The Hawaiians were disenchanted with his return, believing that no god would encounter defeat in his own domain, the sea and helped themselves to coveted metals from his ships in exchange for all of the supplies they had willingly given to this false god. After the makahiki festival, a kapu, or prohibition, had been placed on the bay, and when Cook encountered a fierce storm, he and his crew were forced to return to the bay. The celebration is of Lono, the fertility god, whom Captain Cook was mistaken for when his ships with white sails came into the bay, looking incredibly similar to the white kapa banners flown on crossbars that symbolize the god! Cook was showered with gifts for two weeks before setting sail out of Hawai’i. Kealakekua Bay is considered a sacred site to native Hawaiians and was the location where Captain Cook made landfall for the second time in Hawai’i during the makahiki festival. This site boasts excellent visibility and commonly features spinner dolphins, sea turtles, lizard fish, eels, and beautiful corals. Another option is to rent a kayak, with a permit, and paddle out to the farther reaches of the bay to snorkel. Check out the boat cruises offered by Fair Wind out of Keauhou Bay, which include snorkel gear, snacks, refreshments, and a considerable amount of interesting cultural, historical, and essential information about the bay. The easiest way to access the bay is via boat, allowing you to see the beautiful coastline from the water and ensuring that you can experience the best snorkel spots in the bay. Kealakekua Bay is Big Island’s only underwater state park and is one of the most excellent places to snorkel in all of Hawaii! It’s a bit difficult to access from land, as the parking is 1.9 miles away from the bay, requiring a long hike down to the water in the hot sun, which you will have to climb back up when you are finished with your visit. The wingspan of these manta rays can reach up to 18 feet! Make this your top priority when visiting the Big Island!įair Wind offers daily trips to Manta Village from Keauhou Bay around sunset, the trip taking about 1.5 hours in total. It is a truly magnificent experience and sight to behold. Snorkelers hold on to the sides of these rafts and gaze below as these gentle giants swim and turn in circles to feast on this plankton soup. The light attracts the diurnal plankton to the surface, this way drawing groups of manta rays to come and feed on their nightly snack. The group that lives off the coast of Kona does not migrate and lives permanently in these tropical waters.Īround sunset, boats leave the harbors in Kona and typically travel to one of two sites deemed “Manta Village” and “Manta Heaven.” When arriving, boats shine lights into the water and set up giant rafts with floodlights that point down into the waters. The species frequently seen in Hawaiian waters is Manta alfredi, reef manta rays, and are the second largest species of manta rays on the planet! Mantas are filter feeders, feeding on plankton that they sieve out into their large mouths. Manta Village is undoubtedly the main draw for nature lovers to the waters around Kailua-Kona, to swim with the incredible manta rays. Don’t miss out on daytime explorations into many other exceptional snorkeling sites that Big Island has to offer! 1. The shoreline on the western side of the island (Kona side) is comprised of many sheltered volcanic bays, where corals, reef fish, and larger marine life thrive! Known globally for the exciting opportunity to swim with manta rays at night, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to revel at one of nature’s gentlest giants. The Big Island of Hawai’i holds arguably some of the best snorkeling sites in all of the Hawaiian Islands.
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