{"id":4429,"date":"2025-06-09T21:26:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T21:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/blog\/explore-the-caves-of-rapa-nui-a-subway-journey\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T21:25:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:25:12","slug":"explore-the-caves-of-rapa-nui-a-subway-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/blog\/explore-the-caves-of-rapa-nui-a-subway-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore the caves of Rapa Nui: A subway journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Rapa Nui, also known as <strong>Easter Island<\/strong>, not only stands out for its moai and volcanic landscapes, but also for its network of <strong>subway caves formed by ancient lava flows<\/strong>. These caves offer a unique glimpse into the island&#8217;s geology, history and spirituality. Here are the most important caves to include in your visit.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ana Te Pahu: The cave of bananas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>We had already mentioned it in previous notes, but we could not leave it out. <strong>Located in the foothills of Maunga Terevaka<\/strong>, Ana Te Pahu is the largest cave in Rapa Nui, with more than 7 kilometers of lava tunnels. Its formation dates back to eruptions of the Maunga Hiva Hiva volcano. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Historical uses of the cave:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Housing and shelter:<\/strong> Remains of stone ovens<em>(umu pae<\/em>) are evidence of its use as a living space.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Natural water reservoir:<\/strong> It was key during periods of conflict.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subway agriculture:<\/strong> The openings allow the cultivation of bananas, vines and tubers.<br\/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Recommendations for the visit:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Access is through a natural opening with stone steps.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carrying a flashlight and footwear with good traction is essential.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visitors can walk through tunnels and observe the vegetation growing within the volcanic system.<br\/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ana Kakenga: The cave of the two windows<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>This cave is located on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It is recognized for having <strong>two natural openings that frame the seascape<\/strong>, which gives it its name. <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The entrance is narrow and requires a crouching position.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When you reach the end, you access a natural viewpoint with an unparalleled panoramic view of the Pacific.<br\/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ana Te Pora: A strategic refuge on the northwest coast<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Ana Te Pora is part of the cave system of the <strong>Roiho<\/strong> region. Historically it was used as: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shelter from external threats.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Living space with access to key natural resources.<br\/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>It is a medium-sized cave, ideal for those who wish to explore less crowded places.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ana Kai Tangata: The Cave of Men<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Located near Hanga Roa, Ana Kai Tangata is known for its <strong>cave paintings<\/strong> with representations of the bird-man and other ritual symbols.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The figures are made with natural pigments on volcanic rock.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is an essential stop for those seeking to understand Rapa Nui art and spirituality.<br\/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tips for visiting the caves of Rapa Nui<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p>Before venturing out, keep in mind these recommendations for a safe and respectful experience:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Carry a powerful flashlight or headlamp.<\/strong><strong><br\/><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wear shoes with good traction.<\/strong><strong><br\/><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t explore alone:<\/strong> Always visit in company.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Respect the environment:<\/strong> Do not leave garbage, do not touch formations or make inscriptions.<br\/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to get to the caves<\/strong>?<\/h3>\n\n<p>Many of the caves are close to Hanga Roa and can be accessed:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Walking or biking from the center.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By private vehicle or rental.<br\/><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Through <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/easter-island-tours\/\">guided tours<\/a><\/strong>offering archaeological and cultural context.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Check the <strong>official tourist map of Rapa Nui<\/strong> to locate each cave. The routes are well marked and many are within the National Park. <\/p>\n\n<p>The caves of Rapa Nui are much more than geological formations: they are living spaces of history, culture and spirituality. From the grandeur of Ana Te Pahu to the unforgettable views of Ana Kakenga, each one offers a different experience that connects the visitor with the deepest essence of the island. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Include these caves in your itinerary and discover a Rapa Nui that few get to know.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, not only stands out for its moai and volcanic landscapes, but also for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3728,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4429","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rapa-nui","category-sin-categorizar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4429","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4429"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4429\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4431,"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4429\/revisions\/4431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3728"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4429"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4429"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harenua.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4429"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}