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This Ahu(platform) is the only one facing the Pacific ocean. It is a particularly sacred place which has seven moais, all of more or less equal shapes and sizes, and is also known as a celestial observatory that was set up around the 16th century. The site is located inland, rather than along the coast. Moai statues were considered by the early people of Easter Island as their ancestors that were believed to be the reincarnation of important kings or leaders of their clans. The Moais were erected to protect and bring prosperity to their clan and village. The reason for these Moais to face the ocean is believed to offer direct views for the farmers doing farming in the fields between the Ahu and the ocean, during those times. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting this place to any traveler. …
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Date of experience: December 2019
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Ahu Akivi is a particularly sacred site on Easter Island. It is the only place on the Island where the heads face out towards the sea. There are seven heads, all of equal shape and size. This site is located inland rather along the coast. They are thought to originate from the 15th century and were restored in the early 60's. A particular feature of the site, is that the statues exactly face the sunset during the Spring Equinox and their backs face the sunrise during the autumn Equinox; how impressive is that? It is not thought that such an astronomical precise feature can be found anywhere else on the Island. Once again we were taken here on our tour and it is definitely not a site to be missed.…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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This altar with its seven moai was completely restored in 1960 and dates from 1460 AD. It was the first full platform excavation and restoration to take place on the island. Much is made of the direction in which these statues are facing as they are looking to the water as opposed to having their backs to the water. A good view for photos is on the left side of the platform. Best lighting is mid-late afternoon. Easily accessible by foot.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
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This is one of the first sites were moai's were re-erected on a reconstructed ahu, after an initial archaeological survey of the site. Because at the time the site was surrounded by cornfields, and the archaeologists were afraid of runoff, they build a small dike around the site. Now some guides seem to think that this was part of the original site. There are 7 moai on the ahu, all rather similar, although there is a clear difference in size, with the one in the middle the tallest. This is the site furthest from the ocean, and the village lay between the moais and the ocean, instead of more inland.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
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I really missed having a guide to tell us more about the seven Moai that are erected there. This is an unmissable site at Rapa Nui Island, because the Moai there are the only ones put up facing the ocean - because they represent young explorers who came from the sea looking at their home. It's said that during the Spring Equinox, they all face directly the sun at the sunset. The moods there are of mystery and awe. Such a special place!…
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Date of experience: February 2020
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