Kailua-Kona, commonly known as Kona, is a serene holiday destination on the western coast of Hawaii.  Kona boasts a rich cultural history and is considered one of the best places to plan your holiday.  Walking along the Kona Coast, you can find centuries-old architecture.

The illuminated waters attract phytoplankton, a primary food source for manta rays.  As a result, manta rays began gathering in the area. In 1991, the first manta ray viewing site was established.  This event launched the thriving industry of snorkeling with manta rays in Kona.

Fun facts about these gentle giants:

Here is what you can know about manta rays before you plan your snorkeling expedition:

  • Don’t let their size fool you: Giant manta rays can have a wingspan of up to 26 ft.  They are known as one of the titans of the ocean.  Unlike their cousins, stingrays and manta rays have gentle natures.  Despite their size, these majestic creatures are friendly.  So, expect some playful dances as you snorkel among them.
  • Their diet consists of organisms: Many giant ocean predators prey on other aquatic life for sustenance.  Manta rays consume primarily microorganisms and small fish.  Phytoplankton are the most common part of their diet.  They feed through wide-open mouths while gliding through the vibrant waters.

The two types of manta rays in Hawaii:

Hawaiian waters primarily have two types of manta rays: oceanic mantas and reef mantas.

  1. Oceanic Mantas: Oceanic mantas often swim in the open ocean.  They enjoy the vast expanse of an ocean, not worrying about the restrictions brought on by the seafloor.  These ocean creatures are larger than the reef mantas.  Oceanic mantas sport a unique pattern on their belly.  This ‘signature’ is a mosaic of spots and patches.
  2. Reef Mantas: Reef manta rays are smaller compared to the oceanic mantas.  These gentle giants prefer the colorful coral reefs.  These reefs are both the perfect shelter and an abundant source of food.  Coral reefs congregate plankton and small fish, making feeding the manta rays easier.  Their feeding process is a graceful dance.  This can be a remarkably entertaining event to watch.

Additional Fun Facts

  • Manta rays are acrobatic: Despite their large size, they are graceful and agile.  They are often called the acrobats of the ocean.  Manta ray leaps leave spectators stunned.  These gentle giants are elegant and almost gravity-defying.
  • Manta rays have a social structure: Manta rays follow an excellent, complex social structure in the ocean.  While some giant manta ray species can be solitary, most are incredibly social.  They gather in feeding areas and for cleaning.  They possess a systemic form of communication.  It is especially the case during feeding time when their ‘frenzy’ creates an enchanting spectacle.
  • Manta rays can disguise themselves: Manta rays have an incredible capability to camouflage.  This skill has developed through natural adaptation.  They adopt a dual-tone sheen.  The dark topside ensures they blend into the nothingness of the vast ocean.  Their white undersides blend with the bright water above, protecting them from possible predators lurking underneath.
  • Manta rays live a long life: Manta rays can live anywhere between 50 to 75 years old.  This long lifespan gives these gentle giants a nomadic nature.  They are genuinely the wanderers of the ocean as they swim through the waters, adapting to diverse ecosystems.

Final Thoughts

Manta rays are wonderful companions, as the people of the Kona coast would undoubtedly agree.  Kona offers incredible opportunities to snorkel with manta rays on the Kona coast, where you can watch these friendly giants of the ocean dance through the reefs and around tourists.  Learning about these majestic creatures helps us appreciate their existence and understand the need to preserve marine life.