Ahu Hanga Tetenga Tours and Activities

Ahu Hanga Tetenga showing tranquil scenes
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
The largest unmounted monolith of Easter Island lies broken in pieces above a cliff on the island’s south coast.

Ahu Hanga Tetenga is one of the mysterious moai sculptures that decorate the coastline, cliffs and fields of Easter Island. The Rapa Nui, who were the Polynesian people that settled on the island, carved hundreds of these monolithic human figures between A.D. 1100 and 1500. Popular belief is that Ahu Hanga Tetenga and the other moai are commemorations of the deceased tribespeople. They stand with their backs to the ocean and are said to be repositories of sacred spirits.

Measuring almost 33 feet (10 meters) in height, Ahu Hanga Tetenga is among the biggest ever transported to a platform. Today it lies scattered in ruined parts and an unsolved mystery surrounds its history. There’s no evidence to suggest whether the moai fell after being erected, crashed to the ground during erection or was never raised at all.

The most notable fragment of the statue is the head, of which the ears, eye sockets and nose are clearly visible. A lack of detail to the eye sockets makes archaeologists believe that the moai was never raised. The eyes were usually finished when the statues were in an upright position. Take photos of the landmark with the perfect blue water of the Pacific and the island’s green fields, hills and rocky cliffs as backgrounds.

You’ll find other important monoliths in the same area of the island. About 2 miles (3 kilometers) to the west is Ahu Akahanga, the rumored burial ground of Hotu Matu’a, who was the first leader of the Rapa Nui. To the northeast is a collection of 15 moai called Ahu Tongariki. Close to here is Rano Raraku, a quarry with the biggest concentration of statues, including the 72-feet (22-meter) tall El Gigante.

Reach Ahu Hanga Tetenga by renting a car, quadbike or scooter in Hanga Roa. Guided tours also depart from the island’s main town. Cycling and hiking between the landmarks is possible, although a good level of fitness is recommended for the long distances and during the summer heat.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ahu Hanga Tetenga

Maunga roa eco lodge
Maunga roa eco lodge
4 out of 5
Maunga Roa sin número, km 6.9, Easter Island, Hanga Roa, Valparaiso
Maunga roa eco lodge
Hotel Maea Hare Repa
Hotel Maea Hare Repa
3 out of 5
Isla de Pascua, Hanga Roa, Región de Valparaíso
Hotel Maea Hare Repa
explora Rapa Nui
explora Rapa Nui
5 out of 5
Te Miro Oone S/N, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
explora Rapa Nui
Mamma Nui Glamping Restorant
Mamma Nui Glamping Restorant
2.5 out of 5
Isla de Pascua, Hanga Roa, Región de Valparaíso
Mamma Nui Glamping Restorant
Lemu Lodge Vaihu
Lemu Lodge Vaihu
3 out of 5
Caleta Vaihu sin número, Isla de Pascua, Hanga Roa, Valparaiso
Lemu Lodge Vaihu
Rangi Moana
Rangi Moana
3 out of 5
Ara Piki, 2770000, Hanga Roa, ISLA DE PASCUA
Rangi Moana
cabin in nature
cabin in nature
isla de pascua
cabin in nature
Hotel Hare Uta
Hotel Hare Uta
4 out of 5
Av. Hotu Matua S/N, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
Hotel Hare Uta
Hare Nua
Hare Nua
4 out of 5
Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Easter Island
Hare Nua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.