Easter Island is the world's most isolated inhabited island. Easter Island is roughly midway between Chile and Tahiti. It is thought that the construction of the giant Moai stone statues began as early as the 8th century, and ceased abruptly in the 17th century. Over 1000 of these Moai statues, which are thought to be symbols of different tribes, remain on Easter Island. Shrouded in mystery, the Moai continue to stand silently looking far out across the ocean. © John Beatty