ahu tongariki
Ahu Tongariki, on Easter Island, is the island’s largest ceremonial platform, showcasing 15 imposing moai statues standing in a striking row against the Pacific Ocean. Located on the southeastern coast, this iconic site was restored after a devastating tsunami in 1960, highlighting the resilience of Rapa Nui culture. The towering stone figures, some reaching 30 feet with their pukao topknots, face inland, symbolizing ancestral protection. Its dramatic setting and historical significance make it a must-see landmark.