Easter Island Lava Tubes
We met a fellow traveler during dinner one day who extolled the virtues of the lava tubes at Ana Kakenga so we decided to investigate a little more closely. We drove as close as possible, stopping a few times to see some moai on the cost north of Hanga Roa. The “road” was pretty treacherous, making us thankful we were in a 4X4.
There are wild horses and cattle everywhere beyond the cattle guards.
That’s Hanga Roa in the distance. The park rangers stamped our tickets and said the walk was about 25 minutes cautioned us to use sun screen and to carry water. We lubed up and headed out.
We passed very close to the local horses and cattle along the path.
Much of the path is uneven with many loose rocks along the way. Far different from the awesome paths maintained by the US Park Service in Mammoth Cave. Bella recommended good walking shoes for a reason.
Eventually we found the entrance marked with a sign and a flag. The lava tubes are about 50 meters long and the entrance was intended to be easily shut so it could be used as a shelter from the elements as well as those intending harm on the residents.
It’s a tight fit over some really uneven rocks. It’s not impossible but it does take some physical dexterity and a light is pretty necessary. Fortunately, we all have cell phones with LEDs. I was very happy I had a hat on when I bounced my head off the roof of the tube, drawing blood. It could have been worse.
There is a fork as you near the end and both passages open to a window with a nice view of the sea and the islet of Motu Tuatara.
Don’t get too close trying to take that selfie. The rocks below would be quite painful.
There isn’t much room in the tubes but a number of other visitors arrived whilst we were taking photos. It wasn’t as cool in there as I expected. Anyway, a few moments is all it took to get a shot, and we headed back to the surface.
You basically have to crawl out over the same rocks to the entrance. It’s no place for a nervous person. Especially if you don’t like tight spaces or if the person in front is taking a while to figure out how to get out. And once you’re back on the surface, you have that 25 minute walk back to the car.
It was fun and it was my first time in a lava tube. Bella had been in the ones in Hawaii before so it was a little old hat for her. I don’t think she was terribly impressed. I agree that there is a bit of an injury risk and, had something happened like a broken ankle requiring surgery, the trip to a major hospital would potentially take 24 hours.
Be careful out there!
~ Freddy
