactly how the hotel sees itself: not just as a hotel, but as a home on Rapa Nui. Stone and wood define the architecture, while solar thermal systems for hot water and photovoltaic panels make it pleasantly sustainable, and in terms of price, the Ohana is a charming, conscious choice.

At a Rapa Nui artist’s home, you’ll learn how a wooden moai is created. You’ll discover the tools the ancestors used, choose your piece of wood, and begin carving until your own little moai takes shape.

Tools, wood, and materials are provided, and you get to take your artwork home with you. Since the moai were created exclusively on Rapa Nui, this is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Transportation to the artist’s studio is included; suitable for ages 12 and up.

Before sunrise, your private guide will take you to the large platform: Behind the fifteen moai of Ahu Tongariki, the sky over the Pacific begins to lighten until the silhouettes are bathed in the first light of day. It is one of the most peaceful and impressive moments on the island.

From Hanga Piko Harbor, you’ll take a boat out to the three offshore islands of Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kao Kao. From the water, you’ll look up at the ceremonial village of Orongo.

Participants in the Birdman Race once had to swim to Motu Nui to retrieve the first egg laid by the sooty tern. Afterward, the boat takes you back to the harbor at Hanga Piko.

On horseback, you’ll ride from Hanga Roa along the west coast to the Ahu Akivi area and on up to Maunga Terevaka, the highest point on the island. At the top, you’ll take a break and enjoy the panoramic view of all of Rapa Nui and the surrounding Pacific Ocean before riding back to Hanga Roa.

On foot instead of by car: This guided hike takes you at a moderate pace up to the Rano Kau crater, with its shimmering freshwater lake, and on to the ceremonial village of Orongo, featuring the petroglyphs of the Birdman cult. A snack is included; be sure to pack sturdy shoes, a windbreaker, and sunscreen.

The Grand Loop along the North Coast: Starting from the area around Roiho and Ahu Akivi, you’ll hike along the pristine north and west coasts, past unrestored ahu and petroglyphs, all the way to Anakena Beach, where a swim in the warm Pacific awaits. About six hours through one of the island’s most secluded corners; for experienced hikers in good physical condition—your private guide will accompany you.

On the south coast, the hike begins at the unrestored Ahu Vaihu platform in Hanga Te’e Bay. Follow the ancient Ara o te Maoi trail to reach the Rano Raraku quarry.

From there, the journey continues to the Poike Peninsula, home to the island’s oldest volcano. You’ll climb up to Vai a Heva, a massive face carved into the rock, whose open mouth once collected rainwater.

From Hanga Roa, the trail leads to the ruins of the old sheep farm at Vai Tea, then begins the ascent of about 500 meters in elevation to Maunga Terevaka, the island’s youngest and highest volcano. From the summit, the view stretches in all directions over the coast and the ocean; there’s nothing but sea all around, and you feel as though you’re standing on the most remote island in the world.

Near Ahu Akivi, the hike to the island's lava caves begins. First, you'll reach Ana Te Pahu, the Banana Cave, with its vast lava tunnels.

Further along toward the coast lies Ana Kakenga, the Cave of the Two Windows: With a flashlight, you make your way through the narrow, rocky passage until two natural openings onto the sea come into view, offering a sweeping vista of the ocean and cliffs.