Why we chose the name of a legendary beach at the end of the world
Anakena literally means "cave of Kena" - composed of the Rapanui words "ana" (cave) and "kena" (the local name for the gannet, Sula dactylatra), a seabird that still nests on the island today.
But Anakena is much more than just a word. It is the name of the most famous beach in the Easter Island - that mysterious island in the southern Pacific, also known as the Rapa Nui is known. Legend has it that Hotu Matua, the mythical founding father of the Easter Island people, landed here and founded a settlement. This settlement was the nucleus for the colonization of Easter Island.
A place of beginnings and history
Anakena lies in the bay Hanga Rau o te Ariki on the north coast of Easter Island and enchants visitors with its white coral sand, the crystal-clear blue of the sea and the unmistakable sight of the Moaiwho have watched over this place for centuries.
The backdrop is breathtakingly beautiful: palm trees sway gently in the wind, the turquoise water invites you to swim and relax. Snorkeling and two monumental Ahu-The impressive panorama is dominated by ahu. Ahu are the ceremonial stone platforms on which the moai stand and which are considered sacred places of the Rapa Nui. The Ahu Nau Nau with its seven moai - some of which still have their characteristic red pukao headdresses - is one of the best-preserved sites on the entire island. Nearby is the Ahu Ature Hukirestored in 1956 with the support of the local community and rebuilt as the first Moai monument of modern times - a symbol of Rapa Nui resilience and pride.
Archaeological significance
Anakena is also a site of significant archaeological discoveries that have had a lasting impact on our understanding of Rapa Nui culture. In 1978, the archaeologist Sonia Haoa and the archaeologist Sergio Rapu A fragment of a moai eye, made of white coral stone and red slag, was discovered at this site. This find proved for the first time that the moai were originally fitted with eyes - a detail that lends these monumental figures even more mystery and humanity.
Anakena today
Today, Anakena is a lively meeting place: locals enjoy their days off here and travelers from all over the world are attracted by the beauty and history of this special place. The bay is an integral part of many island tours and is considered the best place on Rapa Nui to swim in the sea, relax on the sandy beach and experience the unique atmosphere that only this island can offer.
Why Anakena Natural Cosmetics?
This special place - a beach that embodies both the beginning and inspiration - is also where our natural cosmetics brand was born. On Easter Island, where we found our Chilean headquarters we were inspired by the natural beauty and powerful energy of this place. Anakena stands for the beauty of nature, the power of centuries-old traditions and the harmony between man and nature. It is precisely these values that flow into each of our Care products which are developed with high-quality natural ingredients from the South Seas.
Scientific references:
Rapu, S. & Haoa, S. (1978). "The Discovery of the Eye of a Moai". Rapa Nui Journal, 2(2), 1-3.
Martinsson-Wallin, H. (1994). "Ahu - The Ceremonial Stone Structures of Easter Island". Uppsala University.
Photos: © Yvan Neault
