Easter Island: Rohio Circuit

15 km, 4-5 h

The last volcanic eruption on the island was when volcano Maunga Hiva Hiva erupted ten thousand years ago. To the north of Hanga Roa there is a road that runs along the coastline towards the restored ruins of Tahai. The soft aroma of the guava bushes floats in the air, brilliant red blossoms of the Tropical Coral tree (Erytrina variegata) rise over the green landscape, Indian Cress cover the rocky slopes with its orange flowers and yellow Retama are all around the road. The track leading to the exit point can be covered on mountain bike without problems, but it is worth the effort even on foot. Historical ruins and viewpoints with romantic views to the coast and the Pacific invite trekkers to remain on the spot.

Description

Just behind the cemetery, on the outskirts of Hanga Roa, lie the ruins of Ahu Vai Uri, the ceremonial center of Tahai, with its five colossal moai statues, especially the well erected moai in Ahu Tahai, restored in 1968 by Mulloy and Williams, and where one marvels at the most beautiful sunsets. When observing the moai of Ahu Ko Te Riku, with its big eyes and red hat, it looks perfect, but it is a replica. It is also worth it to see the foundations of the seaport warehouses, where the cracks in the rock for the wooden poles can still be seen.

We now walk northward over green meadows along the coast and after 15 minutes we can see moai A Kapu on the Ahu Hanga Kio’e. From here, we continue walking the road, which is used almost exclusively by tourists, mainly on 4WD vehicles. After another 45 minutes, a path goes down on the left to the deafening sea. Here is the island of Motu Tautara, well known among divers for of its 15 m deep underwater caves. After another 15 minutes, a path bifurcates to the left in Te Peu, and leads, after some 4 hours, to Anakena. We follow the right branch and remain on the main road to arrive, after 30 minutes, to the longest lava tunnel on the island: Ana Te Pahu. This basalt cave is supposed to have its origin in the last volcanic activity of the Maunga Hiva Hiva volcano. After this visit, we continue on the road for some 20 more minutes until a smallest path forks to the right, which leads us back to Hanga Roa. In this area, we have the opportunity to see large pineapple plantations.

Following our route, we go on through fragrant eucalyptus forests in front of the Hiva Hiva craters and the great Vaka Kipu Te Poko. After half an hour, and full with new impressions, we see the first houses of Hanga Roa. Twenty minutes later, we arrive to a street that leads us in 10 minutes, after a total of four to five hours walk, to the handicrafts market.