Mana Nui Cabañas

The local dogs barked constantly at night, which is why I’m giving four stars. That’s not Manu Nui’s fault, of course. The inn is in a nice spot, about a five-minute walk to town. My room had a double and a single bed, plus its own bathroom. Everything was spotless, and every two days the room was cleaned and fresh towels were provided. Patricia picked me up and took me back to the airport, and was on hand to help me book a tour. The cabins are self-contained with kitchens. Mine was reached from the balcony, which was no problem, and was well equipped for a few days of light meals. I forgot to ask Patricia for a tin opener and corkscrew, but luckily I’d brought my own. The grounds are lovely. There are two sweet, friendly little dogs, a cat, and chickens. I’d read a complaint about the animals, but if you don’t like animals, the island probably isn’t for you.

I’d happily stay here again if I make it back to Easter Island. The owners were very friendly and could arrange pretty much any tour. It felt like a perk of the location, since everyone seemed to know everyone. There’s a large ahu site about five minutes away on foot, and downtown takes 10-15 minutes. There was some noise, but it wasn’t too bad. A neighbor had a party on Saturday with very loud, obnoxious pop music, though it was off around 11. There are chickens and horses around, so you get used to the roosters. The owners’ two cats aren’t shy. Leave your porch door open for the seabreeze and they may join you in bed for a nap, or sit with you for hours on the community porch while you read. One morning, after a very rainy night, a stray dog was on our porch. He was friendly and not bothersome. Each room is its own little cabin, which feels more luxurious than it really is. The rooms are sparse: ours had a double bed, a twin bed, a table and chairs, a mini-fridge with a TV on top that you couldn’t see from the beds, and an armoire. It was comfortable enough, with a private porch and ocean view. I think ours was number 7, and there are only 7 or 8 cabins. They picked us up in their van at the airport and greeted us with a floral lei, a nice touch. At check-in we got delicious fruit juice made from whatever was in season. It tasted like guava and banana, and the same juice was served at breakfast each morning. Breakfast wasn’t huge, but enough to get started: coffee and tea, juice, other fresh fruit, bread and jam. The rest varied. For us it included frosted flakes cereal, a fried egg, homemade donuts with a dark, sweet sauce, and yogurt. There’s a washing machine you can use for a fee, but no dryer, so you hang your laundry outside to dry.

The sunsets were incredible, and so was the food at the great restaurant on the way to Museum Rapa Nui. The Creme Brulee was the best. I’d originally booked somewhere in town, then decided a week before to stay here near the beach. Bicky and Marcela were fantastic hosts, and I felt like I’d known them forever. The room, huge kitchen, and bathroom were wonderful. I was told to bring food, and Bicky took me to the store to stock up, but I didn’t need to because the restaurant food was so good. I’ve wanted to visit Rapa Nui since I was 11 and wanted to be an archeologist. I live in Hawaii and California. My son, who lives in Haleiwa, told me, “Mom, go to Tahiti.” I’d been to Raratonga, where people don’t like animals and the dogs were awful. I was there June 11-16, when it was cold, and I turned 70. The island and its people are the nicest in the world. I’ll return in February for the festivals and warmer weather. Book your tours through them too, not Viator.

A warm and helpful family runs the place, and they have a rental car available. The location is fantastic. Laundry is done quickly onsite, and the WiFi is limited to the arrival area, though it works well there. It’s a perfect place for a short or long stay in Rapa Nui.