Shopping Guide: Easter Island Treasures and Souvenirs

Easter Island not only enchants with its volcanic landscape and blue immensity; it also captivates with its rich culture and welcoming community. If you find yourself on this enchanting island and wish to take back more than just memories, here is a guide on what to buy to capture the essence of Rapa Nui.

Find out what to buy in Easter Island

Rapa Nui handicrafts

The wood and stone carvings are icons of Rapa Nui craftsmanship, representing from the famous moai to figures of local mythology such as Make Make and Rongo Rongo Tablets. These works can be found in the Artisan Market next to the Church and in the Poio Nui store, where the pieces are adapted to be easily transported by travelers.

Rapa Nui Beer

Mahina, the island’s first craft beer, is an ideal souvenir for its unique flavor and local character. Available in light and dark varieties, it is perfect to accompany typical dishes or as a gift for craft beer lovers.

Clothing with Polynesian designs

On Easter Island, you will find a wide selection of sarongs and clothing with authentic Polynesian designs. The Tau Kiani store offers exclusive designs, while the Colette Boutique features imported garments from French Polynesia, both on the main avenue of Hanga Roa.

Natural cosmetics

Anakena is a local brand of cosmetics made with endemic ingredients such as guava and seaweed. Its products include creams, shower gels and perfumes with essences of monoi and Tiare flower, available at the Pou Vae Tea supermarket and the Vai a Heva store.

Jewelry with Rapa Nui motifs

Find exquisite silver and surgical steel jewelry with Rapa Nui designs at Maea Moana and Kona Nei. These stores offer everything from earrings to pendants incorporating lapis lazuli and other gemstones.

Craftsmanship with a social conscience

The Mana’u store, facing the sea, sells handicrafts made by local artisans and people with disabilities, offering everything from notebooks to high-quality leather goods. Tiare Ngaoho, in the Te Moai shopping arcade, also offers unique products with a Polynesian flair.

Traditional Rapa Nui music

Take a taste of Rapa Nui music with records by local artists available at the Tau Kiani store and the airport’s Café Mona Mona. These range from traditional to modern fusions that will surprise your auditory senses.

Small souvenirs

From shell necklaces to moai-shaped magnets made from local sand, these small souvenirs are perfect for gifts or to keep as a memento of your trip.

Exploring local commerce

Easter Island not only offers material souvenirs, but also shopping experiences that reflect its rich culture and traditions. By choosing these souvenirs, you not only take part of Rapa Nui with you, but also support its local community.

Check out our tours and plan your visit to the island in advance.

How to contribute to the local community when buying?

Buying products on Easter Island is not only a physical piece of the place, but also an opportunity to support the local economy and its artisans. Here we explain how your purchases can have a positive impact:

Support for local artisans

When you buy Rapa Nui handicrafts, you are directly supporting local artists and their families. Choosing products handmade on the island helps preserve their traditions and ensures that the economic benefits remain in the community.

Sustainable products

Opting for products like Anakena’s cosmetics, which use local and sustainable ingredients, is not only good for the environment, but also encourages responsible business practices on the island.

Promotion of Rapanui culture

Buying music and books about Rapa Nui promotes understanding and appreciation of its rich culture and history. This can raise awareness about the importance of preserving its unique heritage.

Clothing and jewelry with local designs

Acquiring clothing and jewelry with designs inspired by the Rapa Nui culture is not only a way to take home a beautiful souvenir, but also to show appreciation and respect for its art and symbolism.

Easter Island shopping tips

To make sure your shopping on Easter Island is as rewarding as it is educational, here are some tips:

• Compare prices: At different stores and markets to make sure you get the best deal, especially on handicraft items and jewelry.
• Meet the artist: If possible, buy directly from the artisans. Not only does this give you a more personal connection to the item you are buying, but it also allows you to learn the story behind what you are purchasing.
• Look for authenticity: Ask about the origin of the products to make sure you are buying authentically local items.
• Respect regulations: Make sure that any items you buy can be legally exported and comply with the regulations of both Easter Island and your home country.

Shopping on Easter Island is a unique experience that offers both the opportunity to find unique products and to support a vibrant community and preserve its culture. Enjoy your time on the island not only exploring its natural and archaeological wonders, but also actively participating in its local economy through conscious and meaningful shopping.

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