Puna Pau
The source of the red 'pukao' topknots that crown the moai. Red stone cylinders that were never moved still lie scattered in the small crater.
Puna Pau is a small scoria cone east of Hanga Roa. Its reddish-brown rock is light and porous. The ancient Rapa Nui carved cylindrical pukao here, which symbolize hairdos or headdresses, and then transported them to the coastal platforms to place on the moai's heads. More than 20 pukao of various sizes remain in the crater and along the trail. Some are carved with petroglyphs, and the largest weighs more than ten tons. From the summit, you can overlook Hanga Roa and the west coast. 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 3 km from the town center and is often combined with Ahu Akivi as a half-day tour.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00 (per park rules)
Nearby sights
- Ahu Huri a Urenga
- Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum
- Hanga Roa
- Ahu Tahai
- Ahu Vinapu
- Ahu Akivi
- Ana Te Pahu
- Ana Kakenga (Two Windows Cave)