Manta rays in Hawaii are the second-largest species anywhere with a wingspan of up to 18 feet.
36 thoughts on “Manta Rays in Hawaii: History, Viewing and Recent Kauai Sighting”
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I have done 2 night snorkeling with manta rays off of the Sheraton Kona and after getting over the concept of slipping into jet black water I found it to be one of the most awesome snorkeling experiences of my life. Feeling the pressure wave as they swam in front of me was an unimaginable experience. I recommend that anyone that has the chance to do this take advantage of it.
About 15 years ago my son, a scuba instructor on Maui, took me on a shore dive off of Ukumehame beach park. He had previously seen mantas there. We swam out about 200 yards and submerged. Within a few minutes the mantas arrived at what was obviously a cleaning station for them. At one point we had 13 mantas swimming and hovering around us. It was the most memorable dive of my life. I have often wondered if they still visit that area of the reef.
My husband and I watched a manta ray from the cliffs at Shipwreck Beach in Kauai. Amazing creature! Super graceful! I’m sure he was waving at us!
We dove with Mantas off Kona and it was a close to religious experience as the glided by and over us. We (I) was so mesmerized that I apparently had a Moray swim between my legs and I never saw it. Apparently, after that he became a “usual” as he came to the lights for the fish that came for the plankton and the divers were forewarned. Have a great video of the night. We are planning to snorkel with them next month while in Kona.
I have done the night snorkel with mantas twice, and it is easily my favorite activity. The awe they inspire when they come inches from you (or sometimes even accidently brush against you) is incredible! These gentle giants are amazing, and their grace and beauty is incredible to watch. I’ve snorkeled with wild dolphins, and thought that was tops, but this, to me, beat it hands down.
When I lived on the Big Island in 1976 I would see rays jumping out of the water at Hapuna first thing in the morning….all alone on the beach ! Not sure if they were mantas but it was thrilling. Check out the nightly free viewing of mantas at the hotel bar lanai in Keauhou Bay. Outstanding.
We’ve seen Manta Rays days off Kam 1 on Maui….so graceful and beautiful. I always thought they were dangerous….until we were educated that they were harmless when visiting Hawaii! We miss the island’s and can hardly wait to return!! Getting our 2nd Covid vaccine in March!! Looking forward to visiting….not sure the vaccine will help us get back to vacationing to Hawaii but we sure hope so!?
I saw a small group of them right off shore at Larsen’s Beach on Kauai. Friends who live on the island were jealous because they have never seen them.
A firiend and I did a Kona night snorkel with the mantas. The mantas’ were so graceful. We felt it was like watching a ballet in the water. Try an unforgettable experience.
Enjoyed your story on the amazing mantas. We were fortunate enough to see at Keauhou Bay on a night excursion, a few years ago. To say this was an unforgettable experience doesn’t do it justice. Can’t wait to go again!
Mahalo, BOH.
Hi Jim.
Thanks. We’d concur about the experience – it was other-worldly.
Aloha.
I observed the nighttime manta ray snorkeling off Kona in 2011, and it was impressive. I snorkeled with some in Belize. We also saw some odd Kauai last year. They are mesmerizing to watch.