Pu o Hiro — which translates into the Trumpet of Hiro, who is considered to be the ancient god of rain — is an engraved stone which is thought to have had a sort of magic or good luck when used for fishing by those who resided on Easter Island long ago.
Pu O Hiro Blows. Well — Not Anymore, Anyway. Another Easter Island Artifact.
The discolored hole near the top of the stone — which is also known as Maea Puhi, which translates as stone to blow — is what was used to blow to create sounds which were thought to attract fish to the coast of the island, according to certain traditions and legends.
Pu o Hiro — which is approximately 1.25 meters in height — was also considered as a trophy of war which was carried from one end of Easter Island to the other on many occasions.
Several petroglyphs with vulva forms known as komari — which is the symbol of fertility — are found on Pu o Hiro; so it is believed that the stone was also used in rituals pertaining to fertility.
A barrier currently surrounds Pu o Hiro; so no one is permitted to attempt to create sounds by blowing through one of the holes of the stone — and even merely touching the stone is also prohibited.
Summary
Pu o Hiro is located on the northeastern coast of Easter Island approximately 22.3 kilometers northeast of Hanga Roa. Driving there is easy, as the fastest route will take approximately 37 minutes of your time; and parking is free of charge…
…although no actual parking lot is officially designated; so just park your vehicle along the road wherever possible.
Remember that Pu o Hiro is part of Parque Nacional Rapa Nui — which is the national park of Easter Island — but you do not need to present your ticket to see this artifact. Regardless, you will need to pay $80.00 in United States dollars just for admission into the areas of the national park; and the ticket may be purchased either on arrival at the airport or in the center of town of Hanga Roa, which is the only municipality on Easter Island.
No facilities are available near Pu o Hiro.
Ensure that you please leave cultural features exactly as you find them during your visit.
Other articles pertaining to Easter Island include:
- Easter Island: Itinerary and Master Guide [Work In Progress]
- The Only Statues on Easter Island Which Face the Sea: Ahu Akivi
- Visiting The Largest Volcano Crater on Easter Island: Rano Kau
- The Largest Statue Ever Moved and Successfully Erected on Easter Island: Ahu Te Pito Kura
- Easter Island is Not Only Statues: Ana Te Pora Lava Tunnel
- What You Need to Know About Renting a Vehicle and Driving on Easter Island
- Dogs Versus Horses on Easter Island
- Road Trip Around Easter Island
All photographs ©2019 by Brian Cohen.
