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Rapa Nui Stargazing Tour: Learn Polynesian Voyage History and Archeo-Astronomy
4.7
22 Ratings
Hanga Roa
Embark on a Rapa Nui Stargazing Tour and delve into the history of Polynesian voyaging and settlement. Discover the archeo-astronomy of Rapa Nui while gazing at the Southern Hemisphere’s unique stars and constellations.
Embark on a Rapa Nui Stargazing Tour and delve into the history of Polynesian voyaging and settlement. Discover the archeo-astronomy of Rapa Nui while gazing at the Southern Hemisphere’s unique stars and constellations.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Anakena Beach - We meet all travelers in front of Katipare library (Centro Lector Katipare) at 20:30 - 21:00 during summer and at 19:30 - 20:00 for winter.
We have special access to Ahu Nau at night, this is our last stop. Before driving to Anakena, we set up our telescopes at a remote site. Hot beverage and local cake included - Easter Island…
-
Anakena Beach - We meet all travelers in front of Katipare library (Centro Lector Katipare) at 20:30 - 21:00 during summer and at 19:30 - 20:00 for winter.
We have special access to Ahu Nau at night, this is our last stop. Before driving to Anakena, we set up our telescopes at a remote site. Hot beverage and local cake included - Easter Island - We will meet in town and our first stop is near Anakena beach. Here we will have a talk on Polynesian navigation techniques and general layout of the night ski, as well as telescope observation and a coffee break. Then we will go to Anakena to do photos. Your photo will be sent in about 5 days, via email (internet is slow on the island).
The duration of the tour is 3 hours approximately including transportation back to your lodging.
What's Included
- Small-group tour (max 12 people)
- Hotel Drop-off Included
- Professional Guide/Driver
- Live Onboard Commentary
- Small-group tour (max 12 people)
- Hotel Drop-off Included
- Professional Guide/Driver
- Live Onboard Commentary
Additional Information
Learn about the principles of basic astronomy, the history of Polynesian voyaging and settlement, navigational techniques and the archeo-astronomy of Rapa Nui. Head out to some of the island’s traditional observatory sites to gaze at the night sky and view stars and constellations visible only in the Southern Hemisphere.
Your guide will point out stars…
Learn about the principles of basic astronomy, the history of Polynesian voyaging and settlement, navigational techniques and the archeo-astronomy of Rapa Nui. Head out to some of the island’s traditional observatory sites to gaze at the night sky and view stars and constellations visible only in the Southern Hemisphere.
Your guide will point out stars and constellations of interest to the Polynesian navigators, relating some of the stories and legends that are tied to them, and explaining the techniques on how to find certain cardinal points of the traditional Polynesian compass by using the layout of the night sky. Look at the beauty of star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, stars and planets visible through our high-powered telescope before heading to Anakena Beach with the option of taking spectacular shots of the star-filled sky moai in the foreground. Finish the night with a hot beverage and a slice of local cake.
- Start time from Sept to April 20:30 in front of Katipare library
- No refunds after the tour starts. If weather changes while out on the tour we will try to take you out again free of charge on another night (subject to availability).
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled completely due to poor weather, you will be notified before the tour and you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund.
Location
Katipare
We meet travelers in front of Katipare library and we drop them off at their lodging at the end of the tour. Meeting time changes throughout the year, but it is usually around sunset time (7pm winter - 9pm summer)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(22 Ratings)
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Thomas_v
Apr 6, 2025
Great experience - This was the first time ever I got to see all the stars in the sky like that. It was such an amazing experience. There was a brief period where it was cloudy, but nothing could be done about that
Review provided by Viator
Country_hopper2019
Mar 18, 2025
Amazing tour of Easter Island/Rapa Nui - This was an amazing experience. For the stargazing, they provided chairs for us while Mark explained how the my use to use the stars to navigate. He pointed out many constellations and showed great knowledge in explaining how they used the positions in the sky to know where they were. They had 2 telescopes set up and we were able to view Jupiter and 4 of the moons as well as one focused on our moon. Mark took pictures of us with the night sky. I highly recommend this adventure for anyone headed to Easter Island/Rapa Nui.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James
Jan 19, 2025
We were only in Rapa Nui... - We were only in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) a relatively short amount of time. The evening of our original viewing was cloudy and these wonderful guides let us know in advance and offered to accommodate another evening or refund our money. The honesty is much appreciated!! We opted for the next evening which ended up getting a bit cloudy than any of us would have liked but they cannot control nature. We were able to see a handful of nebula, stars, planets, and other technical names I do not recall. It was fascinating! Marc and Yoyo also gave a nice educational overview about the stars, solar system, Earth rotation around our star, and so on during the periods of clouds. The photos on the beach with the Moai were an excellent touch. Thank you for sharing your beautiful island with us!
Review provided by Viator
642hillaryw
Dec 29, 2024
Green Island Tours - Excellent set of tours - This was one of the tours that I had strung together through Green Island Tours. I enjoyed all of them. They were personable and didn’t feel like I was with a tour company but with a set of locals. All of the tours were with small groups which was the perfect size for me being a solo traveler. Loved the stargazing experience. We were able to see Venus, Saturn, Sirius, and a nebula through the telescopes. Bonus was getting a professional photo of us with the night sky and Moai in the background.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard_s
Dec 27, 2024
A Great Night of Stars with the Moai - Upon arriving at the site, the evening began with a talk about some pertinent related astronomy/mythology stories. (Which was also a great way to allow time for eyes to adapt to the darkness, so as to be better able to view the skies.) Then it was time to view the heavens with the aid of telescopes. There is something special to be able to see the skies away from all the light pollution that permeates much of where we all live today. Later we stood in front of the maoi at Anakena beach. It is awe inspiring to see those giant standing sentinels in the dark of the night. Much of the detail will be forgotten as the years roll on, but some of the magic of the night is preserved with the night photo taken by the guides and e-mailed a few days later. This did not feel like just "some tour" for the guides; both were very interested in the subject matter, helpful, and enthusiastic. Certainly a great night for those visiting Rapa Nui. (Oh, and they had good hot chocolate too.)
Review provided by Viator
Glory453
Dec 10, 2024
Not to be missed! - Not to be missed. Seeing it all at night is magic and the photos are beautiful! We were served hot chocolate and serenaded by guitar. Please note there are no bathrooms and it is cold at night so dress warmly - you’ll be outside like camping style so your own tissues and maybe a blanket.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shineauto180
Nov 15, 2024
Fantastic time on the island - We had 16 days on the island which everyone local was shocked on how long we were staying but for exploring the island and having relaxing days. It was a fantastic time period. We nearly had a full weeks worth of tours, . All the tour guides we had for different days were fantastic. We mainly had a guy called YoYo and I could not fault the knowledge of this gentleman. If you're looking to do extra stuff on the island like hiking etc and not just the monuments tour this is a company for you. I wanted to see stuff off the beaten track and I was shocked with how much extra they're is to see around on this island. Green island tours was an excellent choice and I'm so thankful i booked with them. You could get hold of them on WhatsApp whenever you wanted which was helpful. On the stargazing evening we was offered cake and hot cocoa which was very nice and luckily we had a lovely clear night. So with that all said we would like to say a massive THANKS to the team at Green Island tours Rapa Nui .Iorana
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danieledward_t
Nov 8, 2024
Experience of a lifetime! - This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Marc and Yoyo were so knowledgeable, so kind, and so cool. It was amazing to see the stars so clearly and to learn more about them in the Southern Hemisphere. Seeing the shore and Moa at night was also incredible! Would 👏 Not 👏 Miss 👏 This 👏 Option!
Review provided by Viator
Milaspage
Nov 2, 2024
An absolute dream - I booked my Star Gazing experience far in advance because this was one of the top things I wanted to make sure and have a chance to do when I visited Rapa Nui. This experience ended up being absolutely incredible, I was so glad to have been lucky enough to be a part of it. I highly recommend this if you want an opportunity to learn about the stars and how the ancient Polynesians navigated with the sky, see the skies like the Rapa Nui people would have hundreds of years ago, and enjoy a truly unique and warm experience. From the moment we met up in town, to the drop off at our hotel at the end of the evening, we were treated so well, learned so much, and had a chance to experience the night sky with the moai in a magical setting with thoughtful surprises & special touches from the host/guide throughout. Highly highly recommend this and also their sunrise tour!! This was a highlight. Thank you so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O216mvterris
Oct 7, 2024
Stargazing Experience - Marc & his wife were amazing. Great hospitality and they had chairs for everyone. Very knowlegeable and had telescopes sent up for the group.
Went for a short hike and then he took photos for all those who wanted, in front of the Moai at night. Looking forward to seeing the final photos. If you love astronomy, you will love this excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
