Editor's Note:
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui in the indigenous tongue, is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, located around 3,700 kilometers from continental Chile. The island is famous for its striking stone statues called moai, which attract visitors from around the world. Rapa Nui National Park has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995.
15 standing moai at the Ahu Tongariki, the largest Ahu on Easter Island, Chile. Ahu refers to a stone platform of the ancient Rapa Nui civilization, which offer us invaluable insight into the island's past. Photo: CFP 
Visitors pose for a photo with a huge moai on Easter Island, Chile. Moai statues typically have oversized heads, broad noses and strong chins, though the carving style of the Rapa Nui people evolved over time. Photo: CFP 
The remnants of a volcanic lake in Easter Island, Chile. Such lakes provided drinking water for the ancient Rapa Nui people. Photo: CFP 
Local Rapa Nui people prepare for a banana race on Easter Island, Chile during the Tapati Festival. The festival is celebrated by the Rapa Nui people every February to promote their traditional culture. Various singing and dancing competitions are held during Tapati, as well as sporting activities. Photo: BACHMANN/SIPA/CFP 
Two local girls pose in front of Rano Raraku statues on Easter Island, Chile during the Tapati Festival. The festival is celebrated by the Rapa Nui people every February to promote their traditional culture. Various singing and dancing competitions are held during Tapati, as well as sporting activities. Photo: BACHMANN/SIPA/CFP 
A local man applies body paint to a young woman as part of the Tapati Festival celebrations on Easter Island, Chile. The festival is celebrated by the Rapa Nui people every February to promote their traditional culture. Various singing and dancing competitions are held during Tapati, as well as sporting activities. Photo: BACHMANN/SIPA/CFP 
Locals perform a traditional dance during Tapati Festival on Easter Island, Chile. The festival is celebrated by the Rapa Nui people every February to promote their traditional culture. Various singing and dancing competitions are held during Tapati, as well as sporting activities. Photo: BACHMANN/SIPA/CFP 
A miniature moai carving sits in a garden on Easter Island, Chile. Photo: BACHMANN/SIPA/CFP 
A handmade wooden mask with traditional Rapa Nui elements on Easter Island, Chile. Photo: BACHMANN/SIPA/CFP
