KAILUA-KONA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Under the Lights at Makako Bay: Two Dives with the Gentle Giants of Kona
A guided, two-tank night charter in Kailua-Kona that stages a late-afternoon prep dive and a night mant a feeding dive at Makako Bay—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Under the Lights at Makako Bay: Two Dives with the Gentle Giants of Kona.
Off Kona’s shore at Makako Bay, divers gather for the internationally renowned Manta Ray Night Dive: a two-tank charter where bright lights concentrate plankton and draw inquisitive manta rays into a feeding ballet. Expert guides run small groups and prepare the site during an afternoon dive before returning after dark for the manta show.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mantas Feeding in the Beam of Lights
After dark, bright lights placed in the water attract plankton; mantas come to feed, often circling directly over divers in a slow, mesmerizing display.
Late-Afternoon Dive and Site Setup
The charter includes an initial late-afternoon dive when guides point out local life like Hawaiian garden eels and rig the lights that will concentrate plankton for the night dive; on occasion mantas arrive early and are seen on both dives.
Small Groups, Attentive Divemasters
Groups are kept small—with no more than five divers per divemaster—so guests receive close guidance and a more personalized experience in the water.
What the day feels like
What the Charter Feels Like
The charter moves from a late-afternoon reconnaissance dive—where guides introduce you to the cove and set the lights—to a surface interval at sunset with briefings on manta behavior, and then back into the ink-dark water to watch mantas feed in the light. The sequence emphasizes calm, deliberate diving and close, expert supervision.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits (and who should take precautions).
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The charter includes two dives and runs approximately 2.5 hours before sunset (timing varies seasonally to align with sunset).
Meet at the Kona Diving Company Huaka'i boat in Kailua-Kona for boarding and departure.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, refillable water bottle, hair ties, and warm, dry clothes to change into after the night dive (a sweatshirt or light jacket is often sufficient).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the 2-tank Manta Ray Night Charter?
The charter is approximately 2.5 hours before sunset, with timing adjusted seasonally to match sunset times.
Where do the dives take place?
Both dives take place at Makako Bay (Garden Eel Cove) off Kailua-Kona.
What should I bring for the trip?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, refillable water bottle, hair ties, and warm dry clothes to change into after the night dive (most guests find a sweatshirt or light jacket sufficient).
How large are the diving groups?
Groups are kept small, with no more than five divers per divemaster, for personalized attention and safety.
Why are bright lights used during the night dive?
Bright lights attract plankton, which concentrates around the lights and draws manta rays that feed on the plankton.
Do manta rays pose a danger — do they have stingers or teeth?
Manta rays are gentle giants without stingers, barbs, or teeth; they feed by gulping plankton around the lights.
Is there an educational component during the charter?
Yes—during the surface interval at sunset guides brief divers on manta behavior and safety to prepare for the night dive.