Hanga Roa is the only city on Easter Island. Originally used as the site to contain the locals of Rapa Nui when Chile annexed the island in 1888. At that time, the locals were not allowed to leave the area and venture out, as the rest of the island became pastures for sheep that roamed freely. Fortunately, things eventually changed, and the locals were granted rights again after the 1964 uprising led by Alfonso Rapu.

Today, Hanga Roa is divided into two major hubs – Atamu Tekena Street and Te Pito or Te Henua treet. Atamu Tekena starts from Hotu Matu’a Avenue and ends at the airport. It is where you can find the Rapa Nui Parliament, the Chilean Navy, pharmacy, as well as many shops, hotels, restaurants, offices, and supermarkets. Most people aren’t going to spend much time in Hanga Roa, however there’s definitely an island charm that makes it worth exploring a little.