Mysterious, ancient, and remote, Easter Island is a captivating Polynesian island in the South Pacific, best known for its hundreds of towering moai—stone statues that reach up to 35 feet tall and weigh as much as 100 tons. The island’s rich history traces back to Hotu Matua, the legendary first settler, and is brought to life through fascinating archaeological sites. Visitors can explore the settlement of Hanga Roa, the stone village of Orongo—once the ceremonial center of the island’s birdman cult—and the intriguing Ana Te Pahu cavern, a volcanic lava tube once used as a shelter.