Where To Stay in Easter Island [3 BEST Neighborhoods!]

Famous for its mysterious Moai statues, Easter Island (otherwise known as Rapa Nui) is one of the remote destinations in the world!

As it is such a remote destination, trying to figure out where to stay can be daunting. The relatively small island has areas that aren’t easily defined.

Thankfully, getting into Easter Island is much easier these days with the airport – and with this guide, we hope to make figuring out where to stay just as easy! So let’s get started!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay on Easter Island

Where to Stay on Easter Island

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay on Easter Island.

Best AirBnB in Easter Island: Ana O Pipi

This typical Easter Island house is perfect for anyone wanting an authentic experience on the island! The host also has superhost status.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Easter Island: Puku Vai

Easter Island is a notoriously expensive destination no matter where you are based- but the Puku Vai is a great alternative if you are keeping an eye on spending! It comes with a large pool, and a traditional atmosphere.

 

Best Hotel in Easter Island: Explore Rapa Nui

Right in the northern reaches of Hanga Roa, this five star hotel is a great way to experience a secluded rural hotel without being too far from the essential services in the village centre!

 

Easter Island Neighborhood Guide

Easter Island, known as Te Pito O Te Henua by early settlers, is a fascinating island that has so much more to offer beyond the famous statues!

Hanga Roa is the only major settlement on the island, and where many tourists opt to stay! Most of the tours and restaurants are based in this area.

Piataro is part of Hanga Roa, but offers a bit of a calmer atmosphere – ideal for families that want to avoid the main tourism strip!

Finally, many more intrepid travellers opt to stay in the rural parts of the island! There aren’t any other towns on Easter Island, but there are some great accommodation options based outside of the main town giving you an even more secluded experience.

Still undecided? Check out our extended guide below.

Easter Island 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the three best neighbourhoods on Easter Island. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 - Hanga Roa

(Where to stay on Easter Island for your first time)

Hanga Roa is the only main settlement on the island, and where you will find most of the tourism infrastructure! If you are only on the island for a day or so, we recommend staying close to the coastline.

This is where you will find all of the restaurants on the island, as well as some great activities that go beyond the famous statues!

More awesome things to see and do in Hanga Roa

• Head to the Atamu Tekena – the main street in the area with all of the restaurants offering traditional cuisine
• Ahu Riata is one of the largest Moai statues, offering views towards the ocean
• Ballet Kari Kari is an interesting cultural experience to learn about the island’s roots

Best AirBnB in Hanga Roa: Ana O Pipi

Though a little bit outside of the village, Ana O Pipi strikes a great balance between secluded bliss and easy access to amenities in the village centre! They also have a barbecue and sunbathing areas outside.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Hanga Roa: Inaki Uhi Hotel

Though somewhat basic, this hotel is only a short walk from the beach! It has a communal kitchen area, which means you get to enjoy all the equipment you need for a short stay on the island.

 

Best Hotel in Hanga Roa: Hotel Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa

This five star hotel is a great balance between tradition and luxury in the heart of Hanga Roa! It is also an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travellers.

 

Neighborhood #2 - Piataro

(Best neighborhood on Easter Island for families)

Though officially part of Hanga Roa, Piataro is a little bit further inland – perfect for keeping away from the large tourist crowds! This makes it a great pick for any families that have decided to venture to Easter Island.

There are a few good tour operators based in the area, as well as some casual dining restaurants that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

More awesome things to see and do in Piataro

• Jardin Tau Kiani Rapa Nui is a relaxing garden area showcasing local plant life
• Head to Te Ra’ai where you can sample a traditional dinner

Best AirBnB in Piataro: Hare Sunset

This gorgeous AirBnB sleeps up to four guests, making it an excellent option for small families visiting the island! It is a little cosy, but this only adds to the charm and there are some great views.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Piataro: Hotel Puku Vai

Easter Island is an expensive destination due to the isolation – however, this three star hotel gives you some extra privacy without breaking the bank! It also comes with excellent reviews.

 

Best Hotel in Piataro: Mangai Rapa Nui

Located on the boundary between Downtown Manga Roa and Piataro, this hotel gives you easy access to both neighborhoods! Alongside traditional hotel rooms, they also offer cabanas for a more romantic feel.

 

Neighborhood #3 - Rural Rapanui

(Coolest place to stay on Easter Island)

The rural parts of the island don’t have much to offer in terms of attractions, but in many ways that is part of the charm! This is the place to be if you want to enjoy true isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

That being said, the island’s main attraction is located here – the world-famous stone Moai Statues! There are some great tours of these, but they can also be accessed on foot.

More awesome things to see and do in Rural Rapanui

• Explore the famous Moai heads dotted around the Rapa Nui Parque Nacional
• Playa Ovahe is a small, secluded beach where you can unwind and enjoy the view

Best AirBnB in Rural Rapanui: Vaihu Lodge

Powered entirely with solar power, and with natural water from the volcano, this AirBnB is the perfect eco-friendly option! Sleeping up to ten people, it is the best option for large families and groups.

 

Best Hotel in Rural Rapanui: Explore Rapa Nui

Due to its rural location, this five star gem has a complimentary shuttle from the airport – giving you peace of mind that you can easily get to the location after a long flight! They provide a breakfast buffet.

 

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay on Easter Island

Easter Island is a mesmerising destination that has to be seen to be believed! The famous stone heads are absolutely worth seeing, but there are also some great cultural highlights.

As it is such a small island we don’t think it would be fair to choose a favourite neighborhood – but we hope this guide has helped you understand your options and find the right place for your itinerary!

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

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