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Archaeological site · Hanga Roa, Valparaíso
Te Pito Kura
Site on the north coast with the moai Paro, the largest ever erected on an ahu, now fallen, and a round stone that tradition links to Hotu Matu'a.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Te Pito Kura
Te Pito Kura is located on the north coast of Rapa Nui, by La Pérouse bay, about 2 km from Anakena. The ahu once supported the moai Paro, roughly 10 meters tall and over 80 tons, the largest to stand on a platform. It was carved at Rano Raraku and today lies face down, broken in two. In front sits the pukao, nearly 2 meters tall, carved from Puna Pau stone.
A few meters from the ahu is a smooth, rounded stone about 80 cm in diameter. Te Pito Kura means “navel of light,” and the name is linked to Te Pito o te Henua, “navel of the world,” one of the island’s old names. Tradition says Hotu Matu'a brought the stone from Hiva and that it holds mana, the spiritual force.
Because of its high iron content, the stone heats faster than others in the sun and can make compasses wobble. It sits inside a circle of smaller stones, and park rules ask visitors to observe it without touching.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes.
Best time
Combine this visit with Anakena in the morning or early afternoon. On windy days, La Pérouse bay becomes rough with waves.
How to get there
It is on the north coast road, about 2 km from Anakena and roughly 20 km from Hanga Roa. There is a small parking area near the cove. Visits are conducted with an accredited guide.
Tip
Observe the stone from outside the circle even if other visitors approach. Ask your guide to show where Paro once stood upright.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Te Pito Kura
What is the Te Pito Kura stone?
It is a smooth, rounded stone about 80 cm in size that tradition says was brought from Hiva by Hotu Matu'a. The name means "navel of light".
What was the size of the Paro moai?
It was about 10 meters tall and over 80 tons in weight. It was the largest moai ever erected on an ahu and today lies fallen, broken in two.
Is Te Pito Kura near Anakena?
Yes, about 2 km away on the same north coast road. Both are usually included in the same tour.