Chung as Moni seems to be Motunui’s historian and that is why Moana needs him. After discovering that Moana had actually been up against danger, it is meeting Maui that gives him strength. Matafeo as Loto is the brainy builder who knows what will make Moana’s boats do what she needs...
From Taiwan to Aotearoa/New Zealand; From Rapa Nui to Madagascar. When I was in Vanuatu directing ‘Vanuatu Women’s Water Music’, I discovered an incredible heritage they shared with communities spread across Asia, Pacific & Indian oceans. Most of these communities were established by the...
Easter Island - Moai, Rapa Nui, Statues: The island is famous for its gigantic stone statues, of which there are more than 600, and for the ruins of giant stone platforms (ahus) with open courtyards on their landward sides, some of which show masterly co
Easter Island - Rapa Nui, Moai, Polynesian: The island’s population represents the easternmost settlement of a basically Polynesian subgroup that probably derived from the Marquesas group. The original Rapa Nui vocabulary has been lost except for some m
The famous statues of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, are best known for their deep-set eyes and long ears. They also sport impressive multi-tonne hats made from a different rock type. Quite how these pukao, as they are known, were transported and placed atop the statues has long been a ...
The greatest evidence for the rich culture developed by the original settlers of Rapa Nui and their descendants is the existence of nearly 900 giant stone statues that have been found in diverse locations around the island. Averaging 13 feet (4 meters) high, with a weight of 13 tons, these...
Besides its more well known name of Rapa Nui, Easter Island is also known asTe-Pito-O-Te-Henua, meaning ‘The Navel of the World’, and asMata-Ki-Te-Rani, meaning ‘Eyes Looking at Heaven’. These ancient names, and a host of mythological details ignored by mainstream archaeologists, po...
Hiking Rano Raraku's moai quarry reveals some of Rapa Nui's most sought-after treasures. It's these activities that combine Easter Island’s culture and natural beauty that really shine: On another trip, for example, guests hike along seaside cliffs and across plains to Vai Mata, an ancient...
The staff of Rapa Nui Dream were exceptional at communicating about the bookings, making recommendations and a final shout out to I believe it was Jacqueline who pulled out all the stops to find and return a favorite jacket of mine I’d left on the tour bus. ...
Cook Islands offers a unique blend of Polynesian and European cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Some of the must-try dishes include ika mata, rukau, and poke (raw fish salad). Other popular dishes include taro, breadfruit, and coconut cream. For those with a...