Anakena is one of the only two small beaches in Easter Island. The sandy beach is believed to be the landing place of Hotu Matu’a, the first ruler of Rapa Nui. It is also where the powerful chiefs of the Miru clan, the leading tribe of the island, established their residence. The area has two ahu, Ahu Ature Huki and Ahu Nau Nau.

Ahu Nau Nau has one of the most elaborate and well-preserved ahu on Easter Island. Four of the seven moai still retain their red scoria pukao. Ahu Ature Huki is a lone moai that was restored by a Norwegian explorer in the 1950s with the help of locals, using traditional statue erection techniques.