The competitors often take the manta ray tour after the challenge, and thousands of additional visitors descend on the island. 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. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The luxurious property is located on the secluded Kaunaoa Beach (also known as Mauna Kea Beach) on the Kohala Coast, a stretch of soft white sand thats not at all overrun by tourists and water sports vendors. Plan and bring everything you need, especially water and sunscreen! Restaurants and bars make the most of the island's But the resort is a destination unto itself one that is far away from the tourist hoards. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Visitors praise how close you can get to the manta rays and the expertise thats shared by the captains and guides on the tours. Thanks, I guess we'll have to give that one a miss. K Breakfast is included, of course, and guests are treated to a spread of fruit, eggs, french toast, and other delicious menu items, many of which are made from ingredients grown on the property. Snorkeling and scuba diving: Snorkelers can explore the waters just offshore, where sea turtles like to lie in shallow sandy areas. Serve food/meals and/or beverage to patrons according to established Mauna Kea Beach 5. Reserve With OpenTable. ", Best for Luxury: Four Seasons Hualalai See Rates at TripAdvisor, "For the ultimate splurge, book the 5,500-square-foot Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, which has three bedrooms and direct beach access.". WebThe Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour lets you snorkel with giant manta rays as they dine on tiny plankton just below our light board. Learn more. The water here is between 20 and 30 feet deep, so its an excellent spot for manta ray night snorkeling and diving tours. The hotel has a viewing area where they shine a light straight onto the water, so you can watch the feeding. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. For the best ocean conditions, book a trip between late spring and early fall. (excluding taxes & fees) $130. We now offer a complimentary sand toys program for beloved keiki (children) guests! 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. Parking details. Watch the Kona sunset before dipping into the water. The water in the cove is between 36 and 40 feet deep. If you dont feel like dining on property one night, you can easily walk to neighboring resorts to dine at their restaurants. The best snorkeling and diving locations in Kona along the west coast of the Big Island to see manta rays include: Most manta sites are located within 100 yards of the shoreline. However, they are also popular and typically become very busy. Dont miss the hotels stellar Pacific and Asian art collection, featuring one of a kind pieces. Later in the fall, September, October, and November are also good times to view manta rays. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Upon arrival at Kaunaoa Bay, he dove into the waves, and decided he had found the place to build Hawaii Islands first resort. WebManta Ray Night Snorkel Kona, Big Island 487 from $124.00 Likely to Sell Out Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Manta Ray Night Snorkel 437 from $80.78 Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Afternoon Sail & Snorkel to the Captain Cook Monument 464 from $134.64 Likely to Sell Out Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii There are 252 well-appointed rooms that feature modern decor, including furnished lanais. Experience and understand what you are seeing and learn interesting and educational information youd never have thought to ask! WebHe was the first photographer for the manta ray dive at Manta Village (Keauhou) and established Manta Heaven (airport) in 1999. Its a true island resort, offering not only a swimmable white-sand beach, but also two outdoor pools (including an adults-only infinity pool), an 18-hole golf course, three stellar restaurants plus a coffee bar, a full-service spa, and a fitness center, not to mention plenty of event and meeting space. Mauna Kea was built in 1965 and designed by legendary architect Edward Charles Bassett. For the ultimate splurge, book the 5,200-square-foot Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, which has four bedrooms and direct beach access. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. However, manta rays can be witnessed throughout the year in Hawaii, so most tours are very successful. The staff was great! 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. Relaxation is the name of the game here, so youll find there are loungers spread throughout its grounds, a pool and hot tub, a library, and a kitchen. 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. Only here for 2 nights but so happy we came here. Mahalo! We stayed in the main tower and from the moment we checked in- this place was exceptional! The busiest times are Christmas, summer break, weekends, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. The top of their skin is gray and black, and then underneath, it is white with black patches. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. ", Best Boutique: Lava Lava Beach Club See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Guests have access to bikes, stand-up paddleboards, and even ukuleles to really kick back, relax, and enjoy life. 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. In 2013 Koie Ray was seen 218 times at the manta 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 Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743. 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. Guests can participate in a Manta Ray Moonlight Swim. Located at. 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. A little about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. They can often be seen in Maalaea Bay outside Maui and Kaneohe Bay in Oahu. However, motorized vessels cant enter the bay. There are just 243 accommodations here (though the property does have residential homes, too), split between standard rooms, suites, and villas, all of which face the ocean and feature private outdoor space. Kohala Coast. Download your copy of our To book at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, call 808-882-5707. Manta rays are attracted at night by the light from hotels and boats. Plan a six-night stay at our Kohala Coast resort and take advantage of this offer. 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 With our tips about where and when to see the manta rays in Kona, Hawaii, you will have an incredible experience. The best time to see manta rays is between May andOctober, during their mating season when they congregate in large numbers near shorelines. Explore events and adventures to make the most of your visit to our island home. This is due to the rocky volcanic coastline, which makes it very dangerous to swim out this far. We will definitely choose them again over any other tour! You could tell that people have been coming here for years and the staff treated the guests like family and vice versa. But no matter which accommodation you book, youll have access to the beautiful amenities across the resort, including eight pools, a spa with a water garden, a fitness center with a rock-climbing wall, three restaurants, two lounges, and a Jack Nicklausdesigned golf course. Kahaluu Beach Park 6. Ocean conditions: Many visitors want favorable ocean conditions to avoid tours being canceled. The educational experience is led by local experts who describe the mantas habitats and impact on ocean life. The gentle giants live in the world's tropical and subtropical seas, including Kauna'oa Beach. WebRestaurant Menus Menu offerings and prices are subject to change without notice. Great view from the patio and wonderful beach access. If you don't want to get wet, hammocks are also available for you to lounge on. Visit the Beach Desk at either location to learn more pricing and what can be rented. For inquiries or to make reservations, please email [emailprotected] or call (808) 882-5336. Toys are made of recycled bamboo which will biodegrade within 12 months if buried in the sand or end up in the ocean. Each of the Mauna Kea Hotels 252 guestrooms have one or more private lanai (balconies), luxurious Frette bed linens, and LOccitane bath amenities. Paddle past the rocky point to find colorful tropical fish andvibrant coral reefs. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. The reef that protects the shoreline makes it one of the best beaches on the Big Island for water sports. Rooms are decorated with simple, homey furnishings, but each has large windows that bring in the bright greens from the surrounding foliage. Rockefeller and Davis Allen collected nearly 1,000 pieces of Asian and Oceanic art in 1965. Viewing mantas from the shore: To view the manta rays here without diving or snorkeling, we encourage you to stay at the Sheraton Kona Resort, where you can request a table at the restaurant to view the manta rays in the evening. However, when it comes to spotting these beautiful creatures in Hawaii, there are some important factors to consider. Bring your goggles and let your kids explore life underwater with a snorkeling tour of Kauna'oa Bay. The property is well maintained and the architecture is really cool. May is the best time of year to view manta rays in Hawaii. Viewing mantas from the shore: Like at the Sheraton Kona Resort, you can see manta rays here without diving or snorkeling. Valet. Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. During moonlight tours, visitors find more mantas out in the water, with fewer boats around to compete for their attention. WebSnorkel with manta rays on this Big Island adventure led by an expert guide. Activity: Manta Rays + Snorkeling. We spent hours and hours just floating in the calm and warm waters surrounded by that crescent beach. In Hawaii, visitors can see manta rays, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. I heard waves crashing and smelled plumeria blossoms. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Between the Mauna Kea and Westin Hapuna resorts, the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a rugged 2.4-mile path with beautiful views. 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. Fresh POG juice, leis, beads, friendly valet. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. One night I had delicious late-night sushi accompanied by live music at Copper Bar. The Beach Club at Mauna Kea equips guests for all sorts of adventures with beach equipment rentals and outrigger canoe paddling. As for activities across the rest of the resort, there is a white-sand beach, a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront pool (dont miss the hidden whirlpools in the grottos), a full-service spa and fitness center that offers yoga classes, and watersports rentals. Each of the Mauna Kea Hotels 252 guestrooms have one or more private lanai (balconies), luxurious Frette bed linens, and LOccitane bath amenities. These gentle giants come near shore at night to feed on plankton that gets disoriented by lights. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Can't wait to do this again! The open-air lobby is situated above a sunken garden. 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. Island-sourced and island-inspired cuisine, along with an award-winning wine list, is showcased at Manta Kitchen. Time to avoid: We recommend avoiding the first two weeks in October, as the popular Ironman challenge takes place during this time. The Big Island isnt necessarily known for its nightlife, but for a night out on the town, youll want to head to Kailua-Kona, more commonly called Kona. Spotting mantas in Kona during the day when snorkeling may be possible at cleaning stations. 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. This tour is worth every penny! So enjoy thisbeach at night. Swimming with Manta Rays at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. 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. 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). Explore the sun and the sand with Beach equipment rentals at both properties. Meridia Mediterranean Restaurant overlooks Hapuna Beach. Guests also have access to the facilities at the hotels sister property, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, located less than a 10-minute drive away. WebLocated in Kamuela, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection is on the beach. The food at Mantis was outstanding. For the differences between snorkeling and diving, and sunset or moonlight tours, read our tips below. See our, Book a Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona, Hawaii, founded Dolphin Dreams Imaging (and todays Manta Ray Advocates) in 1991. Located to the north of Kona and about eight miles from the airport, youll find Garden Eel Cove (Google Maps Location). I hope to win the Powerball jackpot and become one of these people. The underbelly is white, and they have a wingspan of up to 6 feet. We also really loved the statues and art they have here. The gentle giants live in the world's tropical and subtropical seas, including Kauna'oa Beach. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel RT Manta AM Waithelp* (Part Time) 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, USA Req #1896 Monday, April 3, 2023 Division: FB Restaurant (FBR005) MK Waithelp Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for proper setting of tables. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Even divers say that you get as close to the manta rays on a snorkel tour as on a diving expedition! Manta rays show up every night at the viewing locations for their daily feeding. 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 However, visitors will. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Guests - For inquiries or to make reservations, please call (808) 880-1111. We really had such a great incredible experience! I wanted to shout from the rooftops! The result is easily among the world's most beautiful golf courses, and it's also a challenging course that has been rated among the best practices in the country for decades. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Guests - For inquiries or to make reservations, please email or call (808) 882-5336. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. After mile marker 68, you will see the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel entrance on the left. WebMauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. The giant manta ray is less commonly seen in Hawaii. Both tours are excellent. They dont have poisonous tail spikes, and they swim in the open ocean. The team will take care of everything for you, so you can just relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We loved the calm beach and snorkeling right off the beach. 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. This tradition started in the 1970s when a hotel along the shore used to illuminate the water in front of their restaurant. We recommend this place as a great place to learn how to boogie board in Hawaii, with mostly calm waters. Dont miss the hotels signature experiences, like a private helicopter tour, a coffee farm tour and tasting, and a private cooking class with the hotels executive chef. The property is actually best known for its restaurant of the same name, owned by the same group that manages the iconic Huggos in Kailua-Kona, which has live music every night. Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. Big Island Snorkel with Manta Rays Manta Guarantee, Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Best Time of Day, Best Time to Visit Maine [Weather, Crowds, Towns]. Since its opening, the manta rays have returned to this area regularly. Theres no pool or other amenities, but the beach provides all the entertainment you need. 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. ", Best for Families: Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Accommodations are quite spaciouschoose an ocean-view room to see some of the areas special neighbors, whales and manta rays. Manta rays can be told apart from stingrays thanks to their black color, as opposed to the stingrays brown color. Hawaii is one of the best locations in the world to snorkel and dive with manta rays in the wild. Mauna Kea, which is where I found this book. Nightly Menus Reserve a Table | Manta Restaurant Reserve With OpenTable 808-882-5707 Located at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive Kohala Coast, HI 96743 [email protected] Site Map Home Menus About Us Policies Careers Contact Us i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-1{ color: #3e3e3d;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-1:hover { color: #ffffff;} Its important to know that you actually dont really swim with the mantas, regardless if youre snorkeling or diving. For inquiries or to make reservations, please email. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Though the surf is gentle enough for children, take precautions because there are no lifeguards here. (You can also book spa treatments. To see them, divers shine their flashlights in the water, attracting plankton and Manta Rays. When he retired from diving and filming in Consider Great 4-D Movie Ride and WM Keck Observatory Office. Menu offerings and prices are subject to change without notice. The mantas are safe and completley harmless with no stingers, barbs or teeth. Kaunaoa Bay is a haven for manta rays along the coast. Check out our guide for the best honeymoon hotels in the state. The hotel lights attract fish to the three main viewing areas. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. During this month, crowds are low, but the ocean conditions are excellent. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. But I was surprised by how quickly I relaxed: a deep calm came over me as soon as I entered the resort. Sighting chance: The chance to spot manta rays in these locations is usually over 90%. The signature Mauna Kea Fredrico cocktail and any tropical cocktail (or mocktail) wish can be served at the beachside casual dining restaurant Hau Tree. Its a charming peek into the earliest days of the resort, and provides an insiders view into its style and charm. To book your reservations, visit Manta Moonlight Snorkel. Meridia Mediterranean Restaurant overlooks Hapuna Beach. The sandy cove of Kauna'oa Bay lies adjacent to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Mauna Kea Beach is a popularbeach located on the Big Island of Hawaii. 808-882-5707. As a bonus, all guests are offered a free photoshoot with one of the resorts photographers, a great perk for traveling couples. Even the strongest swimmers are not recommended to go alone, and its much safer to book a boat trip. Get PC Daily delivered directly to your inbox don't miss anything! Our moonlight swims are open to anyone over 12 years old (, Sometimes, ocean conditions force us to cancel our moonlight swim. This beach has a very relaxed vibe, ideal for a family vacation or a romantic getaway with your significant other. 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. The average number of rays witnessed on a tour at night is four per boat. The hotel has a bright light that illuminates the waters of the bay. 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. These ancient carvings by Native Hawaiians depict a wide variety of imagery. Tour Provider: Sea Paradise. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits on a beautiful secluded white sand beach on Kaunaoa Bay. No company can guarantee a viewing, and its standard practice for companies to offer a free re-booking if this does occur. 10 reviews. [emailprotected]. Kealakekua Bay 3. We stayed in a beach wing room on the 3rd floor. These gentle giants come near shore at night to feed on plankton that gets disoriented by lights. Room was good size with a 2 sink very large bathroom. This is a classic hotel and you can see why families come back year and after year. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the beach park; snorkeling gear is available from the nearby Mauna Kea Resort. Guests can also enjoy special happy hours on the property, plus weekly luaus for dinner. Your Trip to Hawaii Island: The Complete Guide, Best Beachfront: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection, Best for Families: Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Best for Nightlife: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Westin Hapuna Beach Resort See Rates at TripAdvisor, Lava Lava Beach Club See Rates at TripAdvisor, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection See Rates at TripAdvisor, Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa See Rates at TripAdvisor, Fairmont Orchid See Rates at TripAdvisor, Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel See Rates at TripAdvisor, Four Seasons Hualalai See Rates at TripAdvisor. 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. We keep you updated by text and email so youll know as soon as we know. Actually, we prefer this one over the Sheraton Kona Resort. Tour start time: Depending on the time of sunset between 5 pm and Hapuna Beach 7. The oldest and most striking piece is a five-foot, three-inch pink granite Buddha, from a 7th-century temple in southern India, which is situated underneath a Bodhi Tree. 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 gives weekly guided tours of the on-site art collection. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive The water here is calm and shallow, making this an excellent choice for young children. 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. Two award-winning beaches at two-award winning hotels. The differences include: Manta rays can be seen in Hawaii year-round as they dont migrate. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Hapuna Beach, HI 96743, United States of America Excellent location show map. We saw so many rays. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY Although its entirely possible to spend a week on the Big Island relaxing on the beach of a resort, the island Check out this past thread about the same subject: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29217-i268-k4917037-Mauna_Kea_Beach_Hotel_Manta_Rays-Islan We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Hapuna Beach: Hawaii Island's "other" legendary white sand beach is just a short drive north of Mauna Kea Beach. Escape! 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). Set on 1,839 acres, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and adjoining Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel boast two championship 18-hole golf courses, an 11-court Seaside Tennis Club, and an array of beach activities. All Rights Reserved. Stingrays sit on the mud bottoms of coastal bays at a depth of more than 50 feet. Cantilevered hallways stretch high above, leading to three-tiered guest floors. On top of that, the boat tours attract the manta rays with their lights, so you are unlikely to see anything nearer the shoreline. Mauna Key Beach Hotel is located on the Big Island. On the budget end of the spectrum, we recommend the Volcano Inn, located just a four-minute drive from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a lush rainforest setting. Between the Mauna Kea and Westin Hapuna resorts, the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a rugged 2.4-mile path with beautiful viewsand you can hop in a golf cart for a ride back! The beach is surrounded by lush green vegetation and several nearby resorts and hotels for visitors to stay at. PAPERCITY 2023 urban publishers, inc. all rights reserved terms & condition // privacy policy // sitemap, The beach at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island, Hawaii. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Thanks to these set locations, manta rays return to the same spot over and again throughout the year. A manta ray snorkel or dive tour in Hawaii is well worth it for anyone who wants to get a close-up view of manta rays. We had a great family vacation here in June. 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