Tahai ceremonial complex is one of the most interesting places on Easter Island, because it combines archaeological remains of great historical importance with a landscape of great beauty located in front of the Pacific Ocean.
Tahai archaeological complex is one of the oldest settlements of the island whose earliest remains date back to 700 AD It seems that these lands were occupied by the Marama clan, and perhaps the Miru clan, to raise their political and religious center . According to tradition, Tahai was the last place of residence of Ngaara, the last bad ariki or ruler of high rank, who died and was buried here.
Tahai occupation at the begining was not fortuitous. In this place they had convenient access to the sea to go fishing and a regular supply of fresh water from underground springs.
Tahai is the largest archaeological site and the best restored of those located in Hanga Roa. Elements found in Tahai follow the pattern of settlement found in other parts of the island, which makes it possible to understand the lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants.
Several funerary chambers have been located or advanced destined to heads of community and remains of boat-houses or hare paenga used by more rank people and their families. These structuresare called Boat-houses because their shape resembles an inverted boat, were composed of a base of stones with holes that formed a long ellipse, where they inserted wooden poles that supported a roof of grass. They had a single narrow opening and a kind of terrace of semicircular rounded boulders. It is believed that they were only used to spend the night indoors.
Other domestic constructions that can be found are tahetas or stones carved like a bowl to collect rain water, remains of umu pae or baking kilns made with stones and a little more to the north, to the other side of the wall near a small caves, appear several manavai or circles of rock used to protect crops.
But without a doubt, Tahai's main focus is his three ahu or ceremonial platforms set on the small rocky cliff that rises above the sea. The altars form a visual line that leads to this magnificent stage. If you look straight at statues, the first one to the left with five moai is the Ahu Vai Uri, the next one is the Ahu Tahai and the last one wearing a pukao or hat is the Ahu Ko Te Riku.
Tradition for tourists in Tahai is to go and watch the sunset in that mysterious place.