Today, as they have for centuries, lichens grow upon the monumental statues and architecture of Rapa Nui. They are known on the island as te kihihi.

In 2005, A Po set out to study these diminutive organisms by organizing a team of high school students interested in learning more about their island. This website is one result of their endeavors.



Special thanks to the University of Hawai`i Foundation, Ann Altman, and Shawn McLaughlin, Michael Graves, and Jo Lynn Gunness for generous support.