Easter Island Full Day Tour: Moai Factory & Ahu Tongariki

See where the moai were carved, then stand before the largest ahu in Polynesia

A private full-day tour of Easter Island's west coast with a certified guide and hotel pickup, visiting Rano Raraku (the moai factory), Ahu Tongariki (15 stone giants on a 100-meter altar), and Anakena Beach. The tour covers five to seven hours and includes transportation. A national park ticket is purchased separately. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ahu Tongariki1h
2. Rano Raraku2h
3. Anakena Beach1h

Explore Easter Island archaeological sites

• Visit Rapa Nui archaeological remains
• See King Hotu Matua's last residence
• Explore Ahu One Makihi site
• Visit Ahu Tongariki monument
• Tour Rano Raraku moai quarry
• Relax at Ovahe white sand beach
• Enjoy Anakena Beach and archaeological sites

The experience

You start from your hotel and spend the day tracing the rise and fall of Rapa Nui civilization across the island's most significant sites. The route moves through the west coast, where the largest moai in Polynesia stand at Ahu Tongariki: an altar 100 meters long with 15 restored stone giants. The site is so central to the island's story that locals say if you don't visit Ahu Tongariki, you haven't really seen Easter Island.

Rano Raraku is the heart of the tour: the volcanic crater where the moai were carved and left in various states of completion. Dozens of moai heads emerge from the land, and you see the stones and vestiges marking where the giants were extracted before being moved across the island. The site sits in its natural, unrestored state, which gives the landscape its archaeological weight. Along the way you also visit Ovahe, a small white sand beach ringed by red scoria cliffs, and Anakena Beach, where the Rapa Nui civilization is believed to have begun: a place with its own ahu and archaeological remains, plus clear water and palm trees where you can rest after hours of walking through history.

Your guide is a certified local who speaks English, Spanish or French and travels with you the entire day. Transportation is included in the price. You'll need to purchase a national park ticket separately (approximately $80 per person) at the park entrance. The tour suits a full afternoon or morning depending on your arrival, and the private format means the pace and stops adjust to your questions and interests.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• a certified local guide in English, Spanish or French.
• access to Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, Anakena Beach and Ovahe during a five to seven hour route across the island's west coast.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kapua Tours & Experience

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Hanga Roa without a rental car: private pickup and transportation get you to the remote west coast sites in one full day, while a guide fluent in the island's history walks you through each location.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Rano Raraku and why is it called the moai factory?

Rano Raraku is a volcanic crater on Easter Island where the moai were carved from the rock. Dozens of moai heads in various stages of completion still emerge from the land, along with the stones and tools left behind. It's the site where the giants were extracted before being transported to different parts of the island, making it the source of nearly every moai on Easter Island.

How many moai will I see at Ahu Tongariki?

Ahu Tongariki has 15 restored stone giants standing on an altar that stretches 100 meters long. It's the largest construction on Easter Island and the largest monument in all of Polynesia, and the site is considered essential to understanding the island's history.

Can I swim or spend time at the beaches on this tour?

Anakena Beach is included as a stop where you can rest after visiting the archaeological sites. The beach has clear water and palm trees, and it's the legendary landing place of the Rapa Nui civilization. Ovahe, a smaller white sand beach surrounded by red scoria cliffs, is also visited during the route.

What should I bring or know before booking this tour?

The tour runs five to seven hours and involves walking across archaeological sites, so wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. You'll need to purchase a national park ticket separately (approximately $80 per person) at the park entrance. Lunch and snacks are not included, so plan to bring water and food or eat before or after the tour.