Dinner and Dance Show

The Rapa Nui people have a rich tradition of song, chant and dance that is easy to overlook if you spend all your time at archaeological sites. A dinner show in Hanga Roa puts the living culture at the centre of the evening. Performers wear costumes of woven fibre, feathers and shell, with body painting that echoes the designs seen on petroglyphs and tattoos. The music includes drums, ukuleles and guitars, and the dances range from slow, narrative pieces to fast, athletic routines with swaying hips and stamping feet. The show is staged at a restaurant-style venue with a set dinner, and the product linked here includes transport from your hotel, which removes the problem of finding a taxi after dark. It is a fun, accessible evening for all ages, and it gives you a chance to meet people from the community in a relaxed setting.

Rapa Nui culture is more than performance, and the best shows treat it that way. Dances tell stories of the island's history, from the arrival of Hotu Matu'a to the legends of the Birdman and the spirits of the ancestors. Many performers are members of local families who also take part in Tapati, the annual festival held in early February, when the island's clans compete in carving, singing, canoe races and dance.

If you are visiting at that time you will see the same traditions in a larger setting, but a dinner show gives a small preview in any month of the year.

Expect a lively and informal atmosphere. Some shows invite the audience to join in at the end, and photography is usually welcome, although flash may be discouraged. The food is typically a buffet or set menu with local ingredients such as fish, sweet potato, and tropical fruit, and vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Drinks may be charged separately, so check what is included. The shows are held in the evening and usually last two to three hours including dinner, so plan an easy morning the next day if you booked a sunrise tour.

As with any cultural show, quality varies, so choose with care. A good show is led by performers from the community who explain the meaning of the songs and dances, and it avoids the feel of a generic resort entertainment. Booking in advance is wise in high season, since seating is limited and several venues sell out.

Remember to let the organisers know about dietary needs, and check the pickup time. The product linked here offers a dinner show with transport, which is the simplest way to attend. It makes a good first-night activity, since it requires no energy beyond turning up, and it will make the sites you see over the following days more meaningful.

A little preparation helps you enjoy the evening more. Arrive on time, since seating is often assigned, and dress in smart casual clothes with a layer for the walk to the car. If you can, learn a few words of Rapa Nui, such as iorana for hello, and use them with the performers.

Tip according to your usual habits and the quality of service. Photographs are welcome, but avoid blocking others, and put your phone away during the quieter chants so you can listen. Finally, ask the organisers whether they support local artists and families, because the best shows return benefits to the community.