Rising sea levels pose threat to historical Rapa Nui Moai statues; what this could mean for Hawaii’s coasts

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A study conducted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) says rising sea levels could submerge Rapa Nui’s historical Moai statues.

The study used advanced computer models to simulate the wave environment along Rapa Nui’s coastline, and mapped projected flooding caused by waves under future sea level rise scenarios.

Research shows that rising sea levels could cause seasonal waves to reach Ahu Tongariki, the iconic ceremonial platform that is part of the Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, by 2080.

“This research reveals a critical threat to the living culture and livelihood of Rapa Nui,” said Noah Paoa, lead author of the study and doctoral student in UH Manoa SOEST’s Department of Ea