The most popular souvenirs are carved replicas of moai (in both stone and wood), and of moai kavakava and rongorongo tablets (both in wood). The level of workmanship varies but can be remarkably high. Numerous souvenir shops line Atamu Tekena and Te Pito Te Henua, occupy the lobbies of the best hotels, and fill the departure lounge at Mataveri.

For size and variety, the best outlet is the Mercado Artesanal (Tuukoihu and Ara Roa Rakei), across from the church; the Feria Municipal (Atamu Tekena and Tuumaheke) is a distant second.

At the Museo Antropológico, the Museum Store (tel. 0322/551020) carries books and jewelry. Profits from the locally run souvenir shop Vai a Heva (Atamu Tekena s/n) go to a scholarship fund operated by the nonprofit Easter Island Foundation.

With sufficient notice, it’s possible to hire a carver to create a custom stone moai and have it packed for shipping. The Sernatur office on Policarpo Toro can put you in touch with the carvers, who are tough negotiators.

Bring film from the mainland, where it’s cheaper and a wider selection is available. In a pinch, check shops along Atamu Tekena or major hotels such as Hotel Hanga Roa and Hotel Hotu Matua.