Mataveri Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Mataveri is the world's most isolated civilian airport and lies about 3 km from Hanga Roa, the island's only settlement: 5-7 minutes by car, with no public bus linking the two points. There is therefore no real choice of area, as there would be at a big-city airport: you always sleep in Hanga Roa, only which corner of town changes. The supply is made up mainly of family-run cabañas and hostales rather than international chains, and many properties include the transfer to and from the airport, useful since there are few taxis on the street.

Hanga Roa

Nearby town · By car, 5-7 minutes are enough for the roughly 3 km separating Mataveri from the centre of Hanga Roa; on foot it is a 30-40 minute walk without a continuous pavement, so most visitors use the transfer offered by the property or a taxi arranged in advance.

Best for: Anyone visiting Rapa Nui: there is no alternative area, only the choice between the north side near Pea beach and the south side towards the Rano Kau volcano.

Pros

Restaurants, the two main supermarkets and the small harbour are all within walking distance of any lodging in town
Many cabañas and hostales include a free airport pick-up, handy since there are no public buses or guaranteed taxi queues

Cons

The airport perimeter effectively cuts the town in two: those seeking absolute silence need to head to the far south, at the foot of Rano Kau
Outside the central streets there is no public lighting, so in the evening it is better to stay around the port and the church

Recommended hotels in this area

Camping Hostal Tipanie Moana Aeropuerto Centro: Two blocks from the Mataveri terminal and a few minutes on foot from the small harbour: among the properties closest to the airport by far, with a garden, a shared kitchen and camping as well as rooms.
Apartamentos Tupuna Lodge: Four apartments with a kitchen, a 5-minute drive from Pea beach and the Pea natural pool, with free airport transfer included in both directions.
Cabañas Mana Nui Inn: In the heart of Hanga Roa, about a 3-minute walk from one of the best sunset-watching spots in town and a short distance from the moai in the centre.
Cabañas Christophe: Local-style bungalows on the slopes of Rano Kau, about 15 minutes on foot (5 by car) from the centre: a private kitchen, a private terrace and breakfast offered on the first day by the owner, Christophe.

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