Presentation of the Aroha Tours Rapa Nui website
WHAT DOES THE WORD “AROHA” MEAN?
The word “aroha” (you probably know it in its Hawaiian form, “aloha”) is Maori, the language of the Maori (Polynesians). Often used to express greetings and farewells, always in a friendly and warm way, it has a deep meaning in Polynesian culture and is usually translated as “love” or “affection”, but its meaning goes beyond these simple words.
“Aroha” represents deep love, compassion, empathy and affection towards others. It is a concept that encompasses the idea of caring for those around us, showing kindness and affection towards others and maintaining harmonious and positive relationships. It can also be used to express a feeling of gratitude and respect towards nature and the world around us.
Associated with a deep respect for nature and the environment, it encourages us to take care of the earth and its resources.
Deeply rooted in Maori culture, “Aroha” reflects traditional Polynesian hospitality. Polynesians are known for their warm welcome to visitors, and “Aroha” is a symbol of this.
It is a fundamental concept to understand the world and human relationships.
WHY DID WE CREATE THIS WEBSITE?
Having become essential in our digital age, our website allows us to have an online presence. It is a virtual showcase where you found us and allows you to learn more about our activities as professional tour guides on Easter Island.
Powerful tool to promote our tours, visits and circuits, this site, entirely created by us, allows you to be informed about our services and prices. Customer reviews also give you an overview of its quality.
A HOME-MADE WEBSITE, ONLINE SINCE 2017
Aroha Tours Rapa Nui has been online since 2017. I designed, wrote and have updated it myself, with no agency and no contractor: the words are mine, the photographs were taken on the island over the course of my visits, and every page describes a tour I put together.
That choice has a direct consequence for you: what you read here is not a brochure written from an office on the other side of the world. It is the work of a guide who has lived on Rapa Nui since 1995 and walks these sites all year round.
A WEBSITE IN THREE LANGUAGES
Aroha Tours Rapa Nui exists in French, English and Spanish. All three versions are complete: twenty-seven pages in each language, with the same tours, the same hikes and the same information pages. None of them is a hastily translated summary.
French is the site’s original language, Spanish is the language of the island and of Chile, and English is the one spoken by most travellers who land here. A French-Chilean couple, a family whose children read only English, a relative planning the trip from Santiago: each of them reads the same information in their own language before deciding. The language switcher sits at the top of every page, to the right of the menu.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND ON THIS SITE
The Private tours and Private hikes pages set out each itinerary in detail: duration, sites visited, what is included and what to bring. The Tourist information page answers the practical questions — reaching the island, formalities, the national park. Visitors’ comments gathers the feedback of the travellers I have guided. And the Contact us page lets you reach me directly.