Easter Island is located over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center, Tahiti and Chile, making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific - it is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui.

There has been much controversy and confusion concerning the origins of the Easter Islanders. Thor Heyerdahl proposed that the people who built the statues were of Peruvian descent, due to a similarity between Rapa Nui and Incan stonework. Some have suggested that Easter Island is the remnant of a lost continent, or the result of an extra-terrestrial influence . Archaeological evidence, however, indicates discovery of the island by Polynesians at about 400 AD - led, according to legend, by Hotu Matua. Upon their arrival, an impressive and enigmatic culture began to develop. In addition to the statues, the islanders possessed the Rongorongo script; the only written language in Oceania.

The island is also home to many petroglyphs (rock carvings), as well as traditional wood carvings, tapa (barkcloth) crafts, tattooing, string figures, dance and music. 

The population of Easter Island reached its peak at perhaps more than 10,000, far exceeding the capabilities of the small island's ecosystem. Resources became scarce, and the once lush palm forests were destroyed - cleared for agriculture and moving the massive stone Moai. In this regard, Easter Island has become, for many, a metaphor for ecological disaster.

Thereafter, a thriving and advanced social order began to decline into bloody civil war and, evidently, cannibalism. Eventually, all of the Moai standing along the coast were torn down by the islanders themselves. All of the statues now erected around the island are the result of recent archaeological efforts. 

Contacts with western "civilization" proved even more disastrous for the island population which, through slavery and disease, had decreased to approximately 111 by the turn of the century. Following the annexation by Chile in 1888, however, it has risen to more than 2,000, with other Rapanui living in Chile, Tahiti and North America. Despite a growing Chilean presence, the island's Polynesian identity is still quite strong.

Easter Island today, remains one of the most unique places you will ever encounter; an open air museum showcasing a fascinating, but unfortunately lost, culture. The Rapanui are among the friendliest people you will ever meet, and the landscape is truly amazing - with its volcanic craters, lava formations, beaches, brilliant blue water, and archaeological sites.

Lan Chile, Chile's flag carrier, offers flights on their Boeing B767 aircraft to Easter Island. The five hour flight from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island and back costs approximately $1000 USD. There are several companies who can arrange package trips, including hotels, tours etc., but it is possible, and much cheaper, to arrange a place to stay upon arrival. Many locals who operate hotels and guesthouses arrive at Mataveri Airport to greet the tourists, and is something you might consider. Staying in a private home is a great way to meet the islanders and experience the local culture; however, one should use judgment in choosing accommodations, as not all places are of equal quality. 

Time Zone: From October 12th to the second Saturday in March, the clocks go forward an hour, which means that Easter Island is continually 2 hours behind continental Chile.

Tipping: In restaurants tipping is appreciated and 10% of the bill would be the normal amount.
Taxis don’t expect a tip as such, but leaving the change is always welcomed.

Post and Communication: It’s best to use the phone in the central Entel office for international calls; 4 minutes cost US$10. Hotels charge up to three times as much.

Tourist Information: There is a Tourist Information office close to the main square. At the end of the street is the LAN Chile office. Tel. 32-100279. 

Emergencies: Most medication required comes in by plane from mainland Chile so it’s more practical to take any medicine that you know you’ll need with you, along with high factor sun screen. Most of the food is reasonably gentle on the stomach and shouldn’t cause upsets, however it’s advisable to be particularly careful eating fish and seafood.

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