Ana Kai Tangata
Ana Kai Taŋata
A cave beneath a sea cliff whose ceiling preserves seabird paintings in red, white and black, linked to the birdman cult.
Ana Kai Taŋata sits in the sea cliffs south of Hanga Roa, its mouth facing the Pacific surf. The ceiling preserves images of sooty terns (manutara) painted in red, white and black mineral pigments. Cave paintings are rare on the island, and these are linked to the birdman cult at Orongo. The cave's name is often translated as 'Man-Eaters' Cave,' but scholars offer different interpretations of what it means. Recent rock instability creates a risk of falling rocks, so the cave interior may be closed. Visitors may only look from outside the entrance (confirm on site). It is about a 15-minute walk from the town center and can be combined with the Rano Kau hiking route.
Opening hours
Open daytime; cave may close due to falling rocks
Nearby sights
- Hanga Roa
- Rano Kau
- Ahu Tahai
- Orongo
- Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum
- Ahu Vinapu
- Puna Pau
- Ahu Huri a Urenga