![]() The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Kauna’oa Bay on the Kohala Coast had a bright light illuminating the bay’s shallow waters for decades. Site #3: “Manta Point”, Private site in Kauna’oa Bay ![]() Read the fascinating story of how Manta Heaven was established as a manta-viewing site on this page. During daylight hours, the dive site is called “Garden Eel Cove”. ![]() The site called “Manta Heaven” is located in Makako Bay, offshore from the Kona International Airport. In 1999, a second viewing site was established near Keahole Point, the most western tip of the Big Island of Hawaii. Read the full history of the “Manta Village” viewing site on Site #2: “Manta Heaven” (Makako Bay, near the Airport) The viewing site was abandoned between 20 when the Kona Surf Hotel closed its door - but manta rays quickly returned after new floodlights were installed in 2004. Over the years, more mantas came to visit the site at night - and manta ray tours went from one boat, once a week - to several boats every single night. The nightly attraction was an instant hit, and other operators followed suit. They became the first boat operators to schedule night dives to see manta rays in the area. The site is only accessible by boat because of the rocky volcanic coastline. In 1991, a tour operator called Kona Coast Divers realized this was a great opportunity for nightly manta ray viewings. Over time, the manta rays became accustomed to a plankton buffet a this location through classic conditioning. The lights unintentionally attracted a high concentration of plankton - which happens to be the main ingredient in the manta rays’ diet. In the early 70s, the resort (then called Kona Surf Hotel) started illuminating the surf zone with bright floodlights, so their guests could enjoy the waves at night from their rooms and decks. The official name is Kaukalaelae Point, but most people call it “Manta Village”. The zone in front of what’s now the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay was the first manta ray viewing site. There are three manta ray viewing sites along the Kona coast: Manta Village and Manta Heaven which are only (safely) accessible by boat - and Manta Point which can only be accessed from a private sandy beach.
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