Ahu Akivi, located at the southwest side of Maunga Terevaka, was constructed during the 16th century. Unusual for moai, the seven identical statues are located inland, and all face towards the sea (the usual custom is to have backs to the sea). Local legend explains that this is to please the sea so that navigators had safe passage.
The moai sit atop a 70-metre ahu and have been positioned such that they face sunset during the equinoxes, making the site of astrological significance.
