Culture
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge)
A sacred place of forgiveness on a lava point of carved ki'i, royal fishponds, and swaying palms. One of Hawaii's most powerful cultural sites, and its best preserved.
Ocean
Manta Ray Night Snorkel
Float above lit ocean water after dark as Kona's resident manta rays somersault inches beneath you, the Big Island's single most unforgettable hour.
The manta ray night snorkel is the tour our guests talk about at breakfast for the rest of their stay. After sunset, boats anchor at sites where lights draw plankton, and the plankton draws mantas with wingspans up to twelve feet, looping barrel rolls just beneath your mask.
We know the operators and can point you to the boat that fits your group, larger stable boats for families, small-group departures for confident swimmers, and help you plan the evening around it so you’re back at Hali’i Kai for a late dinner.
Good to know
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No, you hold onto a lighted flotation board with a guide beside you the whole time, and a wetsuit keeps you buoyant and warm.
What time does it start and how long does it take?
Departures follow sunset, so start times run earlier in winter and later in summer. Plan on roughly two to three hours in all, with about 45 minutes actually in the water.
When is the best time of year to go?
The mantas are resident year-round, so any season can be wonderful. Calm summer nights tend to give the smoothest water and the easiest float.
What should I bring or wear?
Just a swimsuit and a towel. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and the lighted boards are included, and the crew has warm layers for the ride back.
Is this a good outing for children?
Yes, most operators welcome kids who can snorkel comfortably, generally around age seven and up. For families, we can point you to a larger, steadier boat.
More ways to spend the day
Ocean
Kealakekua Bay Kayak & Snorkel
Paddle a glassy marine sanctuary to the Captain Cook Monument, where spinner dolphins pass and the reef drops into some of Hawaii's clearest water.
Land
Mauna Kea Summit & Stargazing
Journey to the 13,803-foot peak of Mauna Kea for sunset above the clouds, then some of the clearest night skies on Earth.