“Big Bertha”, “Baby Huey”, “Elvis”, and “Calamity Jane” are just a few of the names given to the 300+ manta rays that call Kona’s waters home. Massive vegetarian ballerinas of the sea, Manta Rays, or ‘Hahalua’, feed on plankton at night, offering up a spectacular underwater show. Related to sharks, these “gentle giants” are toothless and totally harmless. Read on to learn more about Kona’s magical manta rays, where to see them, and our favorite manta tours in Kona.
Manta Ray Fun Facts
Manta rays have wing spans of up to 15 ft and can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. Hubba hubba!
Manta rays are filter feeders who dine on billions of plankton with their giant vacuum-like mouths.
The lights from boats at night attract the plankton which attract the manta rays to feed.
We refer to them jokingly as ‘ballerinas’ because mantas appear to ‘dance’ in the water as they turn graceful somersaults and pirouettes during feeding.
Manta rays can live 40 - 50 years.
Manta rays only have 1 pup every 2-3 years.
The Manta Pacific Research Foundation has identified and named the 300+ manta rays in Kona’s waters using their distinct spots and scars.
Manta rays can be found feeding in very shallow water but also are known to dive down to great depths of more than 1,000 ft.
According to some guides, mantas are attracted to singing…so bring your best karaoke voice.
Historically, manta rays have been revered by native Hawaiians and are mentioned in the Kumulipo - the Hawaiian creation chant. Read more about their cultural significance.
Where to See Manta Rays in Kona
Manta Rays gather in two main areas at night to feed off the Kona coast:
Keauhou Bay, 4 miles from My Hawaii Hostel
Garden Eel Cove, off the coast of the Kona airport
The main difference between the two locations is that Keauhou Bay is a very short boat ride (5 minutes) to the manta viewing site, while Garden Eel Cove requires a 30 - 45 minute scenic boat ride along the Kona coast from Honokohau Harbor.
NOTE: We don’t recommend trying to swim out to see the manta rays on your own at night. The Mantas are located a long (and dark) swim from shore and you run the risk of being hit by a boat being out in open water at night. In this case, it’s worth it to take a tour!
Best Manta Ray Tours in Kona
There are many manta ray night dive and snorkel tour options in Kona. Note: you DON’T need to be a strong swimmer to go on a manta snorkel tour. All tours provide flotation devices so you can float on the surface of the water comfortably. Tour guides are expert watermen and women who can assist you, too.
One bonus of going on a manta tour (besides mantas, of course!) is getting to see a beautiful Kona sunset and moon rise on the water. Looking back toward land, the silhouette of Hualālai volcano at night is breathtaking - towering over Kona town at 8,000 + ft.
Here’s a few of our favorite manta ray snorkel and dive tours in Kona:
Anelakai Adventures
This Hawaiian family-owned tour company offers manta snorkel tours aboard their traditional double hulled outrigger canoe out of Keauhou Bay. Their paddle-powered and highly mobile canoes allow you to get up close to the mantas without disturbing them with a loud motor. Their tour size is limited to a maximum of 6 people. Another feature we like is that you can float holding onto the canoe as you snorkel or easily view the mantas from inside the canoe. Anelakai Adventures is a member of the Pono Pledge, a commitment to sustainable tourism. Wet suit tops, snorkel gear, and floats are provided. Book at: https://www.anelakaiadventures.com.
Cost: $109 for 1 hour tour.
Video and photo courtesy of Anelakai Adventures.
My Kona Adventures
A small power boat manta snorkel tour that operates out of Keauhou Bay. This company is Hawaiian and Veteran-owned. Bonus: they often have deals on Groupon. Their tour size is limited to 6 people. They offer multiple tour times at night, beginning at 6pm and running to 10 pm for you night owls out there. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, and floats are provided. Book at: https://www.mykonaadventures.com/
Cost: $109 for 1 hour tour.
Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
This company offers manta ray night dives for certified scuba divers and manta ray snorkel tours. They operate out of Honokohau Harbor and do their manta tours in Garden Eel Cove. This location offers a longer, scenic power boat ride along the rugged Kona coast. Total tour time is 3 hours. Tour size of 13 people. Wet suits, snorkel gear, and floats are included as well as chips, cookies, soft drinks, and water. Book at: https://www.mantaraydiveshawaii.com
Cost: scuba dive $125, snorkel $110 , dive gear rental $25, GoPro rental $40.
Have you seen Kona’s manta rays? Share your adventures by tagging us in your photos and videos @myhawaiihostel on Instagram and Facebook.