Puna Pau
The ancient quarry where the distinctive red 'pukao' (topknots) for the Moai statues were carved, offering unique insights and panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Puna Pau
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The ancient quarry where the distinctive red 'pukao' (topknots) for the Moai statues were carved, offering unique insights and panoramic views.
"Witness the source of the Moai's iconic red topknots and enjoy breathtaking views over Hanga Roa."
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
A guide is mandatory for entry and enriches your understanding of the pukao's significance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain involves walking on uneven ground and a short incline.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Red Scoria Quarry
The main crater
Witness the source of the iconic red 'pukao' (topknots) that crowned the Moai statues. Marvel at the unique volcanic rock.
Pukao Remains
Scattered throughout the site
See numerous large, unfinished pukao lying around, offering a tangible connection to the ancient carving process.
Panoramic Views of Hanga Roa
Upper slopes of the quarry
Enjoy stunning vistas of Hanga Roa village and the surrounding coastline, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guide Required for Entry
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
A guide is mandatory for entry and enriches your understanding of the pukao's significance. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain involves walking on uneven ground and a short incline.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots of Hanga Roa and the quarry.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially important if visiting during warmer months. Carry water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
A guide is mandatory for entry and enriches your understanding of the pukao's significance. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain involves walking on uneven ground and a short incline.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots of Hanga Roa and the quarry.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially important if visiting during warmer months. Carry water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Puna Pau is appreciated for its unique role as the quarry for the Moai's red topknots (pukao) and the impressive panoramic views it offers over Hanga Roa. Visitors find the scattered pukao remnants fascinating and the quarry itself historically significant. However, some find it less impactful compared to other major Rapa Nui sites and note the mandatory guide requirement.
"This is the quarry where the stone came from for the Moai's Pukaos (Topknots). Lots of Topknots lying on the ground you can quite close too. Walk up a small incline and you can see into the quarry; and also get great views over Hanga Roa and surrounds."
Tony Finn
"You need a guide to enter. This is where to red rock came from for the red Moai hats. You can tell this material is different from other rocks. The hill is not too difficult to climb, but it does have some elevation to it. It is remarkable to think how these hats were created and transported over this terrain. It also provides a very pretty lookout for the coastline."
Melissa Previte
"Known for its red stone, Puna Pau holds incredible cultural significance as the source of the distinctive pukao—topknots that crown the Moai statues. A guide is required to enter the site."
Alex Bezrukov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Puna Pau is located a short drive from Hanga Roa. Most visitors access it as part of a guided tour, which typically includes transportation. Taxis are also available, but booking a tour is the most common and recommended method.
While it's possible to walk, it's a significant distance from Hanga Roa and not the typical way visitors arrive. Guided tours or taxis are more practical options for reaching the site efficiently.
Public transport options are very limited on Easter Island. Puna Pau is best visited via a pre-booked tour or a private taxi service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, entry to Puna Pau requires a valid Easter Island National Park ticket, which covers most archaeological sites. Additionally, a licensed guide is mandatory to enter the quarry itself. +1
The cost includes the Easter Island National Park ticket and the fee for a licensed guide. Tour packages often bundle these costs, making it easier to budget.
No, a licensed guide is required to enter Puna Pau. This is to protect the site and provide visitors with essential historical information. +1
Puna Pau is generally accessible during daylight hours, but specific times can vary depending on tour schedules and guide availability. It's best to confirm with your tour operator.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique red scoria rocks, the unfinished pukao scattered around, and the panoramic views of Hanga Roa. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly dramatic lighting.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be respectful of the site and follow any instructions from your guide.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a beautiful atmosphere.
🎫 🗿 Moai & History
Puna Pau is the ancient quarry where the distinctive red scoria was extracted to carve the 'pukao,' the topknots that adorned many Moai statues.
Pukao are the large, red cylindrical topknots carved from scoria at Puna Pau. They were placed on the heads of some Moai, symbolizing hair or status.
The exact methods are debated, but it's believed that immense effort and ingenuity were involved in transporting these heavy stone pieces from the quarry to the Moai sites.
While Puna Pau is the quarry for the pukao, the Moai statues themselves are located at other sites on Easter Island, such as Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since a guide is mandatory, families can benefit from their explanations, which can be tailored to younger audiences. The relatively short duration of a visit to Puna Pau makes it manageable for families, fitting well into a broader itinerary of Easter Island's attractions.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider joining a small group tour to share costs. Walking to Puna Pau is not recommended due to the distance and terrain, so budgeting for a taxi or tour is necessary. The experience, though brief, offers significant historical insight for the investment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Red Scoria and Pukao
Visitors can observe numerous unfinished pukao scattered throughout the quarry, providing a tangible glimpse into the immense labor and skill involved in their creation. The sheer size of some of these pieces highlights the challenges faced by the Rapa Nui people in quarrying and transporting them. Guides often explain the symbolism and potential uses of the pukao beyond mere adornment, such as storage for various items.
The quarry itself is a small volcanic crater, and walking around its rim offers not only a close-up view of the scoria but also stunning panoramic vistas of Hanga Roa and the surrounding landscape. This dual aspect of historical significance and natural beauty makes Puna Pau a compelling stop on any Easter Island itinerary.
Navigating Puna Pau: Practicalities and Insights
The terrain at Puna Pau involves a short but noticeable incline and uneven ground. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the quarry and enjoying the views without discomfort. While not overly strenuous, it's advisable to be prepared for a moderate walk.
For the best experience, consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. The soft light enhances the colors of the scoria and the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere for photography and reflection. Early mornings also offer a more tranquil experience with fewer visitors, allowing for a deeper connection with this unique historical site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit