Seeing Manta Rays at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

Every evening stealth-like black and white manta rays soar from the depth of Keauhou Bay up to the newly renovated Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. The resort shines a light on the waves gently crashing on black lava rocks. This light attracts schools of glimmering silver fish that enormous manta rays enjoy feasting on, by scooping them into their cavernous mouth.

LEARN ABOUT MANTA RAYS

Kona Coast is one of the only places in the world where visitors and locals can view giant manta rays up close. The resort offers an informative Manta Talk and photo display at the Manta Center near the viewing area.

To get even closer to the rays, boats leave from the nearby harbor cruising in the bay and shining their own lights into the midnight colored water. Guests have the opportunity to see and snorkel with the rays for an unforgettable Hawaiian experience.

When the Outrigger Hospitality Group took over the former Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, the resort received a traditional Hawaiian blessing. This premier beach resort provides guests with an authentic Hawaiian vacation destination.

Perched along 22 captivating acres, Outrigger Resorts Hospitality is renovating more than 500 spacious rooms and suites with large private lanais. The new beds and crisp linens ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Each room features spectacular garden, partial ocean and full ocean views of Keauhou Bay and the Kona Coast.

POOL TIME

The resort’s General Manager Geoff Pearson enlightened us about the extensive refresh taking place. “We have re-plastered the quiet adult-only pool and oceanfront family swimming pool with a 200-foot winding waterslide,” said Pearson. “Certain sections are completed and open to guests, and final completion should be finished by June, 2024,” said Pearson.

DINING

The new Ho‘ola Spa is under renovations right now, as are two restaurants. “We are going to reimagine the former ‘Ray’s On The Bay’ space,” said Pearson. This restaurant and bar was a hot spot for sunset viewing and to see manta rays feed in the evening. Nearby is Wailele Cafe providing breakfast and dinner featuring Hawaiian pupus, salads, grilled proteins, and desserts made from the freshest local produce, seafood, and ingredients of the Big Island. Nightly live music begins inside this dining spot at 6 p.m.

SIP & SWIM

In between the inner swimming pool and outdoor family oceanfront swimming pool is the outdoor circular Holua Poolside Bar & Lounge. The menu provides island-inspired refreshing drinks and cocktails throughout the day. During lunch to sunset, the menu offers sandwiches, wraps, salads and fish tacos to enjoy poolside.

FEAST & FIRE LUAU

On Monday evenings, the resort provides guests an enlightening Feast & Fire Luau Show. It’s one of the top luau’s on the Big Island. At 5:30 p.m., guests listen to the sound of the conch shell welcoming the sunset, while ordering a Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian, glass of wine or beer. While sipping a beverage, guests witness traditional Hawaiian blessings while the tiki torch lighting ceremony ignites.

The sit down dinner is served with mea ‘ai (symbolic foods). Highlights on the plate include ‘uala (sweet potato), Kalua pua‘a (pork), taro rolls with sweet butter, fresh local fish, beef, rice, and fruit. A local favorite dessert of pillowy sugar and cinnamon dusted malasadas are served while guests are dining at sunset.

Heart-pumping drums kick off a Polynesian dancing and fire show. Under the stars attendees learn about the cultures of the Hawaiian islands. Feast & Fire Luau pays homage to the Polynesians who first landed in Hawaii with a modern twist.

IMMERSIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Daily activities guests are encouraged to participate in to enhance their vacation experience includes Morning Yoga on the Chapel Lawn and Aqua Yoga in the inner pool.

To learn more about the heritage and history of the area, take a 90-minute Kaukulaelae Walking Tour starting at the Aloha Center. Guests visit historic villages of Kaukulaelae and Keauhou Bay. This is the legendary birthplace of King Kamehameha III and is listed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. Along the walk are informative signs for a self- tour that enlighten viewers about this special location on the Kona Coast.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Beginner hula, lei making, ukulele and Hawaiian language classes are offered at the Aloha Center.

Now is the time to see majestic manta rays, feast on authentic Hawaiian food and enjoy the Hawaiian sunshine. Special offers at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa include 35% off when you book directly, a Feast & Fire Luau package, and Golf package.