Anakena Beach
Easter Island, Easter Island, Valparaíso
Located on the northeastern coast of Easter Island, where it’s believed that King Hotu Matu’a first set foot on Easter Island, Anakena is one of only two sand beaches on the island. Boasting coconut palms and calm waters, it’s an idyllic spot to enjoy the island’s unique beauty. Nearby are two ceremonial platforms, known as ahus, with moai statues.
The basics
Visitors can relax and sunbathe on the sandy beach, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, or fish from the shore. Kiosks offer snacks, but visitors can bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic tables. Don't miss the two ahus with restored moai at the site. Anakena Beach is frequently a stop on guided sightseeing tours, including single-day and multi-day excursions. It’s also possible to visit Anakena Beach independently by car, bike, or boat.
Things to know before you go
There’s a fee to enter the Rapa Nui National Park to access Anakena Beach.
Facilities include a parking lot, restrooms, changing rooms, and picnic tables.
Vendors selling snacks, local handicrafts, and beach toys can be found near the beach.
There’s limited to no cell phone coverage in the area.
How to get there
Anakena Beach is located 11 miles (18 kilometers) northeast of the town of Hanga Roa; to reach it, you can take either the cross-island or coastal road. There’s a large parking lot at the beach. It’s also possible to arrive by bike or boat. Taxis are another option, though it’s best to arrange to be picked up from the beach ahead of time. Many guided tours also make a stop at the beach.
When to get there
For the best light and photos, visit in the early morning. Morning is also the best time to visit for smaller crowds, as organized tours usually visit the beach in the afternoon. Water temperatures rarely dip below 64°F (18°C), even in the winter, so it’s possible to enjoy the beach and water year-round. The liveliest time to visit Anakena is during the Tapati Rapa Nui celebration in the first half of February.
The Archeological complex at Anakena
Anakena was also the spiritual center of the Miru tribe, and remnants can be seen in the two ahus at Anakena. Featuring a single moai, Ahu Ature Huki was raised and restored by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his team in 1956 using only rocks, logs, and rope. Ahu Nau Nau features seven moai (two of which are broken) that were restored in 1978 by archaeologist Sergio Rapu and his team. A rare female moai was also found during excavations and can be viewed at the Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum in Hanga Roa.
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