However, the boats are generally full throughout the year, so crowds are similar all year round. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel fronts one of the few white-sand beaches on the Kohala Coast Kaunaoa Bay, and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort sits atop the islands largest beach, Hpuna. The best time to see manta rays is between May andOctober, during their mating season when they congregate in large numbers near shorelines. While many tours are excellent, the best manta ray tour we always choose in Hawaii is this Big Island Snorkel with Manta Rays Manta Guarantee(Manta Ray Village). Island-sourced and island-inspired cuisine, along with an award-winning wine list, is showcased at Manta Kitchen. Mauna Kea Resort is home to two of Hawaii Islands most spectacular beaches. Best Big Island hotel? Mauna Kea vs Mauna Out of the worlds 32,000 species of fish, manta rays have the biggest brains. 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. The viewing sites in Kona, Hawaii must be reached by boat due to the rough waters near the shore. We loved the calm beach and snorkeling right off the beach. Sightings of stingrays are much rarer than that of manta rays. There are just 12 rooms at the inn, ranging from cozy accommodations for two to deluxe suites with kitchenettes that can sleep up to six, making the hotel a great option for parties of all sizes. Please note parking can be limited, depending upon when guests arrive. Ocean conditions: Many visitors want favorable ocean conditions to avoid tours being canceled. WebMauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. The Mauna Kea Golf Course was the first course built on the island. 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!) This tour is something that can only be experienced in a few locations in the world. Cantilevered hallways stretch high above, leading to three-tiered guest floors. The Mauna Kea gives weekly guided tours of the on-site art collection. In Hawaii, visitors can see manta rays, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. Manta rays in Hawaii are usually between 5 to 8 feet in size, although ones up to 14 feet have been seen in the water. Theres no other way to safely see the manta rays on the island, so a booking a tour is required for this experience. Save all of your favorite content in one curated collection. 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. 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 The top of their skin is gray and black, and then underneath, it is white with black patches. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Get more of Dallas top restaurant, real estate, society, fashion and art in your news feed. Kamakahonu 9. WebManta Ray at the Mona Kea Hotel by TyB, CC (BY) At Manta Point, youll find the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and a beautiful white sandy beach. The sunset tour will sail out before sunset, whereas the moonlight tour departs once its dark. It was the first viewing site on the island and is officially called Kaukalaelae Point. These gentle giants come near shore at night to feed on plankton that gets disoriented by lights. 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. Loved the Mauna Kea! The least crowded time to spot manta rays in Kona, Hawaii, is on a weekday outside of the holiday season or summer. But the resort is a destination unto itself one that is far away from the tourist hoards. Each of the Mauna Kea Hotels 252 guestrooms have one or more private lanai (balconies), luxurious Frette bed linens, and LOccitane bath amenities. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Guests - For inquiries or to make reservations, please email or call (808) 882-5336. On top of that, many snorkel tours use floating light boards to attract plankton to the swimmers in the water, which then brings the manta rays closer. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotels magnificent white sand beach. Kohala Coast. Neighborhood. However, this is something thats not recommended during the winter months. Richardsons Ocean Park The Big Island of Hawaii holds arguably some of the best snorkeling sites in all of the Hawaiian Islands. 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. The hotel has a bright light that illuminates the waters of the bay. The main restaurant, Wailele Cafe (which has a great view of the water), offers a childrens menu, while adults can enjoy locally sourced fish or wild boar. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? We really had such a great incredible experience! I wanted to shout from the rooftops! There were at least seven manta rays at a time. I heard waves crashing and smelled plumeria blossoms. This area became popular with the manta rays after the Kona Surf Hotel closed down and is now visited on many tours at night. Two species of manta ray are seen here: the reef manta and the giant manta ray. Tour Provider: Sea Paradise. We recommend this place as a great place to learn how to boogie board in Hawaii, with mostly calm waters. 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. 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. From the Buddha Shakyamuni to the Hawaiian Quilts, learn what inspired this collection of one of a kind pieces of art and artifacts from Asia and the Pacific. 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. Can't wait to do this again! In Hawaii, youll find the Hawaiian stingray, which is white on the bottom and olive to brown on top. The beach is calm and safe for swimming and has soft white sand and clear blue water. Mahalo! It's known for its soft white sand and calm water, perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Thanks, I guess we'll have to give that one a miss. K Though the surf is gentle enough for children, take precautions because there are no lifeguards here. We now offer a complimentary sand toys program for beloved keiki (children) guests! Top 10 Snorkel Spots on 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. All Rights Reserved. When he retired from diving and filming in The beach was absolutely amazing. 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. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. The Lava Lava Beach Club is a laid-back property near Waikaloa Village, set on Anaeho'omalu Beach. It features white sand and clear blue waters and is known for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Hapuna Beach is the perfect place for a picnic or an afternoon of snorkeling and swimming, with Hawaii State Parks providing facilities and lifeguards to ensure safety. Leave it all behind, experience the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and enjoy a complimentary night on us. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Reserve a Table. We whizzed past valleys of chocolate-colored volcanic rock, headed to the golden Kohala Coast. Manta Ray Night Snorkel at Mauna Kea - report Honaunau Bay 4. Valet. Mauna Kea was built in 1965 and designed by legendary architect Edward Charles Bassett. The average number of rays witnessed on a tour at night is four per boat. 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. 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. However, they are only accessible by boat. 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. 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 is popular with all sorts of travelers, from families to business people, who take advantage of the propertys multiple restaurants, beachfront cabanas and bar, a game room, a fitness center, and a spa with a sauna and steam room. 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. 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..