Easter Island Vacations For some people, a vacation is simply a time to get away from the hubbub of everyday life and find some place to relax.  For others, however, a vacation means more than that:  It means a time of discovery.  For those who vacation to discover and learn more about their world, an Easter Island trip is absolutely unforgettable.  There in Latin America is a world full of mystery that even the greatest minds have not completely figured out, beckoning for you to visit and see if you can unravel these mysteries for yourself. Do not misunderstand, there is plenty available for the person who loves to relax on Easter Island:  Sitting by the gorgeous beaches or swimming at the lake.  However, the point is that the people who most enjoy an Easter Island trip are the curious sorts:  those who can never learn too much about the world around them.  Brief History of Easter Island Let us stop for a moment and talk about what the history is behind this mysterious Latin American island:  as much as is known.  According to the Easter Island Travel Guide, found at http://www.southpacific.org/guide/easter-island.html, Easter Island was first colonized by the Polynesians around 300 A.D.  The Polynesians had migrated to the island from either Mangareva or the Marquesas Islands.   Upon their arrival, the Polynesian newcomers built long platforms (known as "ahu"), which bore slender statues known as "moai.”  The moai were mostly constructed near the island coasts, with retaining walls that faced the sea.  The moai statues themselves looked in toward the island villages.  This is supposed that they were intended to protect the villages from evil spirits.  Around 887, moai are known to have existed on Easter Island and were cut from a single quarry at Rano Raraku.  One big mystery is how men with such primitive technology managed to move these huge statues; still another mystery is just what the statues were.  That they were thought to ward off evil spirits is certain.  But were there other purposes as well?  It is not clear.  During the 16th century, overpopulation and famine struck the island.  At this time, the focus of the population shifted to a "birdman" cult located at Orongo.  And then in the 18th century, fighting among the islands led to many statues being overturned.  By 1840, each of the statues had been thrown off their original platforms, either by warring tribe members or by earthquakes. What to Do and See on Easter Island  Let us take a look at what you should see and do on your Easter Island trip.   Flying to the most remote spot on earth, 2200 miles off the coast of Chile.  Several actual visitors detailed their favorite’s things to do on the island at  http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/ Chile/Easter_Island/TravelGuide-Easter_Island.html .  After reading their accounts, you come away feeling that a trip to the Chilean island is not as simple as, say, a vacation to Disney World.  It is far out of the way, and is very isolated.  Even by plane, it takes many hours to get there and once there, to truly experience the island, you have to be ready for some rough terrain.  This means walking on some difficult paths and climbing lots of hills to fully enjoy what is on offer. Some attractions often recommended are found at www.tourist.com: Ahu Akivi, which has seven moai statues facing the sea.  This makes Ahu Akivi a must-see for those interested in the statues, since all the rest of the moai face inward toward the villages.  It is easy to bike to Ahu Akivi from Hanga Roa, as it is only a few miles away.  The best road, though, is unpaved. Ahu Akahanga , which has many toppled moai statues.  It is the location of one of the original ahu platforms, with scattered moai around it.  Also significant is that this is supposedly, where the island's first king, Hotu Matua, was buried.  And when you get tired looking at the statues, rest by the seaside.  There is a magnificent view of the ocean at this point.    Tahitian Palms / Anakena Beach is one of the best beach areas.  Whereas most of the coastland on Easter Island is rocky, Anakena is a smooth beach with gorgeous Tahitian palm trees.  There are restroom facilities as well as picnic areas.  If you are in the mood to buy souvenirs or food, there are usually people selling these items on the beach area.  There are also a few moai statues here helping you remember that, although you are at the beach, you are still on Easter Island. Ana Te Pahu Cave.  There are many caves you might encounter during your Easter Island trip, but this is one of the most compelling.  Hiking is encouraged, and surfing is also popular. Other Surfing areas, besides the cave, include Ahu Tahai and Caleta Hanga Roa, both of which have fairly consistent waves.  Scuba diving is popular, but should only be undertaken by the experienced.  The waters are simply too dangerous for beginners.  Accommodations for Your Easter Island Trip  There are a few outstanding places to stay on your trip to the island.  Most of the better ones are discussed at http://www.chilecontact.com.  For instance, there is the luxurious Tauraa Hotel, which also has its own tour services.  The Tauraa has a variety of rooms, from singles to family size, to accommodate any group.  The Tauraa Island Tours allow you to see essentially the entire island in only two days.  Room rates include breakfast, and they will transport you between the hotel and the airport. There is also the economical Kona Tau Youth Hostel, which offers many convenient services.  Among these are the airport shuttle, a kitchen open 24 hours and laundry facilities.  While there are other accommodations available, nothing tops these two premier locations. For the adventurer, the person who is truly curious about his or her world, Easter Island is waiting.  It is not your conventional vacation destination, with theme parks and nightclubs.  However, it is a place that is rich in scenic wonders and in terms of historical significance Easter Island is truly an explorer's paradise.