17/04/2025
Did you know that each February, the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival takes place on Easter Island?
Just SOME of the incredible activities include...
The Tau’a Rapa Nui - A Triathlon with a difference, comprised of a 3km paddle in a traditional canoe (Vaka Ama), a run while balancing 20kg of bananas (Aka Venga), and swimming assisted by a small traditional float called a pora (Kau Pora).
The Haka Pei - A high-energy, dangerous competition where participants slide down the slope of Maunga Pu’i (200m high and with ~45degree slope) at breakneck speeds on the trunk of a banana tree, competing for distance.
Vaka Ama Race - A 3-5km race around the island featuring teams of 6 rowers in a Polynesian outrigger, called the Vaka Ama.
Haka Honu and Haka Ngaru - Where locals competing to catch waves at Pea Beach and reach the closest to shore, with competitions both for body surfing and surfing using a traditional pora float.
Hi Ika and Here Koreha - Fishing competitions measured by weight. The Hi Ika is focused on bony fish, and has divisions for both hand fishing and spearfishing, while the Here Koreha is focused on catching moray eels.
Crafting of Ceremonial Attire - Candidates use mahute, along with island flowers, shells, and other materials to craft and model traditional ceremonial attire
Culinary Skill - Preparation of traditional meals, including Umu Tahu (meals cooked using heated stones underground), Tunu Ahi (fish cooked on a hot stone), and Po’e (a type of cake made from banana, sweet potato, or pumpkin.
Training for some of these sports must be challenging!
If you'd like to visit during this fun festival, then talk to one of our experts here at Contours and find out how you can be there next year.
See our site – www.ContoursTravel.com.au
Email on: [email protected]
Or you can call us on 1300 135 391.
Video and music: Nayara Resort Hangaroa
Information from Nayara Resorts blog.
Contours Travel is Australia's most experienced and longest running Latin American travel agency and Talk to us!
