puna pau

This site was interesting, but not great. It is the quarry where the topknots ere made, so worth it for the history and views from the top. As all of Easter Island, easy to get to so not a problem to go. A short visit should suffice

This is the quarry where the Rapanui made the topknots for the moai. There are some stones remaining, but I think the real attraction is the view of the island from the top of the hill. If you have a tour or a rental car then you might as well come ... but of all the attractions on the island, this is low on the list.

Puna Pau is the beautiful red quarry where the pukao (top knots) were harvested from. It's a wonderful small site easily visited in half hour. There are some 30 abandoned top knots lying on the grassy hillside slopes.And of course you can also see the cavities in the red volcanic stone from where these top knots were carved out. There are some stairs to climb up and down but nothing too bad. We thought the site was impressive even in the pouring rain...

Puna Pau was the only source of red volcanic rock, which was used by Rapa Nui to make the PUKAO wonderful view of the whole island and volcanoes

This is where the Pucaos of the Moais were carved, but the most beautiful is the view that you will have from this place. Breathtaking views of the volcanoes and the rest of the island.

i wasn't expecting much but it was a thrilling surprise. the 360 degree views were spectacular, the grassy knoll was wonderful and the quarry where they carved the Moais' hats was so interesting. A must!

This is the BEST place to see the view and most of island without much hiking! I highly recommend this place. PLUS, its a perfect place to have a picnic. There are a couple of benches to sit so you can enjoy the view. ALSO, DO please bring extra food for the sweet guard dog of PUNA PAU. I took some left over food from my breakfast at the Hotel to this dog. In short, this is a place to have lunch/picnic and see the panoramic of view of the island with literally no crowd!

Puna Pau was where the ancient Rano Raraku people quarried the red volcanic rock to sculpture the red stone cylinders (pukao) that sat on the head of some moai statues. The jade green meadow on the hill was gorgeous and refreshing, especially in contrast against the many "unfinished" red pukao. With a close up view of the pukao, you can see the carving on them and appreciate their sizes and how they were transported down the volcanic hill. The walk up to the quarry was easy, and you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the country side.

Worth a visit if you are very interested in the Moai. Easy to get to in a car and a scattering of red top knots is good to explore particularly to get an idea of the size of them. If you are not too interested in top knots then there is nothing else to see here.

This I off the beaten track. There is an easy walk and informative descriptions in English. It was very interesting to see how the hats were made and at this location so far from the main quarry.

It is amazing to see the moai heads protruding out of the ground. Trying to imagine how they transported them to other parts of the islands left me dumbfounded. There are a couple of giant moai still in situ in the rock. Maybe not as exciting as Tongariki but still an awesome sight. There is a cafe, shop and toilets nearby.

Honestly, after seeing Tongariki and the other restored, and not so restored, major sites Puna Pau was a bit disappointing. The views from the site were fabulous and trying to imagine how the ancients moved these stones out of this little valley engaged the brain for a while. But it really seems like it is a tertiary site with visits there done to justify two full days of sightseeing.

You see remains of top hats which were supposed to rest on the heads of moais. Very interesting and scenic spot.

All the island is an unique experience. You will like it all. From this place comes the stone that became the top of the Moai. The place is beautiful. Ii is amazing how they could move those massive stones!

Very strange to see the different coloured stones they used for the hats. It seems amazing that they could even think about hoisting them on top of the statues. Very nice place there so do go and see it.