Anakena is the main beach on Easter Island, and by far the most beautiful too.
The palm trees here were imported from Tahiti in the 1960s.
The highlight of Anakena is the Ahu Nau Nau which was restored in 1978. Notice the intricate carvings of the hands, noses, lips, eyes and ears of these moais. They were overthrown and covered in sand for many years, protected from the elements that eroded so many of the other moais.
You will also see Ahu Aturu Huki, with a single moai. This was the first moai on the island to be re-erected. Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl used this moai to test the long accepted theory for raising moai, using long poles to lever the moai up from the ground, with stones supporting it underneath, while lifting and pulling. It took his team 18 days to restore the statue, meaning an experienced team could accomplish the same in less time.
Anakena used to be the religious headquarters of the royal Miru tribe.
The geocache is located a short walk from the beach, to keep it safe from muggles and to avoid anyone searching for the cache near the ahu by mistake.
