Ahu Vaihu (Hanga Te'e)
Ahu Haŋa Te'e
Eight moai lie face-down in a row beside a bay on the south coast, with red pukao scattered nearby. The scene is bleak.
Ahu Vaihu is located on Hanga Te'e Bay and is usually the first stop for visitors on the south coast road. Eight moai once stood on the platform, and all were toppled during the tribal conflicts of the 18th and 19th centuries. They still lie face-down in front of the platform, with red pukao rolled off to the side. Together with the waves and the black basalt coastline, they create a bleak scene that helps you understand the history of the 'era of fallen moai'. In front of the platform are also the remains of ancient round stone-walled garden beds. The site is in the national park fee zone, and entry requires a national park ticket and a licensed guide (subject to current regulations). It is about 10 km from Hanga Roa. Along the south coast, you can visit Vaihu, Akahanga and Tongariki in turn.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00 (per park rules)
Nearby sights
- Ahu Akahanga
- Ahu Huri a Urenga
- Puna Pau
- Ahu Vinapu
- Ahu Akivi
- Hanga Roa
- Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum
- Ana Te Pahu