a lone moai is waiting for better times
the coconut trees were imported from Tahiti
Anakena
If you like sandy beaches with a clear and calm sea and coconut trees around, head strait to Anakena Beach as it is the only place on Rapa Nui that fits your wishes.
 
Legend has it that the first king Hotu Matu’a landed here with his entourage after seven scouts found the island for him.
 
Apart from the beach and several snack stands Anakena features two nicely restored Ahu's.
 
The largest one is Ahu Nau Nau, with 7 moais. Four of them proudly wear the red headdress called pukao.
When they were toppled the moais fell face down in the sand, which later covered the statues and slowed down erosion. As a result these moai still show the finer carving details, particularly on the back and even the buttocks..
It was also here that the original white coral and red scoria parts for the moai eyes were found.
 
On a high Ahu stands a lone weathered moai called Ature Hiki. This platform was restored in 1956 by locals with the help of Thor Heyerdahl and the moai was the first resurrected statue since the topplings began in the 18th century.
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the secluded beach at Anakena
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late in the afternoon it gets a bit chilly
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these sockets were once filled with white coral and red stone to make for real eyes
the seven moai on Ahu Nau Nau
restored to old glory
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the detailed carvings are well preserved, watch those arms and hands
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the back side of Ahu Nau Nau
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clearly visible: part of the head of an old moai is used in the platform, this was common practice
local Rapanui and Thor Heyerdahl resurrected Ature Hik in 18 days using only logs, stones and rope
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Ahu Ature Hiki sits high with the back to the beach
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