Sight
Motu Nui
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Motu Nui is the largest and most significant of the three islets off the southwest coast of Easter Island, lying about 1.5 km from Orongo. It was the focal point of the Birdman (Tangata Manu) cult: each year, competitors would descend the cliffs, swim through shark-infested waters, and climb the islet to await the sooty tern's first egg. The winner's clan gained political power for the year. Today, Motu Nui is uninhabited and a protected seabird habitat. Visitors can view it from Orongo, imagining the perilous journey that defined Rapa Nui's competitive ritual.
Don't miss
- Spot Motu Nui from the Orongo ceremonial village
- Understand its central role in the Birdman competition
- Appreciate the challenging swim and climb competitors faced
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Motu Nui
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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