Beyond the magazine. Though the surf is gentle enough for children, take precautions because there are no lifeguards here. However, they are only accessible by boat. Tour Provider: Sea Paradise. 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. Though the Fairmont Orchid isnt necessarily intimate in size the Waikoloa resort has 540 rooms its still an ideal spot for an intimate getaway. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Learn more. WebLocated in Kamuela, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection is on the beach. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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 property is actually best known for its restaurant of the same name, owned by the same group that manages the iconic Huggos in Kailua-Kona, which has live music every night. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743. 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. Menu offerings and prices are subject to change without notice. Our Beach Boys offer Outrigger Canoe Adventurers that share proper paddling techniques, storytelling, and fun facts about the local marine life. Manta rays can be identified by researchers thanks to their belly spots. 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! Hapuna Beach: Hawaii Island's "other" legendary white sand beach is just a short drive north of Mauna Kea Beach. In 1959, soon after Hawaii became the fiftieth American state, conservationist and venture capitalist Laurance S. Rockefeller toured the Hawaiian islands. 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. The open-air lobby is situated above a sunken garden. This might be the most beautiful beach on the Big Island. 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. Please note parking can be limited, depending upon when guests arrive. 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. As a bonus, all guests are offered a free photoshoot with one of the resorts photographers, a great perk for traveling couples. Like the volcano it is named after, the building itself curves, reflecting the lands shape. The busiest times are Christmas, summer break, weekends, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. 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. 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. Nightly Menus. Maybe it was the way the evening light fell on the aquamarine bay, or the open-air walk lit by firelight to my sumptuous room, but I fell under the spell of the Mauna Kea Beach Resort completely, and now understand the parents and children who return again and again, for generations, to the Mauna Kea. 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. All guests are highly urged to check-in with our Beach Safety Team for any precautions before entering the ocean. It features white sand and clear blue waters and is known for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. If you dont feel like dining on property one night, you can easily walk to neighboring resorts to dine at their restaurants. ", 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. I was able to stay at both lovely properties, and guests share all facilities. The Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve gives visitors a rare glimpse into Hawaii's past, offering an opportunity to view authentic petroglyphs up close and personal. Lapakahi State Historical Park and Mauna Kea Beach reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Manta Ray Point and Pua Mau Place Botanic & Sculpture Garden. [emailprotected]. Mahalo! Every event is touched by aloha and tailored by our dedicated team to meet each clients specific needs. Waialea Bay 8. The gentle giants live in the world's tropical and subtropical seas, including Kauna'oa Beach. We keep you updated by text and email so youll know as soon as we know. Valet. Wonderful. 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. Manta Ray Night Snorkel Kona, Hawaii - Swim with Stingrays sit on the mud bottoms of coastal bays at a depth of more than 50 feet. However, visitors will. Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel- Small Group Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Guests - For inquiries or to make reservations, please email or call (808) 882-5336. The competitors often take the manta ray tour after the challenge, and thousands of additional visitors descend on the island. A little about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The hotel has a bright light that illuminates the waters of the bay. Mauna Key Beach Hotel is located on the Big Island. Mauna Kea, which is where I found this book. Bring your goggles and let your kids explore life underwater with a snorkeling tour of Kauna'oa Bay. Serve food/meals and/or beverage to patrons according to established We stayed in a beach wing room on the 3rd floor. 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.. 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. 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. ", 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.". There are just 243 accommodations here (though the property does have residential homes, too), split between standard rooms, suites, and villas, all of which face the ocean and feature private outdoor space. We do require you to be able to swim in water too deep to stand and have basic ocean snorkel experience. Room was good size with a 2 sink very large bathroom. A manta ray snorkel or dive tour in Hawaii is well worth it for anyone who wants to get a close-up view of manta rays. Thanks for the detailed information. We are hoping to do this night snorkel in February. Were wet suits available? Did you get cold? We also really loved the statues and art they have here. No company can guarantee a viewing, and its standard practice for companies to offer a free re-booking if this does occur. These gentle giants come near shore at night to feed on plankton that gets disoriented by lights. This tour is worth every penny! Manta Ray Mauna Kea Resort is home to two of Hawaii Islands most spectacular beaches. Room decor is a bit generic, though it does have some island flair, the accommodations are quite spacious choose an ocean-view room to see some of the areas special neighbors, whales, and manta rays. Hapuna Beach 7. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Restaurants and bars make the most of the island's Be aware that there are strong currents in some spots, so oversee the kids, mainly because there are no lifeguards. This then attracts plankton, which in turn, attracts the manta rays. In Hawaii, youll find the Hawaiian stingray, which is white on the bottom and olive to brown on top. The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa opened in 2004, on the site of what was previously known as the Kona Surf Hotel. Swimming with Manta Rays at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Even the strongest swimmers are not recommended to go alone, and its much safer to book a boat trip. Guests 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 experience. The cleaning station is located between Makaiwa and Honokaope bays, but sightings arent as common as during night tours. 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 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. Manta Rays The spotted eagle ray has pretty colors with dots that vary from white to yellow and green on their black back. (excluding taxes & fees) $130. The sandy cove of Kauna'oa Bay lies adjacent to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. On top of that, the boat tours attract the manta rays with their lights, so you are unlikely to see anything nearer the shoreline. Located to the north of Kona and about eight miles from the airport, youll find Garden Eel Cove (Google Maps Location). Manta ray sightings are generally quite consistent here, offering visitors the chance to view these magnificent creatures up close. Each of the Mauna Kea Hotels 252 guestrooms have one or more private lanai (balconies), luxurious Frette bed linens, and LOccitane bath amenities. Thanks to the tactics used at night to attract the manta rays, its much more likely youll witness them during a tour. Set a few miles down the coast from Kailua-Kona on Keauhou Bay the Kona Trolley will take you right there for free, if you dont want to drive yourself the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa is a prime choice for travelers with kids. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based travel writer with over six years of experience. ", Best Beachfront: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection See Rates at TripAdvisor, "The hotel is a true resort, offering an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., a tennis club, a salon and spa. There are special dining events every week, too, like a luau and a clambake on the beach. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Hapuna Beach, HI 96743, United States of America Excellent location show map. Can't wait to do this again! Menus Parking details. (Courtesy). If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. Many new mantas have been identified in the area. 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. 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. Manta rays are believed to have existed for 4.8 million years. Viewing mantas from the shore: Like at the Sheraton Kona Resort, you can see manta rays here without diving or snorkeling. The art is situated throughout the living spaces of the resort, not hidden behind glass. WebThe Manta Ray Night Snorkel Tour lets you snorkel with giant manta rays as they dine on tiny plankton just below our light board. WebExploring Manta Rays at nighttime: Manta or devil rays are one of the world's most graceful and alluring sea creatures. Neighborhood. Paddle past the rocky point to find colorful tropical fish andvibrant coral reefs. We recommend this place as a great place to learn how to boogie board in Hawaii, with mostly calm waters. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the beach park; snorkeling gear is available from the nearby Mauna Kea Resort. In Hawaii, visitors can see manta rays, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. On the budget end of the spectrum, we recommend the Volcano Inn, located just a four-minute drive from the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in a lush rainforest setting. Reserve a Table. The hotel has a bright light that illuminates the waters of the bay. Between the Mauna Kea and Westin Hapuna resorts, the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a rugged 2.4-mile path with beautiful views. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotels magnificent white sand beach. These gentle giants come near shore at night to feed on plankton that gets disoriented by lights. So enjoy thisbeach at night. We really had such a great incredible experience! I wanted to shout from the rooftops! These ancient carvings by Native Hawaiians depict a wide variety of imagery. Mauna Kea Resort guests have exclusive access to most ofthis picturesque beach. The hotel has a viewing area where they shine a light straight onto the water, so you can watch the feeding. This is a great option for anyone not looking to enter the water on their trip. LESLIE HARVEY/THE POINTS GUY Although its entirely possible to spend a week on the Big Island relaxing on the beach of a resort, the island All Rights Reserved. The exception is the Kohala Coast, with one disadvantage: Fewer manta rays and lower sighting chance. The giant manta ray is less commonly seen in Hawaii. Mauna Kea Beach WebHe was the first photographer for the manta ray dive at Manta Village (Keauhou) and established Manta Heaven (airport) in 1999. A visitor quote: The crew cares for their guests and the environment. WebRestaurant Menus Menu offerings and prices are subject to change without notice. Toys are made of recycled bamboo which will biodegrade within 12 months if buried in the sand or end up in the ocean. 808-882-5707. Escape! Everyone praises the expertise of the guides on the boat and their willingness to help anyone who is nervous. Mauna Kea resort is a historical gemit was the first resort to ever be built on the Big Island. Once they arrive, they swim very close to the water's surface so you can see them well. Martina, Thank you so much for the amazing Manta experience on my 60. birthday. The property is well maintained and the architecture is really cool. 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. 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. Top 10 Snorkel Spots on I have always adored mid-century modernism but the juxtaposition of clean lines and a wild, lush setting was breathtaking. Manta rays are the largest of the family of rays. 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. | Manta Restaurant. Activity: Manta Rays + Snorkeling. Our moonlight swims are open to anyone over 12 years old (, Sometimes, ocean conditions force us to cancel our moonlight swim. Get more of Dallas top restaurant, real estate, society, fashion and art in your news feed. Manta rays are attracted at night by the light from hotels and boats. The 452 rooms are a bit generic, but if youre here for the nightlife, youll do just fine crashing into the comfortable beds late at night. Youll get up close and personal with majestic manta rays on a 75-minute adventure. Outside Kona International Airport, I climbed into an Uber. It offers six rooms and suites and two standalone cottages, each elegantly decorated with plenty of local wood decor and furnishings with Asian and Polynesian artworks. It's a fantastic experience to swim alongside these creatures, which can have a wingspan of up to 18 feet! At Manta Point, youll find the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and a beautiful white sandy beach. 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. Kaunaoa Bay is a haven for manta rays along the coast. We whizzed past valleys of chocolate-colored volcanic rock, headed to the golden Kohala Coast. 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. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Manta rays have cephalic lobes coming out of their ears, and their wingspan is between 5 and 8 feet. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The hotel lights attract fish to the three main viewing areas. Sightings of stingrays are much rarer than that of manta rays. Plan and bring everything you need, especially water and sunscreen! Thanks Lauren! If you consider going in the winter, read everything about visiting Hawaii in December (a complete guide). Its not advised to snorkel at night alone to spot manta rays. Also snorkling tours with Manta Rays are provided. The water here is between 20 and 30 feet deep, so its an excellent spot for manta ray night snorkeling and diving tours. Manta at Mauna Kea Restaurant - Kamuela, HI | OpenTable PAPERCITY 2023 urban publishers, inc. all rights reserved terms & condition // privacy policy // sitemap, The beach at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island, Hawaii. Directly at the hotel, the Mauna Kea Golf course invites you to swing the clubs. 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. The beach is calm and safe for swimming and has soft white sand and clear blue water. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. On a manta ray tour in Kona, Hawaii, expect to spot between one and six manta rays. Mauna Kea Beach 5. For inquiries or to make reservations, please email [emailprotected] or call (808) 882-5336. The beach is spectacular. But I was surprised by how quickly I relaxed: a deep calm came over me as soon as I entered the resort. This national park preserves the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian temple and contains exhibits about Hawaiian history.