In Hawaii, visitors can see manta rays, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. Mauna Kea Beach Club Hours: Open Daily 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Upgrade your day in the sun and relax in your own personal cabana.To book at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, visit here. Sign up for one of the moonlight manta snorkel tours, where you can float serenely among the giant manta rays that regularly hang out in Kaunaoa Bay. Experience and understand what you are seeing and learn interesting and educational information youd never have thought to ask! Read all about the different locations here, Read about how manta rays protect themselves, Read more here about what equipment you will use to swim with mantas, See our availability and choose a day and time that fit your travel schedule, As soon as youve booked and paid, well send you an email confirmation. WebYouth. An all-you-can-eat breakfast is included in the stay, so dont miss the fresh-baked banana bread, papaya bowls, and delicious local coffee. Following an earthquake, the resort has completed a $150 million restoration. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. We whizzed past valleys of chocolate-colored volcanic rock, headed to the golden Kohala Coast. A parkside oasis with unrivaled amenities. Kealakekua Bay 3. Be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: Swimming with manta rays in Kona (Big Island of Hawaii) is truly one of the top ten marine adventures on our planet. The signature Mauna Kea Fredrico cocktail and any tropical cocktail (or mocktail) wish can be served at the beachside casual dining restaurant Hau Tree. Our Beach Boys offer Outrigger Canoe Adventurers that share proper paddling techniques, storytelling, and fun facts about the local marine life. Everyone praises the expertise of the guides on the boat and their willingness to help anyone who is nervous. Learn more. Two species of manta ray are seen here: the reef manta and the giant manta ray. The property is well maintained and the architecture is really cool. Visitors praise how close you can get to the manta rays and the expertise thats shared by the captains and guides on the tours. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Neighborhood. It was as if the architects had built a perfect frame through which to view the beach and cliffsand designed a treehouse guests could climb inside and have the stillness and peace of mind to savor with all senses the piercing natural beauty, a vast landscape of lava rock, sea, and ranchland with clear views of the Mauna Kea volcanos summit. You could tell that people have been coming here for years and the staff treated the guests like family and vice versa. Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. Good to know: The Big Island of Hawaii doesnt encounter the same waves as elsewhere in the state, so ocean adventures are safe throughout the year. Best Overall: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Each room has an ocean-view lanai (some have just partial views), rain showers, and soaking tubs. A visitor quote: The crew cares for their guests and the environment. 10 reviews. I have always adored mid-century modernism but the juxtaposition of clean lines and a wild, lush setting was breathtaking. Lauren, thank you so much for providing this detailed report of the Mauna Kea night snorkel. Really helpful to people who want to know more. Our experienced guides keep you safe and away from currents, jellyfish, sharp lava rock and coral, sea urchins, rogue waves and other potential danger, Swimming in the ocean at night requires planning and proper equipment; we work with top-notch gear like safety lights and swim vests. The water here is calm and shallow, making this an excellent choice for young children. Bring your goggles and let your kids explore life underwater with a snorkeling tour of Kauna'oa Bay. Other standouts include two bronze dogs from a Thai temple and a rare collection of Hawaiian kapa (pounded tree bark) cloth, printed in the 1960s by renowned kapa artisan Malia Solomon specifically for Mauna Kea. Two award-winning beaches at two-award winning hotels. Loved the Mauna Kea! Theres no other way to safely see the manta rays on the island, so a booking a tour is required for this experience. However, any month in Hawaii is a great time to spot manta rays. Mauna Kea Beach 5. You have three options to see manta rays while visiting Kona, Hawaii: Tour operators sometimes combine diving and snorkeling trips. Its a charming peek into the earliest days of the resort, and provides an insiders view into its style and charm. Located at. Spotted eagle rays can grow up to 7 feet in length, and they mainly live in rocky coral reefs at a depth of up to 80 feet. In Hawaii, youll receive a fine of up to $10,000 plus a criminal penalty for killing or capturing manta rays. The Lava Lava Beach Club is a laid-back property near Waikaloa Village, set on Anaeho'omalu Beach. However, when it comes to spotting these beautiful creatures in Hawaii, there are some important factors to consider. The guides and captain know the best spots to stop at, increasing your chance of viewing these majestic creatures. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. I walked across indigo floor tiles to see the beach, which has been called the most beautiful in the world (and not only by me). You'll find a few tour companies that offer nighttime snorkeling at Kauna'oa Beach, or you can rent snorkel equipment and do it on your own. However, the boats are generally full throughout the year, so crowds are similar all year round. Toys are made of recycled bamboo which will biodegrade within 12 months if buried in the sand or end up in the ocean. We saw so many rays. This tour is worth every penny! By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. The hotel has a viewing area where they shine a light straight onto the water, so you can watch the feeding. Fresh POG juice, leis, beads, friendly valet. Menu offerings and prices are subject to change without notice. The 509-room resort is organized into more family-friendly sections and more adult sections, ensuring that parents have a place to retreat to, while kids are sure to have plenty of fun. These ancient carvings by Native Hawaiians depict a wide variety of imagery. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. He was the first photographer for the manta ray dive at. While there are a handful of beachfront hotels on the Big Island, we think the best beach can be found at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. All Rights Reserved. We now offer a complimentary sand toys program for beloved keiki (children) guests! Thanks Lauren! Manta rays are the largest of the family of rays. The Mauna Kea gives weekly guided tours of the on-site art collection. This beach has a very relaxed vibe, ideal for a family vacation or a romantic getaway with your significant other. The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve gives visitors a rare glimpse into Hawaii's past, offering an opportunity to view authentic petroglyphs up close and personal. Crossingmiles of winding roads, follow Queen Kaahumanu Highway until you pass the Waikoloa Resort Area and Hapuna Beach marker. If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. Explore the sun and the sand with Beach equipment rentals at both properties. However, they are also popular and typically become very busy. Nearby, you can find plenty of sights, including: Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site: The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is also near Mauna Kea Beach. (You can also book spa treatments. Couples should be sure to book a stay in one of the Fairmont Gold rooms, which are located on the exclusive sixth floor of one of the hotels towers and provide access to a special reception area and lounge with a lanai that serves complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors douevres. ", Best B&B: Holualoa Inn See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Relaxation is the name of the game here, so youll find there are loungers spread throughout its grounds, a pool and hot tub. If you dont feel like dining on property one night, you can easily walk to neighboring resorts to dine at their restaurants. Watch the Kona sunset before dipping into the water. Martina, Thank you so much for the amazing Manta experience on my 60. birthday. We do require you to be able to swim in water too deep to stand and have basic ocean snorkel experience. Sunset tours to see the manta rays offer a pretty view during the trip, whereas moonlight tours usually experience fewer crowds. Snorkeling in Puako: At Puako Bay, you can explore a beautiful coral reef and see colorful fish, turtles, and eels. This area became popular with the manta rays after the Kona Surf Hotel closed down and is now visited on many tours at night. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits on a beautiful secluded white sand beach on Kaunaoa Bay. Sit back with light refreshments and snacks This tour is something that can only be experienced in a few locations in the world. This tradition started in the 1970s when a hotel along the shore used to illuminate the water in front of their restaurant. Mauna Kea Resort guests have exclusive access to most ofthis picturesque beach. One night I had delicious late-night sushi accompanied by live music at Copper Bar. Plan and bring everything you need, especially water and sunscreen! The open-air lobby is situated above a sunken garden. There are three recognised manta ray viewing sites in Kona, Hawaii. I was able to stay at both lovely properties, and guests share all facilities. For adults, theres the spa, the gym, and a golf course next door. All guests are highly urged to check-in with our Beach Safety Team for any precautions before entering the ocean. Wonderful. It offers six rooms and suites and two standalone cottages, each elegantly decorated with plenty of local wood decor and furnishings with Asian and Polynesian artworks. The sunset tour will sail out before sunset, whereas the moonlight tour departs once its dark. In Hawaii, youll find the Hawaiian stingray, which is white on the bottom and olive to brown on top. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Traveling with kids? Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability, Beach Bar and Restaurant (Check out the popular Manta Restaurant). WebMauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. Regular sightings mean we see a manta ray 150-200 times in a year versus a manta we only see 1-30 times. Manta ray sightings are generally quite consistent here, offering visitors the chance to view these magnificent creatures up close. Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve: A few hundred yards south of Mauna Kea Beach lies an ancient Hawaiian site with thousands of petroglyphs carved into the lava rock. The beach is spectacular. However, manta rays can be witnessed throughout the year in Hawaii, so most tours are very successful. The top of their skin is gray and black, and then underneath, it is white with black patches. Also snorkling tours with Manta Rays are provided. The bay's south end is a small cove with a sandy bottom where kids can safely splash around. Kohala Coast, HI 96743, i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-4{ color: #3e3e3d;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-4:hover { color: #3e3e3d;} One of the best manta snorkeling tours: At Keauhou Bay, we always suggest booking the Eco-Friendly Twilight Manta Ray Adventure (via GetYourGuide with a mobile or printed voucher very comfortable). The shoreline viewing area is overlooking the bay and offers the perfect location for spotting them. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Mauna Lani Resort 10. We encourage you to refresh your snorkel skills in the hotel pool and ocean and establish a comfort level with the equipment in the brightness of the day. Later in the fall, September, October, and November are also good times to view manta rays. [emailprotected]. Directly at the hotel, the Mauna Kea Golf course invites you to swing the clubs. Guests have access to bikes, stand-up paddleboards, and even ukuleles to really kick back, relax, and enjoy life in Hawaii. Guests of Mauna Kea Resort, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, are welcome (seasonally) to enjoy the services of both Westin Hapuna Beach Club and Mauna Kea Beach Club. This transformative experience is the only of its kind on the island that offers shore entry, which means participants approach the mantas directly from the shore by walking into the ocean. If youre looking for a more authentic stay than you might find at the big resorts, book the Holualoa Inn, which describes a trip to its property as an extraordinary Hawaiian experience epitomizing the spirit of Aloha.. Constructed by venture capitalist Mauna Lani: They didnt change the bones of the older building, but they did freshen it up quite a bit (for $200M, I should hope so!) 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, HI 96743. May is the best time of year to view manta rays in Hawaii. The hotel lights attract fish to the three main viewing areas. This might be the most beautiful beach on the Big Island. This location generally has the highest rates (over 95%) for manta ray sightings and is located just 8 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Hapuna Beach 7. Today Martina, the woman who came snorkeling with us, emailed everyone the videos she took. They are amazing! She made sure to get everyone in enou Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. In 2013 Koie Ray was seen 218 times at the manta Mahalo, Lauren, for this great report! Richardsons Ocean Park The Big Island of Hawaii holds arguably some of the best snorkeling sites in all of the Hawaiian Islands. This then attracts plankton, which in turn, attracts the manta rays. Kamakahonu 9. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the beach park; snorkeling gear is available from the nearby Mauna Kea Resort. For the ultimate splurge, book the 5,200-square-foot Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, which has four bedrooms and direct beach access. We had a great family vacation here in June. Its important to know that you actually dont really swim with the mantas, regardless if youre snorkeling or diving. Each has an ocean-view lanai (some have just partial views), rain showers, and soaking tubs. Hapuna Beach: Hawaii Island's "other" legendary white sand beach is just a short drive north of Mauna Kea Beach. Manta rays show up every night at the viewing locations for their daily feeding. The educational experience is led by local experts who describe the mantas habitats and impact on ocean life. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive Serve food/meals and/or beverage to patrons according to established Enjoy breathtaking views of lava rock formations and colorful reef fish with plenty of time to explore tide pools and swim to shore when ready. The beach is surrounded by lush green vegetation and several nearby resorts and hotels for visitors to stay at. 808-882-5707. Leave it all behind, experience the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and enjoy a complimentary night on us. Book your tour well in advance of your trip to Hawaii to ensure you dont miss out on this incredible experience. Yet, others can access it for afee. Kohala Coast. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: 4: Spa, pool, beach access, Wi-Fi 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 (808) 882-7222: Fairmont Orchid: 5: Spa, pool, air The manta rays now know that light means food. I was lucky to enjoy a traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage at the Westin Mandara Spa, which features long, gentle strokes to lull guests into peacefulness. Terms of Use, We have designed the tour to be relaxing and not too taxing. Nightly Menus. The Mauna Kea Golf Course was the first course built on the island. The 452 rooms are a bit generic, but if youre here for the nightlife, youll do just fine crashing into the comfortable beds late at night. Follow the road until it ends at the resort's parking lot; ask to obtain a beach-access pass if you're stopped at the guard shack,thenpay $20 for parking (usually via the kiosk machine) as of this writing. Set on Hapuna beach on the northwest coast of the Big Island, the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort underwent a major renovation in 2018 that helped solidify its spot on the top of our list. Mauna Key Beach Hotel is located on the Big Island. The hotel has a bright light that illuminates the waters of the bay. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Dont miss the hotels stellar Pacific and Asian art collection, featuring one of a kind pieces. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743. Manta rays can be told apart from stingrays thanks to their black color, as opposed to the stingrays brown color. Out of the worlds 32,000 species of fish, manta rays have the biggest brains. (Courtesy). 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Cantilevered hallways stretch high above, leading to three-tiered guest floors. Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort has 249 rooms outfitted with typical, but modern Hawaiian decor, like dark-wood furniture with neutral accent pieces. There's plenty to do here, from paddleboarding to kayaking. The tours are very similar, with about 45 minutes to one hour in the water on both. The exception is the Kohala Coast, with one disadvantage: Fewer manta rays and lower sighting chance. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. The reef that protects the shoreline makes it one of the best beaches on the Big Island for water sports. As my plane from Honolulu to Hawaii Island flew over impossibly beautiful water a lone sailboat far below, waves meeting multicolored sand I was filled with anticipation, ready to savor new tastes and dive into ocean waves for a review of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Exploring Manta Rays at nighttime: Manta or devil rays are one of the world's most graceful and alluring sea creatures. Island-sourced and island-inspired cuisine, along with an award-winning wine list, is showcased at Manta Kitchen. On a manta ray tour in Kona, Hawaii, expect to spot between one and six manta rays. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Guests also have access to a relaxing lanai, plus a hot tub thats open 24-hours a day its a great way to relax after hiking all day. Kaunaoa Bay is a haven for manta rays along the coast. Thanks to these set locations, manta rays return to the same spot over and again throughout the year. Many new mantas have been identified in the area. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Guests - For inquiries or to make reservations, please email or call (808) 882-5336. This is due to the rocky volcanic coastline, which makes it very dangerous to swim out this far. ", Best Budget: Volcano Inn See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Rooms are decorated with simple, homey furnishings, but each has large windows that bring in the bright greens from the surrounding foliage. The storied Mauna Kea property combines natural beauty and luxury with a rare collection of oceanic art, award-winning architectural design, innovative spa services, and chef-designed menus featuring local ingredients. Mauna Kea Golf Course: The Mauna Kea Golf Course was originally built in 1964 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., who was tasked with creating a course that would make international golfers gush about its beauty and challenge. However, motorized vessels cant enter the bay. The competitors often take the manta ray tour after the challenge, and thousands of additional visitors descend on the island. Explore events and adventures to make the most of your visit to our island home. At home in Austin, Id been chasing summer happiness with trips to museums, water parks, and air-conditioned restaurants, but I was ready for the thrill of exploring a place I had never before seen. We spent hours and hours just floating in the calm and warm waters surrounded by that crescent beach. Consider Great 4-D Movie Ride and WM Keck Observatory Office. There are special dining events every week, too, like a luau and a clambake on the beach. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. WebManta Ray Night Snorkel at Mauna Kea - report 3 years ago Save Tonight my husband and I and our two teenage children did the Manta Ray night snorkel through Manta Ray Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel to be right in the middle of it all and to be right on the beach. WebGuests of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel can check in with the beach shack to learn more about our complimentary daily outrigger canoe experience or how to hire a private paddling The gentle giants live in the world's tropical and subtropical seas, including Kauna'oa Beach. Tour start time: Depending on the time of sunset between 5 pm and Sighting chance: The chance to spot manta rays in these locations is usually over 90%. Mahalo! Manta rays have cephalic lobes coming out of their ears, and their wingspan is between 5 and 8 feet.