There are sunrises, and then there is Ahu Tongariki.Located on the remote, windswept coast of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), this isn’t just a photo op—it’s a brush with the monumental.…

The lava tubes on Rapa Nui are a fascinating contrast to the giant statues on the surface. While the Moai represented the public and spiritual face of the island, the…

The Rano Raraku quarry is often called the "nursery" or the "factory" of Rapa Nui, and for good reason. It’s a volcanic crater made of consolidated volcanic ash (tuff), which…

The Tangata Manu, or "Birdman" religion, emerged as a dramatic shift in Rapa Nui society, replacing the era of Moai building. It was a fascinating transition from a culture centered…

Standing on the edge of a volcanic coastline, thousands of miles from the nearest continent, you feel the weight of history in the salt air. Easter Island, or Rapa Nui,…