Archaeological site located north of Hanga Roa, it has an area of approximately 250 m². It is part of the Rapa Nui National Park. It is made up of three main Ahu from north to south: Ko Te Riku, Tahai, and Vai Uri.
Marta Haoa Avaka
The archaeological investigation has yielded a date that goes from the year 700 AD. Although it is not certain who used them, it is believed that it was the home of the Marama clan and the Miru clan, both very powerful and influential clans within the Rapa Nui culture.
An area with a beautiful landscape and a privileged view of the wide and clear skies, contrasting with the beautiful lilac, fuchsia and orange colors, which are manifested during the slow descent of the sun, which goes through cloud after cloud, until it hides on the horizon.
The ceremonial complex of Tahai is an archeological site located at the north of Hanga Roa, it has an approximate surface of 250m². This site is part of the Rapa Nui National Park. It has three main Ahu, from north to south: Ahu Ko Te Riku, Ahu Tahai, y Ahu Vai Uri. Here you can also find the remains of an ancient village – similar to the one in Orongo- which includes «boat houses», «hare moa», a rock dock that connects to the ocean and the tomb of the archeologist William Mulloy. The archeological center is an important historical landmark and turistic attraction and it is used in diverse contemporary ceremonies such as the ancestral coronation of the Tapati Rapa Nui queen.
Tahai is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the island. Research of the archeological remains throws a data from the year 700 a.c. Even though there is no certainty of who used it, it is believed that this village belonged to the Marama and Miru clan, both were very powerful and influential tribes in the Rapa Nui culture. Oral tradition indicates that these two clans tried to create a religious, political and social center in the area, and from there to influence the rest of the island. About the number of people that lived there, the archeological remains found indicate that in its best moment this village was inhabited by 300 people, and in its lowest there were only 25. The last information obtained from this place relates to Ƞa´ara, the last governor of the island (right before the arrival of the Europeans), who lived and died in Tahai.
Rapa Nui emerged between 3.000.000 and 200.000 years ago from the bottom of the ocean when submarine volcanic cones, product of the movement of the tectonic plates, formed mountains as high as 3.000 meters. Part of these volcanic cones is what we now know as Rapa Nui, with a triangle shape and an area of 166km. From the ancient volcanos of the island, Rano Raraku and Rana Kau are two of the most visited craters. Poike, which is the oldest volcano is located on the East corner while Terevaka, the highest peak with 507 meters over sea level, is located in the middle of the island.