History of Oceania

Why is Easter Island Called Island?

The reason behind Easter Island being called "island" is because that is simply what the word "island" means in the native language which is Rapanui. The Rapanui name for the island is "Rapa Nui" which literally translates to "Big Rapa". "Rapa" is the name of another Polynesian island which the islanders believe came from originally. Therefore, the name Easter Island is not wrong, just a translation.