The Kari Kari Cultural Ballet is the longest-running group on Rapa Nui, founded in 1996 by Lynn Rapu Tuki, current Asia-Pacific Cultural Ambassador. Its name means “excellence,” and for nearly 30 years it has been dedicated to rescuing, valuing, and transmitting the most traditional dances and melodies of the Rapanui and Polynesian ancestors.
An Academy That Trains Generations: Ma’aranui
Through its free academy Ma’aranui, Kari Kari has trained children and young island artists for years in music, dance, native language, and ancestral navigation, many of whom later join the ballet as musicians and dancers. This grassroots work has led the group to win the Tapati Rapanui festival for 17 consecutive years, establishing itself as the island’s most recognized cultural reference.
The Show: Dances That Tell Our History
The show invites you to discover ancestral dances such as the Hoko (war dance), the Kai-Kai, the Sau-Sau, and the Ute, which represent the most traditional way of life of the Rapanui people, their beliefs, and their history. The experience takes place at the Ma’aranui Theater, the only theater on Rapa Nui, with seating for 200 people.
What to Expect on a Kari Kari Night
- 7:00 PM — Theater doors open
- 7:30 PM — Cultural experience with body painting and photos
- 8:00 PM — Show begins
In the theater’s gardens, the Ma’aranui Resto Bar offers 4-course menus made with fresh, organic island ingredients, perfect for dining before, during, or after the show.
Special Events and Ancestral Weddings
Kari Kari also organizes private events for groups, ancestral weddings, and other ceremonies, including music and dance performances, traditional food (ceremonial umu or curanto), and transfers.
A Cultural Reference Beyond the Island
Kari Kari’s trajectory has reached beyond Rapa Nui, bringing its dances and live music to stages such as the Municipal Theater of Viña del Mar, carrying Rapanui culture to mainland Chile and abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What days does the Kari Kari show run?
The show runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with doors opening at 7:00 PM and the show starting at 8:00 PM.
Where is the Kari Kari Theater located?
At Atamu Tekena s/n, Hanga Roa, Easter Island — the island’s only theater, seating 200 people.
Can I have dinner before or during the show?
Yes, the Ma’aranui Resto Bar, located in the theater’s gardens, offers 4-course menus with local products before, during, or after the performance.
Do they organize private events?
Yes, Kari Kari organizes ancestral weddings and private cultural events for groups, including music, dance, ceremonial curanto, and transfers.
