Anakena

This picturesque beach is the only sandy shore on the island, offering a serene escape that's entirely free to visit. Located some distance from the main town, reaching this place requires a car rental, but the effort is well worth it. The beach is immaculately clean, and the water is refreshingly pleasant without being too cold—perfect for a day of relaxation. However, timing is everything. On windy days, powerful waves make entering the water challenging, and the gusts can leave you coated in sand. Plan wisely, and you'll discover a coastal haven that leaves an impression long after your visit.

Anakena beach is one of the nicest and most popular swimming places on Rapa Nui. The water is bright blue and clear, and the sand is perfect. There’s a board walk leading down here from the car park, public toilets and some cafes so it would be reasonably accessible to some extent (but not completely) if you have mobility issues. The water was super warm and nice when we went.

One of the most beautiful places on the island. The only real beach and the place where it is thought the settlers found the majestic place of Rapa Nui. The pictures do not do this area justice as it's spectacular. The breeze, the Moai, the white sands. This is a MUST stop on your travel to the island. Do not skip coming here.

Great bay for a swim. A couple of cafes, toilets, and picnic areas.

An amazing beach, with very little shade.

My favourite place on the island! Perhaps because there wasn’t anyone around in the morning I was there, the weather was lovely and the sand, blue water, the palm trees and the moai all make it such a dreamy paradise. If you stay later and don’t mind the tour groups, some food and pisco sours at the hut restaurants would be amazing as well as a swim. Just be aware you might be sharing with jellyfish

Overall, probably the favorite place I visited in Easter Island. - pretty nice clean, in December very comfortable water temperature to swim. - not too crowded - public bathroom and changing rooms - nicely preserved Moais right on the beach. - two beach bars, the one we went to had a few good vegan options, very large portions and fantastic cocktails

A lovely little beach (one of two sandy ones on the island) which is free and open to visit (no guide needed). Beware though, there’s absolutely no phone signal there and the restaurants that have “WiFi” don’t always have connection either.

Visited April 11 & 14, 2023. Not a beach person but can still appreciate the really nice ones. There's even some colorful moais close by. Thought these moais looked very different from the other ones on the island. The colors seemed more vibrant and they were smaller in size. Heard the technique used to make these were more "modern". The sand was very fine and the water was calm and warm. There were also a few eating options but can get very crowded depending on the time and weather. There were restrooms but didn't really see a place where one could rinse off. For some extra adventure, rent an atv and ride there.

If you have time for one beach day on Easter Island, Playa Anakena would be it. Blue waters of Pacific... Sand is fine and white, and very hot, even the day is chilly. I had full intentions to go for the swim, but water is pretty cold in November - I chickened out. Just to sit and relax for a little bit on this heavenly beach is good enough... If you get sick of the sun (never), there are benches under the trees. Seriously, give me my Nook, and I will not leave it for months... It is windy day, and a lot of surfers hitting the waves. Very cool to watch. You can also walk to see Moais guarding over the waters. Yea for more of those! Clean restrooms, changing rooms, numerous lunch shacks, and free parking - all very convenient. Note: Red clay roads around this area are pretty cool. Enjoy your 4WD.

Totally forgot to review this beach. All our lives, we've been to the beach a lot. But I've never swam in a beach where after you air dry, you don't feel any salt stickiness on your skin, it's like taking a shower with fresh water. Even swimming in a frest water or stream, there's that feeling of residue when you dry up. But not on this beach. The water was cool but not cold as it was August where the average air temp is 65ºF. I could come here every year if it weren't for the travel time and cost. There's a couple of restuarants here and all I can say is, CEVICHE!!!!!! It was so GOOD!!!!! This place is so clean. I've never been so relaxed in a beach. The waves are calm, the sand is fine enough where it doesn't hurt to walk barefoot, but not as fine as Sarasota beach or Boracay beach. if ever you visit Peru or Chile, you're better off planning of stopping by here (Easter Island) as it'll be a lot closer from Peru or Chile. This place is a must visit in your lifetime.