Ana Te Pahu
Explore Ana Te Pahu, Rapa Nui's vast 'Banana Cave,' a historic lava tube refuge showcasing ancient islander life and underground cultivation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch a beautiful sunset
Ana Te Pahu
Best Time
Catch a beautiful sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Ana Te Pahu, Rapa Nui's vast 'Banana Cave,' a historic lava tube refuge showcasing ancient islander life and underground cultivation.
"A fascinating glimpse into Rapa Nui history, beyond the Moai, showing ancient ingenuity."
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels and appreciating the cave's details.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path can be muddy and uneven, so good footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Drum Cave's Depths
Roiho Sector
Explore one of Rapa Nui's largest lava tubes, once a refuge and home, now known for its unique flora.
Ancient Underground Farming
Inside Ana Te Pahu
Witness evidence of ancient Rapa Nui ingenuity with cultivated banana plants and other vegetables thriving within the cave.
Historical Refuge and Dwelling
Slopes of Maunga Terevaka
Discover the history of this vast volcanic tube, used by ancient islanders for shelter, cooking, and living.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guide Required for Entry
Beyond the Moai
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels and appreciating the cave's details.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path can be muddy and uneven, so good footwear is a must.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Guides are mandatory and offer invaluable historical insights.
🍌 Discover the Banana Cave
Learn why Ana Te Pahu is also known as the 'Banana Cave' due to its unique cultivation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Flashlight
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels and appreciating the cave's details.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path can be muddy and uneven, so good footwear is a must.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Guides are mandatory and offer invaluable historical insights.
🍌 Discover the Banana Cave
Learn why Ana Te Pahu is also known as the 'Banana Cave' due to its unique cultivation.
🐄 Watch for Cattle
Be aware of free-roaming cattle near the entrance and along the path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ana Te Pahu a fascinating historical site, appreciated for its unique lava tube structure and evidence of ancient Rapa Nui life, including underground farming. While some find it 'nothing special' compared to Moai sites, most agree it's a highly recommended stop for its historical significance and the unique experience of exploring a cave dwelling. The requirement for a guide is noted as essential for understanding its context. +2
"You need a guide to enter. It's a short walk that can be kind of muddy at times, along a path that has free roaming cattle. The caves are a few feet down from the entrance sign and it sheds a lot of history of the Rapa Nui people. It's said that there are graves deeper inside as it was customary for elderly people who knew it was their time to go to the cave. Very interesting place to stop that doesn't have any Moai around it."
Melissa Previte
"Known as one of the largest cave systems on the island, it was once an important refuge and living space for the Rapa Nui people, complete with stone walls and evidence of ancient farming. A guide is required to enter, and a flashlight will make it easier to navigate in the dark tunnels."
Alex Bezrukov
"This site is quite different from other sites on the island but fascinating nonetheless. Here, you'll find ancient settlements both at see level and underground. With a guide, you can explore caves that were formed by lava and in which locals used to live. You'll see where they would cook food, grow vegetables and even sleep. Highly recommended!"
John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ana Te Pahu is located in the Roiho sector, between Ahu Atiu (Akivi) and Ahu Tepeu. You'll typically reach it as part of a guided tour or by renting a car. The path to the entrance can be muddy and may have free-roaming cattle.
Public transport options on Rapa Nui are limited. It's best to arrange transport through a tour operator or rent a vehicle to ensure you can reach Ana Te Pahu.
Many visitors explore the Roiho sector, including Ana Te Pahu, as part of a guided tour that covers multiple sites. Renting a car also offers flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a guide is required to enter Ana Te Pahu. You cannot explore it independently. +1
The cost typically includes the guide's fee, which is often bundled into tour packages. It's advisable to inquire about pricing when booking your tour or guide.
As entry requires a guide, hours are generally flexible and depend on your guide's availability. Many visitors experience it in the afternoon to catch the sunset.
No, a guide is mandatory for entry into Ana Te Pahu to ensure safety and provide historical context. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ana Te Pahu is known as the 'Drum Cave' or 'Banana Cave' and is one of the largest lava tubes on Easter Island. It served as a refuge and dwelling for ancient Rapa Nui people, with evidence of underground farming.
Expect a dark, cavernous environment with uneven paths. You'll see evidence of ancient living spaces, fireplaces, and unique flora like banana plants. A flashlight is highly recommended. +1
Yes, families can visit Ana Te Pahu, but it requires caution due to the uneven terrain and darkness. A guide can make the experience more engaging for children.
It's a significant site showcasing the Rapa Nui people's adaptation to their environment, using lava tubes for shelter, agriculture, and even as burial sites for the elderly.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of the low light conditions and the need for a flashlight. Ensure your flash doesn't disturb others or the cave environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique entrance with its trapped lava tree impressions, the interior with its cultivated plants, and the dramatic exit often coinciding with a sunset.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the cave's expanse. A tripod and a camera capable of good low-light performance are beneficial. Be prepared for challenging lighting conditions.
Yes, it is quite dark inside, making a flashlight essential not only for navigation but also for illuminating subjects for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to emphasize the need for caution due to the uneven and potentially muddy paths. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear and stay close to the guide. The mandatory guide will help keep the tour interesting and safe for everyone. 🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
The slightly challenging terrain and the need for a flashlight add to the sense of exploration. Combine this with a visit to other cave systems or hiking Maunga Terevaka for a full day of Rapa Nui adventure. 🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Ana Te Pahu
Evidence of ancient fireplaces and stone walls within the cave further illustrates its role as a dwelling. It's believed that the cave also held spiritual significance, with some elderly individuals choosing to spend their final days within its depths. The formation of Ana Te Pahu is a result of volcanic activity from Maunga Terevaka. Lava flowed, creating these impressive underground tunnels. The Rapa Nui people masterfully adapted these natural formations into functional and vital parts of their society. Exploring Ana Te Pahu offers a unique glimpse into their daily lives, their resourcefulness, and their deep connection to the land, providing a different perspective than the iconic Moai statues.
Visiting Ana Te Pahu requires a guide, who will illuminate the cave's history and point out significant features. The path can be muddy, and free-roaming cattle are sometimes present, so appropriate footwear is essential. Bringing a flashlight will greatly enhance your exploration, allowing you to better appreciate the cave's scale and the details of its historical use.
Exploring the Lava Tubes: What to Expect
The cave floor can be damp and muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must. The path winds through the lava tube, revealing natural formations and the remnants of human habitation. You'll see where ancient islanders cooked, slept, and cultivated their food, a fascinating contrast to the open-air Moai sites. The presence of banana plants, taro, and other vegetation thriving in the cave's microclimate is a remarkable sight.
+1While the main accessible sections are impressive, the full extent of Ana Te Pahu is said to exceed 7 kilometers, though only a portion is open to visitors with guides. The experience is less about grand vistas and more about intimate discovery, connecting with the history and resourcefulness of the Rapa Nui people in a truly unique environment.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit