Halfway between Chile and Tahiti, surrounded by the clearest and deepest waters of the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is more than 1,200 miles from…anything. This volcanic Polynesian island has been known for centuries as the navel of the world. Remoteness breeds mystery, and visitors will find plenty to unravel in the standing stone statues (huge monolithic figures carved from volcanic stone) that are the world’s most inscrutable archaeological enigma. Secret caves, primitive rock art and elaborate cult ceremonies are also part of Rapa Nui’s mystique.