There are several Rapa Nui sites of interest here to photograph including Ahu Vai Uri, and Ahu Akivi.
Akivi in particular is of interest because it is the only site on the island where the Moai statues face out towards the sea, as well as being situated inland. They are a dramatic feature of the landscape.
Kao Kao volcano and the ceremonial village of Orongo contain superb views over the three islets Motu Iti, Motu Kao Kao and Motu Nui. There is an abundance of petroglyphs to be found at this ceremonial site.
Volcano Kao Kao is a spectacular cauldron that demands the use of ultra wide-angle lenses.
All three islets have sea birds but Motu Nui was also an essential location for the Tangata manu (Bird Man) cult which was the island religion between the Moai era and Christina times.
Motu Nui is the summit of a large volcanic mountain which rises over 2,000m from the sea bed. The ritual was a competition to collect the first egg of the manutara (the Sooty tern). This took place starting from Motu Nui where the Hopu (representatives from each clan) waited for the Sooty terns to lay their first eggs of the season. The Hopu who seized the first egg raced to swim back to the main land, climbed the cliffs to Orongo and presented the egg to their sponsor in front of the judges at Orongo. This gave their sponsor the title of Tangata manu, and great power on the Island for a year. Many Hopu were killed by sharks or by falling. The winning clan gained certain rights including the collecting of eggs and young birds from the islets.
