Easter Island is an extremely isolated island but about 1,200 years ago, a canoe full of people from a distant land came upon the shores. For unknown reasons they carved mysterious giant statues from volcanic rock. “Moai” are what these monuments are called and they are by far some of the most amazing ancient relics that have ever been discovered. There is still controversy and unanswered questions over where the people came from and why they left.
Easter Island was formed by volcanic eruptions and the island was only occupied by dragonflies and birds for many of years. It is not telling how many months at sea the Polynesian people were but the steep slopes of the island must have been very inviting to them. Hundreds of sea caves have been formed here by pounding waves and today there are volcanic cones located at each end of the island.
The legendary Anakena beach is believed to be where King Hoto Matua landed the first canoe there. Creating statues became an obsession which ultimately depleted their forests causing their downfall. When statues were completed they were transported sometimes 14 miles, weighing several tons in order to perch on prepared stands. Soon erected statues called Moai were at all corners on the island and soon there was over 1000 statues and the population had considerably grown. The wood ran out from constantly being used to move the Moai, the crops suffered and the dwellers as a people were dying.
Dreams of escaping were dashed by the lack of wood. Rafts and canoes made of reeds were all they could build and they would never stand against the sea. The island turned to a wasteland and these conditions turned out the Birdman Cult.
The statues of Easter Island are complete torsos, kneeling on bent knees. The islanders used stone chisels and one single statue would take five men approximately one year to complete. A high quality of stone masonry is a wall at the rear of the island that used approximately seven tons of hand basalt rock to form a wall similar to the Inca walls.
Today Easter Island continues to be one of the most fascinating and unique places you will find in the world. The people living on the island are called Rapanui and are the most friendly people in the world. The landscaping is amazing with volcanic craters, brilliant blue watered beaches and lava formations.
Then the Mataveri Airport opened on the island in 1967 it made traveling to tour the island more accessible. Even on a restricted budget it is recommended to take at least one paid tour when visiting the island to be educated on each location. If you are indeed lucky enough to capture on of Easter Island's sunsets, then try to be at the ceremonial complex located at Ahu Tahai. The statues stand with their back toward the west forming a perfect silhouette in the sun. Have your camera ready, the shot doesn't last long.
There are frequent flights to Easter Island and plenty of hotels to stay at. The staff on the island is helpful and can assist you in booking tours or guiding you where to go on this mysterious island.