How to see manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is known as the Big Island.

Hawaii Island, the second most populous island after Oahu, where Waikiki is located, has two towns, Hilo and Kailua-Kona, which attract many tourists from around the world.

It is also the island where King Kamehameha the Great was born, and its sacred spots, history, and culture are deeply rooted.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The island of Hawaii is home to many volcanoes, including Kilauea and Mauna Kea, and hiking on the volcanoes will allow you to feel the pulse of the earth.

Japan's "Subaru Telescope" has been installed at the 4200 meter summit of Mauna Kea, attracting many people to enjoy starry sky observation.

Enjoy the beautiful ocean and magnificent nature on the paradise island of Hawaii.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

Direct flights to the Big Island of Hawaii are operated by JAL and other airlines.

Accessible from Haneda and Narita airports, the flight time is approximately 8 to 10 hours.

In addition, there are direct flights to Honolulu Airport on the island of Oahu, as well as to Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and other major cities in Japan.

To reach the Big Island of Hawaii, transfer from Honolulu Airport to a domestic flight to the Big Island of Hawaii. The total travel time from Japan is approximately 15 hours.

There are two major airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Hilo International Airport and Kona International Airport.

The flight time from Oahu to Hilo or Kona International Airport is around 1 hour for both domestic flights.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Nicknamed the Big Island, Hawaii Island is home to many vast, untouched natural wonders.

From the mountain, which is more than 4,000 meters above sea level, you can observe the star-filled sky and stargazing, and feel close to the universe.

You will be able to swim with coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins in the crystal clear waters, or ride horseback through the nature of the power spots and travel in elegance.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

Many marine species can only be seen on the Big Island of Hawaii, and many more are endemic to the island.

Created by volcanic activity, the island of Hawaii is rich in ocean and mountain terrain, with many spectacular landscapes that are very impressive.

You will be able to feel the energy of nature, such as the grandeur of Mauna Kea and the power spot Waipio Valley, and you will be able to visit tourist attractions that will fill you with power.

 

A powerful volcano

Kilauea Volcano," said to be the most active volcano in the world, is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is the only World Heritage Site in Hawaii.

This is the most famous tourist spot on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you will be fascinated by the breathtaking scenery as you hike through the lava and stroll around the caldera.

Please visit Kilauea Volcano, where you can feel the heartbeat of the earth.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The waters of the Big Island of Hawaii are exceptionally clear, and on a clear day you can see as far as 40 or 50 meters underwater.

On such beautiful beaches, experience marine activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and diving to peek into the spectacular world of the sea.

With so many opportunities to see big fish in Hawaii, you are sure to be captivated by snorkeling and diving!

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The main purpose of a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii is marine activities, followed by Hawaiian dining and shopping.

You can enjoy soul food loco moco bowls, Old Town Hilo's famous poke bowls, American steaks and delicious seafood dishes.

There are numerous shopping malls on the Big Island of Hawaii, where you can enjoy shopping for everything from Hawaiian gourmet foods to organic foods, American brands, cosmetics, and outdoor items.

The Queen's Marketplace, a popular shopping destination on the Big Island of Hawaii, offers everything from shopping to gourmet dining.

Hula dancers and other entertainments will satisfy both children and adults.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Hawaiian Islands have a deep and varied history, with the Hawaiian Kingdom ruled by King Kamehameha the Great for about 100 years.

The area is home to a diverse mix of cultures, including Japanese immigrants, Polynesians, and the Kingdom of Hawaii, providing travelers with a deep sense of history and culture.

Hilo, the second largest city on Oahu after Waikiki, has a strong culture and history built up by Japanese Americans.

Be sure to watch the hula dance and fire dance, which are part of the traditional culture.

 

Watch manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Night diving and night snorkeling are very popular on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a very high chance of encountering manta rays, which are a diver's dream.

The sight of the very large manta rays swimming majestically in the ocean is breathtaking.

And on the Big Island of Hawaii, you can get so close to manta rays that you can almost reach out and touch them.

 

Manta Ecology

The manta ray is a member of the ray family.

Manta rays grow to be as large as 5 meters, and their graceful swimming is so beautiful that it attracts non-divers.

They inhabit subtropical seas, feed on plankton, and are often solitary.

They are also considered the most intelligent of marine organisms.

 

How to see manta rays

It is said that the manta ray encounter rate is over 90% on the Big Island of Hawaii, so you have a very good chance of swimming with the manta rays of your dreams.

If you want to increase your chances of seeing manta rays, you can take a tour.

Join a purpose-built tour to see manta rays, snorkel, and dive.

 

snorkeling

Snorkeling is a marine activity that allows you to enjoy the emerald green waters.

The fins on their feet allow them to swim smoothly.

The Big Island of Hawaii is also famous for its large population of wild manta rays, so snorkel with them to see them in action.

 

Night Snorkeling

The best chance of seeing manta rays is after sunset.

For this reason, night snorkeling is recommended among snorkeling activities.

Watch manta rays swim dynamically during night snorkeling.

Manta rays show themselves according to the lights of the ship.

You don't have to dive deep to see powerful big fish.

 

diving

The Big Island of Hawaii, where manta rays are often seen during night dives, is also known as a sacred diving spot, visited by divers from all over the world.

Attracted by the light from divers' flashlights, powerful manta rays sometimes come very close.

If you are lucky, you may even encounter a "black manta ray.

Experience diving is also available, so beginners are welcome to try manta ray night diving.

 

Time of year and time of day when encounter rates are higher

Because water temperatures are similar throughout the year on the Big Island of Hawaii, you can expect to see manta rays at any time of the year.

Mantas appear in the night light to feed on plankton.

After watching the sunset, go night snorkeling or night diving and admire the powerful sight.

 

Notes on observing manta rays

Mantas are said to be relatively mild-mannered and do not attack divers.

However, if you get too close to the manta rays, try to touch them by force, or make loud noises, they will be startled and run away.

Be careful not to do anything that might scare the manta rays.

To maintain safety in the sea, please follow the rules and manners and have fun.

 

If you want to see manta rays, you have a high probability of observing them.
Taking a tour is highly recommended to get the most out of the tour.

There are many activity tours available on the Big Island of Hawaii, but if English is not your native language, join a Japanese-affiliated tour and go on a manta ray observation tour.

Because of the intense light used on the tour, the chances of encountering wild manta rays, which are attracted to the light and come to feed on plankton, are very high.

 

Recommended Tours

On the Big Island of Hawaii, where there is a high probability of encountering manta rays in the wild, there are many night tours that will allow you to enjoy the mysterious waters at night.

Here are some of the tours we recommend for the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Wild manta rays
Night Snorkeling Tour

On Hawaii Island's popular night snorkeling tours, there is a 99% chance of encountering manta rays in the wild.

The use of strong LED lights makes it possible to snorkel so close to the manta rays that you can reach out and touch them.

The dark, quiet waters are also mysterious, and you are sure to see big fish other than manta rays, which are active at night.

 

Wild manta ray sunset snorkeling

The first popular tour on the Big Island of Hawaii, "Wild Manta Ray Sunset Snorkeling.

After watching the beautiful sunset over the horizon from the boat, you can go night snorkeling to see manta rays.

The sight of manta rays swimming swiftly in the ocean is very powerful.

Enjoy night snorkeling at a diver's dream spot.

 

summary

How about how to encounter manta rays on Hawaii Island, the Big Island, and tours?

You can see manta rays, which are considered very large fish, up close, and it is impressive to watch them swim gracefully.

We invite you to visit the Big Island of Hawaii for its spectacular scenery!