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In mid-May, I traveled to Easter Island (via French Polynesia) from New York, using 70,000 Aadvantage Miles.

I spent three full days in Easter Island (and could have used another day or two), then a few days in Bora Bora, Rangiroa and a departure day in Tahiti.

I would be happy to answer any questions, but in lieu of a trip report, I refer you to my photos.

Michael

I'll be there for four days in Feb. of next year, staying at Hotel Tauraa. Do you think it's worth it to rent a car for some/all of the trip? If so, any idea where/how to rent, and if it should be done in advance. Thanks...

jgold, unless you have a guide with transport, you will need a vehicle. I rented a motorbike, but for two or more, a car would be better. The most popular rental car company seemed to be Oceanic Rapa -- you may be able to coordinate through Bill/Edith at Tauraa (which is where I stayed) to rent the car. May was off-season, so I saw plenty of available cars in the parking lot, but I wouldn't want to arrive and be unable to rent a car. But, you will need transportation. There are also many guided day tours, so you could also add some of those.

Michael

Thanks very much, that's helpful. I was trying Expedia, Kayak, etc., and was not having much luck finding a rental car in Rapa Nui. I'll try and go through the hotel and see what they come up with (although I generally prefer to shop around...). Thanks.

jgold, Easter Island is not really a destination for "shopping around" -- there are a few rental car agencies and they do not compete on price, as best as I can tell. By analogy, all of the rental places wanted the exact same price for the motorbike. Seems like collusion, but its what they need so they don't compete each other out of business.

What extraordinary pictures. Thank you for sharing!

I've had Easter Island on my list of to-dos, but now, will bump it up the list to top 10.

I've stayed at the Tauraa hotel about 2 years ago. They have dune buggy type vehicles for rental. Any day that I wanted one, I just asked and got one and it was cheap, something like $25.

The island is tiny, so even a bicycle will do if necessary, and if you're in shape. Seen many bicyclists on the road.

No need to reserve a car or have a car for the entire stay. You won't have any problems getting one when you need it.

The hotel has a free shuttle to/from the airport.


btw, FYI, the island's airport is a designated emergency landing for the Space Shuttle. NASA has paid for extension of the runway. NASA also has a small station on the island manned by few of their employees during space shuttle missions.

Thanks very much thit_cho and AAFrequentFlyer for the advice. I will heed it, and just wait until I arrive to figure out the car situation. Thanks again also for the photos thit_cho -- it's fun to have something to look forward to.

Michael, I'm thinking of going to Easter Island (via Santiago) in Jan09. Your trip report has helped figure out "the lay of the land" so thanks for posting. I also really your pictures. Thanks!

Michael,

thanks for this post as I am thinking of going to South America from Oz via Tahiti and EI. I enjoyed your photos and the subsequent discussion on accommodation and transport.

Cheers,


Pol