Ahu Huri A Urenga, "The Astronomer" - astronomically aligned Easter Island moai statue with four hands
Ahu Huri A Urenga faces sunrise at winter solstice. The ahu is twisted 20° in relation to the plaza so that the moai may face the winter solstice sunrise even if the plaza doesn't.
The single moai statue of Ahu Huri A Urenga is the only one known to have four hands. The symbolic meaning of this is unknown. For such a well-planned platform as Ahu Huri A Urenga, any bigger flaw would certainly have been unacceptable, so the extra pair of hands was surely not a mistake.
Ahu Huri A Urenga was restored by American archaeologist William Mulloy and Rapa Nui archaeologist Sergio Rapu in 1972.
Astronomical alignment of Ahu Huri A Urenga
The monument Ahu Huri A Urenga is astronomically aligned with the winter solstice; on the shortest day of the year (around 21st of June), the moai will face the rising sun. After this date, the days will be getting longer again. The ahu is aligned to this event with a precision of within a single degree.
The ahu and moai are built on the short end of an elevated plaza. The ahu and plaza were built with a special and interesting relation; the ahu does not line up to give the plaza a rectangular shape, but is built with a 20° angle. This means that the plaza is not aligned with the winter solstice, but Ahu Huri A Urenga is.
Many Rapa Nui monuments have been proven to be astronomically aligned, and Ahu Huri A Urenga has gotten especially well-known for this characteristic. For a people completely dependant on what nature gives, it is of highest importance to know when seasons change.
Photography at Ahu Huri A Urenga
As the sun rises in front of Ahu Huri A Urenga, the statue will be lit up in the morning, which makes this the best time to take photos of the monument. In the afternoon it will be backlit.
How to get to Ahu Huri A Urenga
Ahu Huri A Urenga is located just out outside of town Hanga Roa. The easiest way to find Ahu Huri A Urenga is by taking the following route:
- Go to the main island road that leads to Anakena.
- Drive towards Anakena, passing the airport on right hand side.
- After 1 km the road will curve to the left, and there will be a smaller road straight ahead that leads to Vinapu. Follow the road as it curves to the left.
- There will be several small roads to the left and right that lead to people's private properties. The road will descend, and then ascend again. 2 km after the curve, once the road is without inclination, you will see a pub on your left hand side with big letters saying PIKANO. Just after this pub, take the first road to the left. This road leads back to town.
- Continue some 200 m. After a couple of strong curves and strong inclination you'll see Ahu Huri A Urenga behind a rock wall on your left hand side.
There is a shortcut right through town to reach Ahu Huri A Urenga, but those who are unfamiliar with the roads might get lost. Though, while at Ahu Huri A Urenga, it's a lot easier to find your way back to town using this road. When having reached Ahu Huri A Urenga coming from the road that leads to Anakena, simply follow the same road you're on to get back to town. Whenever you have to turn, always turn towards the lower end of the road.
