All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. The sandy cove of Kauna'oa Bay lies adjacent to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. When he retired from diving and filming in 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. WebManta Ray Point, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 10 years ago Save Hi: I know non-guests can park during the daytime to use the beach there, but I just read about Manta Ray Point No company can guarantee a viewing, and its standard practice for companies to offer a free re-booking if this does occur. 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. For The Mauna Kea Luau reservations, please click here. I was able to stay at both lovely properties, and guests share all facilities. WebThe Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour lets you snorkel with giant manta rays as they dine on tiny plankton just below our light board. Later in the fall, September, October, and November are also good times to view manta rays. Boat trips are more likely to be canceled between January and mid-March due to the swells and strong winds that are sometimes experienced during this time. For the ultimate splurge, book the 5,200-square-foot Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, which has four bedrooms and direct beach access. Enjoy beach equipment rentals at both properties or receive a complimentary set of sand toys are our Beach Desk! Thanks, I guess we'll have to give that one a miss. K 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. 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. Fresh POG juice, leis, beads, friendly valet. 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. Hapuna Beach: Hawaii Island's "other" legendary white sand beach is just a short drive north of Mauna Kea Beach. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel The Mauna Kea gives weekly guided tours of the on-site art collection. Hapuna Beach 7. 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. Night Manta Ray Adventure on the Big Island, Hawaii - Viator The mantas are safe and completley harmless with no stingers, barbs or teeth. Manta rays are attracted at night by the light from hotels and boats. My driver had just moved with his wife and toddler from Massachusetts (where hed run a cell phone store) to Hawaii, and said he had never been happier. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. ", 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.". 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. 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. We had one day with not much in the way of waves so great for snorkeling near the reef. The spotted eagle ray has pretty colors with dots that vary from white to yellow and green on their black back. Each has an ocean-view lanai (some have just partial views), rain showers, and soaking tubs. Kahaluu Beach Park 6. 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. Manta rays can be told apart from stingrays thanks to their black color, as opposed to the stingrays brown color. 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! I started with lobster tempura and chose macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi for my entre and Mantas Souffle for dessert, a chocolate dream that I was told is a resort favorite. 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. 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. The Mauna Kea Hawaiian Lau completes the experience with a taste of culture shared by means of music, food, and family tradition on the Island of Hawaii. 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. Best hotels on the Big Island, Hawaii - The Points Guy The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sits on a beautiful secluded white sand beach on Kaunaoa Bay. Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. This national park preserves the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple and contains exhibits about Hawaiian history. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743. However, any month in Hawaii is a great time to spot manta rays. Manta rays have cephalic lobes coming out of their ears, and their wingspan is between 5 and 8 feet. Honaunau Bay 4. It was the first viewing site on the island and is officially called Kaukalaelae Point. 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 This tour is worth every penny! Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. ", 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. The busiest times are Christmas, summer break, weekends, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. But the resort is a destination unto itself one that is far away from the tourist hoards. There are three recognised manta ray viewing sites in Kona, Hawaii. 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. 1960s photo shoots have the same feel as the current resort: I would not have been surprised to see Don Draper from Mad Men settling into a chair next to me and sipping a martini at the pool. Its not advised to snorkel at night alone to spot manta rays. You can make a reservation at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel here (with price-match via booking.com). Mauna Key Beach Hotel is located on the Big Island. They can often be seen in Maalaea Bay outside Maui and Kaneohe Bay in Oahu. Escape! 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. Its a charming peek into the earliest days of the resort, and provides an insiders view into its style and charm. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, HI 96743. WebSnorkel with manta rays on this Big Island adventure led by an expert guide. I had packed beachwear and a fabulous hat, ready for magic. WebLocated in Kamuela, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection is on the beach. Rooms are decorated with simple, homey furnishings, but each has large windows that bring in the bright greens from the surrounding foliage. Are Manta Ray Expeditions Harmful to Manta Rays? Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. However, they are only accessible by boat. Manta rays can be identified by researchers thanks to their belly spots. 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 We spent hours and hours just floating in the calm and warm waters surrounded by that crescent beach. The Lava Lava Beach Club is a laid-back property near Waikaloa Village, set on Anaeho'omalu Beach. Rockefeller and Davis Allen collected nearly 1,000 pieces of Asian and Oceanic art in 1965. 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 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. Though the surf is gentle enough for children, take precautions because there are no lifeguards here. Snorkeling and scuba diving: Snorkelers can explore the waters just offshore, where sea turtles like to lie in shallow sandy areas. 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). We will also show you how to passively interact with the manta rays, so they arent frightened or injured by your presence and so we dont interrupt them while they eat. Additional. 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. Nightly Menus. The water here is calm and shallow, making this an excellent choice for young children. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a Nature-Lover's Paradise | Well+Good Two species of manta ray are seen here: the reef manta and the giant manta ray. Some individuals may also find the water to be very cold in the winter months, so a wetsuit is essential at this time of year. Magnificient!. Out of the worlds 32,000 species of fish, manta rays have the biggest brains. I heard waves crashing and smelled plumeria blossoms. In 2013 Koie Ray was seen 218 times at the manta It is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in Hawaii, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The food at Mantis was outstanding. Crossingmiles of winding roads, follow Queen Kaahumanu Highway until you pass the Waikoloa Resort Area and Hapuna Beach marker. Located to the north of Kona and about eight miles from the airport, youll find Garden Eel Cove (Google Maps Location). WebManta Ray Night Snorkel 2. 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. Best in Hawaii that I've been to. The open-air lobby is situated above a sunken garden. Beyond the magazine. Mauna Kea Resort guests have exclusive access to most ofthis picturesque beach. Mauna Kea, which is where I found this book. The resort has created a library dedicated to Mr. Get more of Dallas top restaurant, real estate, society, fashion and art in your news feed. The team will take care of everything for you, so you can just relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. See our, Book a Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona, Hawaii, founded Dolphin Dreams Imaging (and todays Manta Ray Advocates) in 1991. 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. 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. The signature Mauna Kea Fredrico cocktail and any tropical cocktail (or mocktail) wish can be served at the beachside casual dining restaurant Hau Tree. 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. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Snorkeling and diving to see the manta rays are both equally stunning experiences. The least crowded time to spot manta rays in Kona, Hawaii, is on a weekday outside of the holiday season or summer. The hotel lights attract fish to the three main viewing areas. Each of the Mauna Kea Hotels 252 guestrooms have one or more private lanai (balconies), luxurious Frette bed linens, and LOccitane bath amenities. Waialea Bay Beach: Just two miles from Mauna Kea Beach is Waialea Bay Beach, which received a top ranking as one of the best beaches in the United States. 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 The Manta Ray Night Dive is Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection Exploring Manta Rays at nighttime: Manta or devil rays are one of the world's most graceful and alluring sea creatures. A replacement fee of $100 is charged if toys are not returned or are missing items within the set. 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 Mauna Kea Golf Course was the first course built on the island. Hawaii is one of the best locations in the world to snorkel and dive with manta rays in the wild. Neighborhood. In 1959, soon after Hawaii became the fiftieth American state, conservationist and venture capitalist Laurance S. Rockefeller toured the Hawaiian islands. Big Island Snorkel with Manta Rays Manta Guarantee, Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Best Time of Day, Best Time to Visit Maine [Weather, Crowds, Towns]. The bay's south end is a small cove with a sandy bottom where kids can safely splash around. They dont have poisonous tail spikes, and they swim in the open ocean. Manta rays are believed to have existed for 4.8 million years. Sunset tours to see the manta rays offer a pretty view during the trip, whereas moonlight tours usually experience fewer crowds. Sighting chance: The chance to spot manta rays in these locations is usually over 90%. (You can also book spa treatments. Mauna Kea was built in 1965 and designed by legendary architect Edward Charles Bassett. Theres no pool or other amenities, but the beach provides all the entertainment you need. Plan a six-night stay at our Kohala Coast resort and take advantage of this offer. Regular sightings mean we see a manta ray 150-200 times in a year versus a manta we only see 1-30 times. The shoreline viewing area is overlooking the bay and offers the perfect location for spotting them. You could tell that people have been coming here for years and the staff treated the guests like family and vice versa. The sunset tour will sail out before sunset, whereas the moonlight tour departs once its dark. There are eight bars and restaurants here the most romantic of which would be the fine-dining Browns Beach House, which has a menu of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Cantilevered hallways stretch high above, leading to three-tiered guest floors. We also really loved the statues and art they have here. 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. Live jazz and a view of snorkelers searching for manta rays made for a memorable night. Everyone praises the expertise of the guides on the boat and their willingness to help anyone who is nervous. ", Best for Nightlife: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Be right in the middle of it alland right on the beach. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Youll get up close and personal with majestic manta rays on a 75-minute adventure. 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. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. | Manta Restaurant. Join researcher James Wing for a private tour with the manta rays that frequent Kaunaoa Bay at Mauna Kea Resorts Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. Mahalo! Mahalo, Lauren, for this great report! 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. Restaurants and bars make the most of the island's Mauna Kea Beach Hotel The B&B is set on 30 acres of rainforest on the slopes Mount Hualalai, nestled among quiet coffee farms yet located just 10 minutes away from Kailua-Kona by car. 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. Room was good size with a 2 sink very large bathroom. 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. 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. Its located on a remote stretch of white-sand beach halfway between Waikaloa Village and Kailua-Kona, which both are a 30-minute drive away. But I was surprised by how quickly I relaxed: a deep calm came over me as soon as I entered the resort. 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. 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. A little about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Menus $115. They were a available but no one in our group used them last night. The water was warm and we didnt get cold while we were swimming at all. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Mr. Mauna Kea is a gem of a memoir written by Adi W. Kohler, the much-beloved General Manager of the resort for over thirty years, before his death at age 83. Save all of your favorite content in one curated collection. My favorites are the Mauna Kea Beach Shop, where you can buy everything from towels to bucket hats to drinking glasses to with the iconic orange plumeria flower logo, and the pop-up House of Mana Up, which is filled with unique treasures from local artisans. Two award-winning beaches at two-award winning hotels. Upon arrival at Kaunaoa Bay, he dove into the waves, and decided he had found the place to build Hawaii Islands first resort. Richardsons Ocean Park The Big Island of Hawaii holds arguably some of the best snorkeling sites in all of the Hawaiian Islands. Thanks Lauren! Whether you desire to relax and enjoy the sun, surf, or swim,head to Kauna' Oa (Mauna Kea) Beach, this destination holds many activities, including: Swim, boogie board, and kayaking: With powdery sands and calm turquoise waters, this beach is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and kayaking. Download your copy of our ", 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. 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. Each of the Mauna Kea Hotels 252 guestrooms have one or more private lanai (balconies), luxurious Frette bed linens, and LOccitane bath amenities. We do require you to be able to swim in water too deep to stand and have basic ocean snorkel experience. Great view from the patio and wonderful beach access. 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.