
Anakena Beach and Ahu Nau Nau Easter Island
Anakena Beach: A pristine white-sand paradise on Easter Island, famed for its iconic Moai statues and historical significance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Anakena Beach and Ahu Nau Nau Easter Island
Best Time
Best lighting for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Anakena Beach: A pristine white-sand paradise on Easter Island, famed for its iconic Moai statues and historical significance.
"The Moai are even more beautiful in person than in photos. "

☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Minimal shade at Anakena Beach; sunscreen and hats are essential.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities, so carry your own refreshments.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ahu Nau Nau Moai
Anakena Beach
Seven magnificent Moai statues, some with iconic red topknots, stand guard over the golden sands of Anakena Beach.

Anakena Beach
North coast of Easter Island
A picturesque beach with soft white coral sand, framed by palm trees and crystal-clear blue waters.

Birthplace of Kings
Anakena Beach
Considered the historical landing site of the first king of Easter Island, Ariki Hotu Matu'a.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Beach Bliss & Moai Majesty
Access & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Minimal shade at Anakena Beach; sunscreen and hats are essential.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities, so carry your own refreshments.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Take all your garbage with you to keep the beach pristine.
📸 Capture the Moment
The Moai are even more impressive in person than in photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Minimal shade at Anakena Beach; sunscreen and hats are essential.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities, so carry your own refreshments.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Take all your garbage with you to keep the beach pristine.
📸 Capture the Moment
The Moai are even more impressive in person than in photos.
🚶♀️ Easy Access
No ticket or checkpoint needed to view Moai or enjoy the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Anakena Beach and Ahu Nau Nau are consistently praised for their breathtaking beauty and historical significance. Visitors rave about the stunning combination of pristine white sands, clear blue waters, and the iconic Moai statues. The site is considered a must-see on Easter Island, offering a serene and awe-inspiring experience.
"I visited Easter Island during Easter Weekend in 2014, and Ahu Nau Nau quickly became one of my favorite sites. Here, seven magnificent moai overlook the stunning white coral sand of Anakena Beach. These moai uniquely face inland, not out towards the ocean. If you go, bring plenty of water, food, and a towel to enjoy the beach. Sunscreen is essential due to minimal shade, and please take all your garbage back with you."
Thomas Fridrich
"Right next to a wonderful beach you can find 5 restored Moai on a platfrom (some with Topknots). Well worth a visit, and you don't need a ticket or guide to see these Moai."
Tony Finn
"It's probably one of the most famous and sought-after Moai platforms to see on Rapa Nui. The 7 Moai are in a row with the most intact red hats on the island and picture perfect beach views in the background. Very beautiful place, and there is a short walk to get to them, but I spent a bit of time here taking I the scenery. Lovely spot where we had a guide but there was not a check point to check to view these Moai or go to the beach."
Melissa Previte
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Anakena Beach is located on the north coast of Easter Island, about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Hanga Roa. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or join an organized tour. Many visitors find renting a car offers the most flexibility to explore the island at their own pace.
While there are hiking trails on Easter Island, walking to Anakena Beach from Hanga Roa is a very long and strenuous journey, not typically recommended for a casual visit. It's best accessed by vehicle.
Renting a car is a popular and convenient option for exploring Easter Island, including Anakena Beach. Taxis are also available, but can be more expensive for longer distances. Organized tours are a good choice if you prefer not to drive.
Public transport on Easter Island is very limited. While some local buses may operate on the island, they are not a reliable or frequent option for reaching Anakena Beach. Car rental or tours are the most practical choices.
Anakena Beach is approximately 15-20 kilometers (9-12 miles) north of Mataveri International Airport (IPC). The drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket or checkpoint required to visit Anakena Beach or view the Ahu Nau Nau Moai. You can access the beach and the platform freely.
Anakena Beach itself does not have an entrance fee. However, if you plan to visit other archaeological sites on Easter Island, such as Rano Raraku or Orongo, you will need to purchase a national park entrance ticket.
Anakena Beach is generally accessible at all times, as it is a public beach. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
While there isn't a formal guide service at Anakena Beach, you might find local guides offering their services. However, many visitors find that the information available online and through guidebooks is sufficient to appreciate the site.
There is typically no fee for parking at Anakena Beach. Designated parking areas are available for visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Anakena Beach is a beautiful place to relax, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy the sun. The soft white sand is perfect for sunbathing, and the palm trees offer a lovely tropical ambiance.
Basic facilities, including restrooms, are usually available at Anakena Beach. However, they can be rudimentary, so manage expectations. Showers might also be available.
Yes, Anakena Beach is known for its calm, clear waters, making it one of the best places on Easter Island for swimming and enjoying the ocean.
For the best photographic lighting, aim for sunrise or sunset. The golden hour light beautifully illuminates the Moai and the beach.
There are usually a few small kiosks or food stalls at Anakena Beach selling snacks, drinks, and local dishes. However, it's wise to bring your own food and water, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time there.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the Ahu Nau Nau Moai offers iconic shots with the statues against the backdrop of the beach and ocean. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and detail of the Moai.
Absolutely! Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow on the Moai and the beach. It's also a less crowded and more serene experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and Moai. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on the statues. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blue of the ocean and sky.
Drone regulations can change, and it's always best to check with local authorities or your tour operator. However, be mindful of respecting the cultural significance of the site and other visitors.
Try capturing the Moai from different perspectives – low to the ground, or framing them with palm trees. The Moai facing inland offer a different narrative than those facing the sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water, as shade is limited. Bringing snacks and drinks is also a good idea, as facilities are basic. The easy access to the Ahu Nau Nau Moai means kids can marvel at these ancient statues without a long trek, making it a memorable and engaging outing for the whole family.
☀️ Beach Lovers & Sun Seekers
While the Moai are a major draw, Anakena also stands as a beautiful tropical escape. Pack your beach essentials, find a spot under a palm tree, and let the serene atmosphere wash over you. Just be sure to protect yourself from the strong sun and leave the beach as pristine as you found it.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
For history enthusiasts, this site is a pilgrimage. As the legendary landing spot of the first king, it's a place where you can feel the weight of Rapa Nui's past. The well-preserved Moai at Ahu Nau Nau provide a tangible link to the island's ancient civilization, making it a deeply rewarding experience for anyone interested in archaeology and cultural heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Ahu Nau Nau
The platform itself is located just a short distance from the shore of Anakena Beach, a location steeped in history. According to oral traditions, Anakena was the landing site of the legendary first king of Easter Island, Ariki Hotu Matu'a, and his people. This makes Ahu Nau Nau not only a site of impressive artistry but also a place of profound cultural and historical importance, often considered the birthplace of Rapa Nui society.
Visiting Ahu Nau Nau offers a tangible connection to the island's past. The well-maintained statues and their serene setting provide a powerful glimpse into the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the Rapa Nui people. The combination of these ancient monoliths with the natural beauty of Anakena Beach creates an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Anakena Beach: More Than Just a Pretty Shore
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Anakena holds significant cultural weight. As the traditional landing place of the first king, Ariki Hotu Matu'a, it is considered the cradle of Rapa Nui civilization. This historical connection imbues the beach with a sense of sacredness and deep cultural resonance, making it a place of both natural wonder and historical reverence.
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the beach responsibly. The pristine environment is a treasure, and it's crucial to help preserve it. Remember to bring your own water and snacks, and most importantly, take all your litter with you. This simple act ensures that Anakena remains a beautiful and unspoiled destination for generations to come.






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