The volcanic eruptions that formed Rapa Nui thousands of years ago, created lava channels that cover a huge underground área. Ana te Pahu located at the bottom of Maunga Terevaka is the biggest cavern in the island and is the best example of these volcanic tubes. 

Ana Te Pahu is also known as the “Banana cave” because of the big amount of banana trees right in the entrance of the cave located a couple meters below the surface. Right next to these banana trees, you can find vines, avocado trees and yams like taro or ñame. The interior humidity and the wind protection provided by the walls of the cave allowed its use as a Manavai or natural nursery garden for the ancient islanders. Here, a great variety of fruits and vegetables were planted and with the help of the sun and the frequent rains, they grew in abundance.