Motu Nui

A trio of small islets visible from Orongo that were the focus of the ancient birdman competition, where young competitors would compete to retrieve sooty tern eggs. The islets remain important to Rapanui cultural memory and offer excellent viewing opportunities.

Things to do

• View from Orongo — Stand at the Orongo ceremonial site overlooking Motu Nui and observe the three islets where the birdman competition took place, with interpretive signs explaining the ritual's significance.
• Birdman Competition Trail — Walk the ceremonial pathway from Orongo down toward the coast, tracing the historic route competitors would have taken during the ancient birdman trials.
• Sooty Tern Egg Viewing — Observe nesting sooty terns on the islets during breeding season (October to December) with binoculars from the Orongo viewpoint without disturbing the birds.
• Ahu and Moai Exploration — Examine the restored ceremonial platforms and fallen moai statues scattered around the Orongo complex that frame the Motu Nui vista.
• Photograph Sunset Over Motu Nui — Capture the dramatic sunset illuminating the three islets from Orongo's western vantage point, a prime photography opportunity.
• Ranu Kai Crater Visit — Descend into the freshwater crater lake adjacent to Orongo to see native totora reeds and learn about ancient resource management on the island.

Food to try

• Umu Ahi (Earth Oven Feast) — Try traditionally cooked meats and vegetables prepared in an underground earth oven, a preparation method tied to Rapanui's ancient ceremonial gatherings.
• Fresh Fish Ceviche — Sample locally caught raw fish cured in lime juice and served with fresh cilantro and chili, reflecting the island's Pacific fishing heritage.
• Taro Root Dishes — Taste cultivated taro prepared as a boiled side or incorporated into traditional stews, an important pre-contact Polynesian staple still grown on the island.
• Octopus Cazuela — Enjoy tender octopus braised in a rich broth with potatoes and onions, a Chilean-Polynesian fusion reflecting the island's culinary influences.
• Fresh Fruit from Local Markets — Purchase papaya, passion fruit, and avocados from Hanga Roa village markets to experience the island's subtropical produce.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Site Boundaries — Stay on designated paths at Orongo and do not touch or climb on ahu or moai, as these are still considered spiritually significant ancestral sites by Rapanui people.
• Learn the Birdman Legend — Read about the Birdman (Tangata Manu) competition before visiting so you understand why Motu Nui remains culturally central and can appreciate the landscape's deeper meaning.
• Support Local Guides — Hire a Rapanui guide from Hanga Roa village to gain insider perspectives on the birdman ritual and current cultural practices that connect to these islets.
• Best Visit Timing — Visit during October to December to see sooty terns nesting on Motu Nui and coincide with the season when the ancient birdman competition would have taken place.