AnakenaAbout Anakena
Anakena is a white coral-sand beach and ceremonial site on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in Chile, famed for its beach and rows of carved moai statues. It is one of the island’s most accessible archaeological sites and a primary landing and recreation area for visitors.
The bay contains multiple restored stone platforms (ahu) with moai, including a prominent group of seven restored statues on one platform and at least one other platform with a single moai. The sandy bay and sheltered water make it a common spot for swimming and beach visits on Rapa Nui.
Anakena is part of the prehistoric ceremonial landscape of Rapa Nui where Polynesian settlers constructed ahu and moai over several centuries; the visible moai and platforms are the result of both ancient construction and modern restoration. The beach has remained an important cultural and tourist location since archaeological surveys and restorations began in the 20th century.
Geographically Anakena sits on the north coast of Rapa Nui, with road access from the island’s main settlement, Hanga Roa. The bay faces the open Pacific and forms one of the island’s handful of sandy shorelines.
- Beach: The beach is one of the island’s principal sandy bays with calm, shallow water suited to swimming and snorkeling.
- Moai: Several restored moai stand on rebuilt stone platforms close to the shoreline, with the best-known group on the main ahu visible from the sand.
What to See#
- Ahu Nau Nau: Located directly on the beach, this ahu contains seven restored moai standing on a rebuilt stone platform and is the most photographed group at Anakena.
- Ahu Ature Huki: Sited at the west end of the bay, this smaller ahu preserves a single moai and is part of the same ceremonial complex facing the beach.
Nearby Attractions to Anakena
Best Time to Visit Anakena
Dawn or late afternoon light is best for photography; avoid peak mid-summer for crowds.
Weather & Climate near Anakena
Anakena's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 16°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1146 mm/year), wettest in April.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 24° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.3 m/s | 3.1 extreme | 13.5h |
| February | Excellent | 21° - 27° | 24° | 76 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.1 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.9h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 27° | 24° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 20° - 25° | 22° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| May | Good | 19° - 23° | 21° | 141 mm | overcast | 76% | 4.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.6h |
| June | Good | 17° - 22° | 19° | 103 mm | overcast | 76% | 4.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.3h |
| July | Good | 16° - 21° | 19° | 106 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
| August | Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 101 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.0h |
| September | Good | 16° - 21° | 19° | 91 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.8h |
| October | Very Good | 17° - 22° | 20° | 81 mm | overcast | 77% | 4.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.6h |
| November | Very Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 55 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.3h |
| December | Excellent | 19° - 26° | 22° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.7h |
How to Get to Anakena
Anakena is about 23 km (35-40 minutes) from Hanga Roa. Rent a car or hire a tour; many island shuttle services include Anakena as a half‑day trip. The final approach is on a well-maintained road from Hanga Roa and there’s a small parking area adjacent to the beach.
Tips for Visiting Anakena
- Arrive at dawn for the best light on the moai and to avoid the beach crowds and sun.
- Rent a panga or join a local guide to see the offshore moai and the submerged ahu foundations.
- Bring reef shoes; the sand is fine but the approach across coral can be sharp, and the water temperature changes quickly.