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.
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.
Best months at a glance
The mantas are resident year-round, so there is no wrong month to book, but water conditions and cancellation odds do shift through the year.
| Months | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| April–October | Calmest water, easiest float | Flat summer evenings make for the smoothest ride out and the easiest float for first-timers. |
| November | Transitional | Trade winds start to build and conditions vary night to night as the season turns. |
| December–March | Choppier seas, more weather cancellations, whale-season bonus | Winter swells lead operators to cancel more often for safety, so book early in your stay in case a night gets blown out and needs to rebook. This overlaps whale season, so many boats also spot humpbacks on the ride out and back. |
Moon phase matters less than most guests expect. What draws the mantas in close is the boats’ own lights, not the moon overhead, so a full moon is not a reason to skip a booking.
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
Whale Watching on the Kohala Coast
From November through April, humpbacks fill the channel off Waikoloa, breaching, tail-slapping, and singing. Some of the best viewing is from shore.
Ocean
Sunset Catamaran Sail
Slip out of the bay as the sun drops into the sea, drinks in hand and sails full, the Kohala Coast glowing gold behind you. The island's easiest evening on the water.