Easter Island wave surfing

Reef breaks on a remote island mean serious respect for currents, sharp bottom, and changing conditions—lessons are the sensible first step if you are not already confident.

Learn how to surf

Alicia Ika of Easter Island Travel is a local pioneer in surfing and was the first to teach surfing at Rapa Nui. Contact us for private lessons. Surf boards are available for rental.

Waves

Easter Island offers waves for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

Papa

Location West coast, Hanga Roa — off Pea beach (breaking ~250 m from shore).

This is the most popular and accessible wave. It breaks at a rock 250 m from the beach Pea, hence the name Papa which means "rock" in Rapa Nui. It is a perfect wave for learning since it is safe, slow and not too big. First-timers may catch the wave closer to the beach.

Hava

Location West coast — ~150 m north of Papa (same bay, Hanga Roa).

150 m to the north of Papa lies Hava. It goes right into sharp rocks, so even the most skilled surfers should never go without being accompanied by someone who knows the wave well.

Mataveri

Location West coast — south of Mataveri village, offshore from the airport runway (Hanga Roa area).

West-coast left-hand point near the airport; needs solid southwest groundswell and ideally east–northeast offshore winds. Described as inconsistent, often flat in summer. Reef and rock bottom; published guides warn of sea urchins, rip currents, sharp rock, and, as on many open Pacific reefs, possible shark presence. Long, demanding rides when it works—experts only, always with locals.

Papa Tangaroa

Location Southwest coast — Vinapu sector west of Hanga Roa, in front of the exposed reef near the moai platforms.

West of Hanga Roa, a fairly exposed reef with a right; often more consistent than many island spots. Best with south–southwest swell and north offshore winds; groundswells dominate. Summer can stay small or flat. Hazards commonly listed: urchins, rips, sharp rock, possible sharks. Near archaeological shoreline—respect sites and access. Advanced only with local guides.

Hanga Nui

Location Southeast coast — Hanga Nui bay on the Poike peninsula (remote east side of the island).

South-coast exposed reef with left and right sections. Described as working only sometimes—southern-hemisphere winter is the more realistic season. Favors south swell with north–northwest offshore winds. Rocks and urchins; remote feel. Experts only, mandatory local knowledge.

Vaihu

Location South coast — near Vaihu and the coastal ahu platforms, along the main south coastal road.

South coast near ceremonial platforms: left reef that only works when everything aligns—needs south swell and north offshore; summer often flat. Rocks and urchins. Treat the coast with cultural respect. Advanced, locals essential.

Pakaia

Location South coast — Pakaia stretch on the exposed southern shoreline along the coastal road.

South-coast exposed reef; surf databases describe it as unreliable but with workable sections on south swell and north offshore winds, any tide. Left-hand reef in published guides. Rocks and urchins; isolated stretch. Southern-hemisphere winter is often cited as the better window. Experts with locals only.

Ovahe

Location North coast — Ovahe cove (small pocket beach) northeast of Anakena along the northern shore.

Small north-coast beach break, sheltered yet still inconsistent. When a northwest swell meets southwest offshore winds, it can offer lefts and rights on sand; summer is the usual window. Surf guides stress dangerous rip currents when size builds—this is not a “beginner” spot if there is swell. Only with experienced locals.

Anakena

Location North coast — main Anakena beach (white-sand bay at the end of the northern road).

Main north-coast beach break, fairly exposed and inconsistent. Best in summer with northwest swell and southeast offshore winds—lefts and rights on sand. Guides highlight strong rips when swell arrives; swimmers and sunbathers use the beach daily—yield to bathers and follow local rules. Not a casual solo session—go with knowledgeable locals.

Tahai

Location West coast — Tahai sector northwest of Hanga Roa (moai viewpoint and coastal archaeological park strip).

West of Hanga Roa, an exposed reef with a right; inconsistent but can be high quality when it connects. Best with northwest swell and southeast offshore winds; tends to pick up distant groundswells. Rocks and urchins. Moai and park sensitivities overlook the area—follow national-park and community rules. Advanced, locals only.