The Mauna Kea Beach Hotels magnificent white sand beach. However, the boats are generally full throughout the year, so crowds are similar all year round. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. Maybe it was the trade winds, the deep-purple lei that was placed around my neck. The Mauna Kea Golf Course was the first course built on the island. Mauna Kea Beach is a popularbeach located on the Big Island of Hawaii. This then attracts plankton, which in turn, attracts the manta rays. We will definitely choose them again over any other tour! Theres no pool or other amenities, but the beach provides all the entertainment you need. These gentle giants come near shore at night to feed on plankton that gets disoriented by lights. Waialea Bay 8. The shoreline viewing area is overlooking the bay and offers the perfect location for spotting them. The resort has created a library dedicated to Mr. Nightly Menus. Its important to know that you actually dont really swim with the mantas, regardless if youre snorkeling or diving. Mahalo! Meridia Mediterranean Restaurant overlooks Hapuna Beach. 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. For the differences between snorkeling and diving, and sunset or moonlight tours, read our tips below. Mahalo, Lauren, for this great report! Activity: Manta Rays + Snorkeling. We do require you to be able to swim in water too deep to stand and have basic ocean snorkel experience. Check out our guide for the best honeymoon hotels in the state. During this month, crowds are low, but the ocean conditions are excellent. Youll get up close and personal with majestic manta rays on a 75-minute adventure. The tours are usually being offered after sunset or at night. Today Martina, the woman who came snorkeling with us, emailed everyone the videos she took. They are amazing! She made sure to get everyone in enou Directly at the hotel, the Mauna Kea Golf course invites you to swing the clubs. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. However, they are only accessible by boat. WebExploring Manta Rays at nighttime: Manta or devil rays are one of the world's most graceful and alluring sea creatures. 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. Mauna Lani Resort 10. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Reserve a Table. 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. Located to the north of Kona and about eight miles from the airport, youll find Garden Eel Cove (Google Maps Location). Snorkeling in Puako: At Puako Bay, you can explore a beautiful coral reef and see colorful fish, turtles, and eels. Guests can also enjoy special happy hours on the property, plus weekly luaus for dinner. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. 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. Tour Provider: Sea Paradise. The tours are very similar, with about 45 minutes to one hour in the water on both. This is due to the rocky volcanic coastline, which makes it very dangerous to swim out this far. 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. 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. The open-air lobby is situated above a sunken garden. All Rights Reserved. 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, a massive fitness center, a number of small shops and boutiques, and seven restaurants and bars. This is a great option for anyone not looking to enter the water on their trip. Theres no other way to safely see the manta rays on the island, so a booking a tour is required for this experience. Though the surf is gentle enough for children, take precautions because there are no lifeguards here. $115. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. 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. Meridia Mediterranean Restaurant overlooks Hapuna Beach. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort has 249 rooms outfitted with typical, but modern Hawaiian decor, like dark-wood furniture with neutral accent pieces. 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. 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. 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. The Manta Ray Night Dive is A parkside oasis with unrivaled amenities. Constructed by venture capitalist ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Located at. 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. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Get PC Daily delivered directly to your inbox don't miss anything! Since its opening, the manta rays have returned to this area regularly. We whizzed past valleys of chocolate-colored volcanic rock, headed to the golden Kohala Coast. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, HI 96743. 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. Only here for 2 nights but so happy we came here. Valet. Wonderful. To book your reservations, visit Manta Moonlight Snorkel. The hotel has a bright light that illuminates the waters of the bay. 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. Our Beach Boys offer Outrigger Canoe Adventurers that share proper paddling techniques, storytelling, and fun facts about the local marine life. All guests are highly urged to check-in with our Beach Safety Team for any precautions before entering the ocean. The gentle giants live in the world's tropical and subtropical seas, including Kauna'oa Beach. Restaurants and bars make the most of the island's | Manta Restaurant. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Nicknamed Manta Heaven, this is a popular area for daytime diving but is a good stop on night-time snorkel tours. However, this area is only open to hotel guests as its located on private property. Parking details. He was the first photographer for the manta ray dive at. 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. 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. For The Mauna Kea Luau reservations, please click here. ", Best B&B: Holualoa Inn See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Relaxation is the name of the game here, so youll find there are loungers spread throughout its grounds, a pool and hot tub. There is no beach access to Puako Bay except by private boat or kayak, but several rental companies in nearby Waikoloa Village offer boats and kayaks for rent. Stingrays sit on the mud bottoms of coastal bays at a depth of more than 50 feet. Kaunaoa Bay is a haven for manta rays along the coast. Reserve With OpenTable, i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-2{ color: #3e3e3d;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-2:hover { color: #3e3e3d;}808-882-5707, i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-3{ color: #3e3e3d;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-3:hover { color: #3e3e3d;}Located at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel to be right in the middle of it all and to be right on the beach. The sunset tour will sail out before sunset, whereas the moonlight tour departs once its dark. The Lava Lava Beach Club is a laid-back property near Waikaloa Village, set on Anaeho'omalu Beach. Honaunau Bay 4. Rockefeller and Davis Allen collected nearly 1,000 pieces of Asian and Oceanic art in 1965. You could tell that people have been coming here for years and the staff treated the guests like family and vice versa. ", 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.". Best Overall: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Each room has an ocean-view lanai (some have just partial views), rain showers, and soaking tubs. We saw so many rays. After mile marker 68, you will see the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel entrance on the left. A little about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The Big Island isnt necessarily known for its nightlife, but for a night out on the town, youll want to head to Kailua-Kona, more commonly called Kona. 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. (Courtesy). It seemed the perfect place to take a break from the ordinary and return to August Texas renewed and inspired. Following an earthquake, the resort has completed a $150 million restoration. She covers various destinations, hotels, and travel products for TripSavvy. 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive Manta ray sightings are generally quite consistent here, offering visitors the chance to view these magnificent creatures up close. (You can also book spa treatments. Spotting mantas in Kona during the day when snorkeling may be possible at cleaning stations. Yet, others can access it for afee. 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. I was able to stay at both lovely properties, and guests share all facilities. 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. WebMenu offerings and prices are subject to change without notice. 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. Tour start time: Depending on the time of sunset between 5 pm and 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. Thanks Lauren! 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 Plan and bring everything you need, especially water and sunscreen! (Courtesy). WebMauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. The sandy cove of Kauna'oa Bay lies adjacent to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Toys are made of recycled bamboo which will biodegrade within 12 months if buried in the sand or end up in the ocean. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. On top of that, the boat tours attract the manta rays with their lights, so you are unlikely to see anything nearer the shoreline. The staff was great! Consider Great 4-D Movie Ride and WM Keck Observatory Office. The busiest times are Christmas, summer break, weekends, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. 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. Actually, we prefer this one over the Sheraton Kona Resort. Two species of manta ray are seen here: the reef manta and the giant manta ray. In Hawaii, youll find the Hawaiian stingray, which is white on the bottom and olive to brown on top. See our, Book a Manta Ray Night Snorkel in Kona, Hawaii, founded Dolphin Dreams Imaging (and todays Manta Ray Advocates) in 1991. Best in Hawaii that I've been to. Manta rays show up every night at the viewing locations for their daily feeding. This is a classic hotel and you can see why families come back year and after year. To book at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, call 808-882-5707. Outside Kona International Airport, I climbed into an Uber. 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. Time to avoid: We recommend avoiding the first two weeks in October, as the popular Ironman challenge takes place during this time. Menu offerings and prices are subject to change without notice. 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). Fresh POG juice, leis, beads, friendly valet. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Snorkeling and diving to see the manta rays are both equally stunning experiences. It's a fantastic experience to swim alongside these creatures, which can have a wingspan of up to 18 feet! We stayed in the main tower and from the moment we checked in- this place was exceptional! Regular sightings mean we see a manta ray 150-200 times in a year versus a manta we only see 1-30 times. 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. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Guests - For inquiries or to make reservations, please call (808) 880-1111. There are three recognised manta ray viewing sites in Kona, Hawaii. WebManta Ray Night Snorkel 2. For adults, theres the spa, the gym, and a golf course next door. Watch the Kona sunset before dipping into the water. Can't wait to do this again! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. For inquiries or to make reservations, please email. This tour is something that can only be experienced in a few locations in the world. However, this is something thats not recommended during the winter months. Everyone praises the expertise of the guides on the boat and their willingness to help anyone who is nervous. Great view from the patio and wonderful beach access. Visitors praise how close you can get to the manta rays and the expertise thats shared by the captains and guides on the tours. 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. In Hawaii, visitors can see manta rays, stingrays, and spotted eagle rays. For the ultimate splurge, book the 5,200-square-foot Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa, which has four bedrooms and direct beach access. Paddle past the rocky point to find colorful tropical fish andvibrant coral reefs. Bring your goggles and let your kids explore life underwater with a snorkeling tour of Kauna'oa Bay. There were at least seven manta rays at a time. We had a great family vacation here in June. It is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in Hawaii, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The beach is surrounded by lush green vegetation and several nearby resorts and hotels for visitors to stay at. This location generally has the highest rates (over 95%) for manta ray sightings and is located just 8 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Hapuna Beach: Hawaii Island's "other" legendary white sand beach is just a short drive north of Mauna Kea Beach. Join researcher James Wing for a private tour with the manta rays that frequent Kaunaoa Bay at Mauna Kea Resorts 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 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. Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, In 2013 Koie Ray was seen 218 times at the manta These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel RT Manta AM Waithelp* (Part Time) 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr, Waimea, HI 96743, USA Req #1896 Monday, April 3, 2023 Division: FB Restaurant (FBR005) MK Waithelp Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for proper setting of tables. As a bonus, all guests are offered a free photoshoot with one of the resorts photographers, a great perk for traveling couples. Kealakekua Bay 3. Later in the fall, September, October, and November are also good times to view manta rays. A replacement fee of $100 is charged if toys are not returned or are missing items within the set. One night I had delicious late-night sushi accompanied by live music at Copper Bar. Dont miss the hotels stellar Pacific and Asian art collection, featuring one of a kind pieces. The 8 Best All-Inclusive Playa Del Carmen Resorts of 2023, The 9 Best Intercontinental Hotels of 2023, The 9 Best Martha's Vineyard Hotels of 2023, The 9 Best South Padre Island Hotels of 2023, The 8 Best All-Inclusive Turks & Caicos Resorts, The 9 Best All-Inclusive Puerto Vallarta Resorts of 2023, The 8 Best Florida Honeymoon Resorts of 2023. At Manta Point, youll find the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and a beautiful white sandy beach. The luxurious property is located on the secluded Kaunaoa Beach (also known as Mauna Kea Beach) on the Kohala Coast, a stretch of soft white sand thats not at all overrun by tourists and water sports vendors. 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.