Easter Island

page 2

 

Easter Island is part
of the Polynesia triangle

It sits on the southeast corner of the famous Polynesia triangle. Click my "Wonders of Polynesia" link below to learn more.

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Easter Island
tips and insights

Remote

Few places are as remote as Easter Island. It is about 3000 kilometers (2000 miles) away from the two nearest population hubs: Tahiti (to the west) and Chile (east). Geographically, it's in the South Pacific.

First inhabitants

Experts are now fairly certain that Rapa Nui (as the locals call Easter Island) was inhabited by seafaring Polynesians around 400 AD. The Easter Island culture slowly evolved and peaked around 1400 AD.

Decline

At the time of its cultural peak, tiny Easter Island became over populated. To meet short term needs, the people committed conservational suicide by denuding the landscape of trees that future generations would need for fuel, boats and buildings. The topsoil soon eroded, the economy collapsed, civil war ensued and moai sculpting abruptly halted.

Learn More

for first Easter Island page

More Polynesia tips and insights

French Polynesia

French Polynesia - Intro
Bora Bora
Moorea
Nuku Hiva
Fatu Hiva
Ua Pou

Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes NP
Na Pali Coast
Waimea Canyon

Other Polynesian areas

Easter Island
Aitutaki  Cook Islands
Upolu  Western Samoa
Vava'u  Tonga

More Polynesia pages

Polynesia wonder map
French Polynesia map & tips
Interesting facts and tidbits
Polynesia photo gallery
Gauguin painting gallery

 

Tahiti Tourism

 

Tahiti Tourism

 

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