Explore the Mysterious Beauty of Easter Island
04 See the Moai Graveyard at Rano Raraku
One of the greatest mysteries of Rapa Nui is the specific meaning of the moai to the prehistoric peoples. These stone idols were moved to locations all over the island from the quarry at Rano Raraku. Scientists know that the statues were carved on-site and weren't transported until after completion, but production was suddenly abandoned in the 18th century.
The tribe left their idols scattered along the slopes of the volcanic crater. Some moai lie toppled over while others have been buried up to their shoulders and necks after years of erosion. A few statues remain unfinished and appear as if they are asleep in rocky tombs on the mountainside. Enjoy the peace and quiet as you wander this ancient worksite, and pay your respects to the sleeping 'El Gigante,' the largest of the moai trapped in stone.
