Rays
Reef Manta Rays
Reef mantas are what we most commonly see in the waters around Kona. While their size may be intimidating, mantas are gentle filter feeding fish that lack teeth and barbs. They specialize in consuming zooplankton, tiny carnivorous beings, and they feed using two cephalic lobes located on either side of their mouth. During daytime, they can often be seen feeding in natural eddies and current lines which trap plankton. At night, both natural and ambient light serve to attract plankton. Manta rays belong to the group of cartilaginous fish known as elasmobranchs, making them closely related to sharks, skates and other rays. They have the largest brain, and brain to body size ratio, of any fish, and have been proven to be able to recognize themselves in a mirror.
Stats
Scientific Name: Mobula alfredi
Length: 12-14 feet
Weight: 1,500 lbs
Diet: plankton
Lifespan: 40 years
Season: Year-round
Spotted Eagle Rays
Their Hawaiian name hihimanu means “magnificent” or “elegant bird”. They glide gracefully through the water and their movements have been compared to that of a butterfly. Their common name is in reference to the intricate spotted pattern that covers their dorsal side. This pattern serves as camouflage via countershading, and these spots can also be used to identify individuals via photo identification. Spotted Eagle rays are found in warm coastal waters around the world, including the shallow coastal waters of the Hawaiian Island chain. They live among coral and rocky reefs, but are also believed to migrate over distances of deep water. Spotted eagle rays are foragers, and will use their spade-like snout to help burrow into sand in search of food. If threatened, spotted eagle rays have venomous spines in their tails, but unless provoked they are considered a docile species.
Stats
Scientific Name: Aetobatus narinari
Length: approx 8 ft ( 16.4 ft w/tail)
Wingspan: 10.8ft
Weight: 500+ lbs
Diet: molluscs, crustaceans & small fish
Lifespan: 25 years
Season: Year-round
More Whales, Dolphins, and Wildlife of the Kona Coast
The Kona coast boasts an incredibly diverse array of marine life. Venture with us out into the blue in search of graceful mantas, massive mola mola, schooling sharks, or one of more than a dozen species of toothed whales that traverse these island waters.
At Hawaiian Adventures Kona, our expert guides offer the Big Island’s ultimate small-group wildlife experience. Our year-round whale watching, night manta snorkels, and private charters are the best opportunity for a true Hawaiian Adventure.
Whale watching in Kona is year-round! Hawaiian Adventures Kona has access to both near-shore and pelagic zones, which gives you the opportunity to see humpback whales during the winter months, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, surface-feeding mantas, pilot whales, beaked whales, sperm whales, spotted dolphins, whale sharks, and more!
Experience the real Kona nightlife and meet the mantas! Our Kona Night Manta tours depart strategically out of Honokohau Harbor, giving us the ability to head where there’s better conditions, fewer people, and more manta rays. This small-group tour is the best way to experience the #1 activity on the Big Island.
Explore the Kona Coast at your own speed. Private tours are the best choice for small or large groups that value exclusivity and a personalized experience. Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, school trip, memorial service, or something entirely different, our team will work with you to create your custom adventure.