Easter Island South Coast Moai & Petroglyphs Walk
Walk the dramatic southern coast from Ahu Vaihu to Ahu Akahanga, past toppled moai, ancient petroglyphs, and rugged Pacific shoreline.
- 1
Ahu Vaihu
Eight large moai lie face down on the coast, their pukao topknots scattered nearby — a vivid monument to the destruction of the Huri Moai statue-toppling wars.
- 2
Ahu Akahanga Ruins
Said to be the burial place of King Hotu Matu'a, the legendary first king of Easter Island, this large platform holds thirteen toppled moai.
- 3
Papa Vaka Petroglyphs
A flat lava rock surface covered in marine petroglyphs — tuna fish, sharks, turtles, and a large canoe — carved by Rapa Nui fishermen over many generations.
- 4
South Coast Lava Shoreline
The raw basalt coastline of the south shore takes the full force of Pacific swells, creating dramatic spray and wave formations against the black lava.
- 5
Ahu Hanga Tetenga
Another ruined coastal platform with fallen moai, its stones scattered by both human violence and the relentless Pacific storms that batter this exposed shore.
- 6
Rana Raraku Distant View
From the south coast path, the distinctive profile of Rano Raraku volcano is visible to the east — a constant landmark and reminder of the moai's origins.