KAILUA-KONA ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Night Giants: Snorkeling with Kona’s Manta Rays Under the Lights
A two-hour night snorkel departing Honokohau Marina that brings you into the plankton-lit feeding grounds of Hawaii’s manta rays — the operator provides snorkel gear, flotation and hot cocoa.
Night Giants: Snorkeling with Kona’s Manta Rays Under the Lights.
Off the Kona coast, a handful of sites host a nightly congregation of giant manta rays that feast on plankton drawn to surface lights. This two-hour night-snorkel experience takes you out from Honokohau Marina on a super-fast Navy Seal boat for close, up‑close viewing as mantas wheel and feed beneath the glow.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mantas feeding beneath the lights
At night the mantas come to the surface to feed on plankton attracted to underwater lights, creating intimate and memorable viewing opportunities; the large mantas are harmless — they have no teeth and no stingers.
A fast run from Honokohau Marina
The trip departs from Honokohau Marina and uses a super-fast Navy Seal attack boat to reach one of the popular nightly manta feeding spots quickly, maximizing time on the water.
Provided snorkel gear, flotation and hot cocoa
The operator supplies snorkeling gear, flotation devices and dry boxes for cameras and belongings; hot cocoa is served—participants are asked to bring an extra towel or a warm jacket for the return leg.
What the day feels like
What the night feels like
You’ll meet at the marina, zip out on a rapid boat ride, and slip into dark water illuminated by surface lights. The lights concentrate plankton and, in turn, draw mantas that somersault and glide in the glow; floating quietly with provided gear and flotation devices gives snorkelers the chance to watch these gentle giants feed from inches away before returning to the marina with warm beverages and dry boxes for gear.
THE ANIMALS
Mantas feeding beneath the lights
At night the mantas come to the surface to feed on plankton attracted to underwater lights, creating intimate and memorable viewing opportunities; the large mantas are harmless — they have no teeth and no stingers.
THE APPROACH
A fast run from Honokohau Marina
The trip departs from Honokohau Marina and uses a super-fast Navy Seal attack boat to reach one of the popular nightly manta feeding spots quickly, maximizing time on the water.
THE KIT
Provided snorkel gear, flotation and hot cocoa
The operator supplies snorkeling gear, flotation devices and dry boxes for cameras and belongings; hot cocoa is served—participants are asked to bring an extra towel or a warm jacket for the return leg.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this suits and who should check with the operator first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing lasts approximately 2 hours.
Departure is from Honokohau Marina.
Bring an extra towel and/or a warm jacket for the return trip.
Operator provides snorkeling gear, flotation devices, dry boxes for cameras/personal items, and hot cocoa.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The experience lasts about 2 hours.
Where does the tour depart from?
The trip departs from Honokohau Marina.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes — the operator supplies snorkeling gear and flotation devices, plus dry boxes for cameras and personal belongings.
Are the manta rays dangerous?
No — the large mantas are harmless; they have no teeth and no stingers.
What should I bring?
Bring an extra towel and/or a warm jacket for the return trip.
Is there anything served on the boat?
Hot cocoa is provided during the trip.