The seafront Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is one of the few places worldwide to witness all the beauty and glory of manta rays annually. In celebration of these majestic creatures, the resort is hosting a festival for World Manta Day in partnership with the nonprofit Manta Pacific Research Foundation on 17 September 2022.
The day kicks off with a coastal cleanup at Kailua Pier in downtown Kona from 9 am to noon, followed by a meet and greet in the Keauhou Rooms from noon to 1 pm. Afterwards, there will be an engaging lineup of "Manta Talks" from local and global expert divers and scientists, as well as manta-themed crafts for kids and adults alike. The day concludes with a premiere of a 2021 short film, "Mission Manta," in front of the property.
World Manta Day at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is free and open to the public, offering all the opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures and meet Keller Laros, the president and founder of Manta Pacific Research Foundation.
Laros encountered the manta rays of Kona for the first time in 1985 when he became a scuba instructor via the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and led the iconic manta ray night dives. Almost four decades later, this past June, Laros logged his 14,000th scuba dive with the manta rays at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa.
Every night, the manta rays swim a few yards from the resort to feed on plankton, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind chance to watch them from the viewing deck or through an official scuba or snorkelling tour. As part of Outrigger's global OZONE ocean conservation initiative, the company recently partnered with leading nonprofit Manta Pacific Research Foundation to help further encourage education on and protection for manta rays.
Although these incredible sea animals can be found in other parts of the world, snorkelling with them in Kona is especially memorable because the manta dives at night, serving as optimal viewing. Over the years, Laros has helped bring awareness to manta rays, which are now protected in the State of Hawai'i due to the efforts of the Manta Pacific Research Foundation.
"I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be in the ocean with manta rays several nights per week year after year. The grace and beauty of these gentle giants are captivating as these manta rays have a sense of their surroundings and innate intelligence that is truly remarkable," said Laros. "They are charismatic creatures that evoke awe in all of us. My goal is to continue to combine passion with purpose and dedicate my life to research, education and conservation concerning manta rays and their marine environment."
Outrigger's global OZONE programme provides enriching experiences for guests, hosts and the local community while ensuring that its properties actively do their part to protect its oceans and help them thrive for future generations. This collaboration between Outrigger and Manta Pacific Research Foundation is one facet of the initiative.
World Manta Day Festival Schedule:
- 1 pm: Manta Ray Taxonomy, Anatomy & Life Cycle – Keller Laros, Manta Pacific
- 1:30 pm: Globally Iconic and Endangered – Mark Hackney, Marine Megafauna Foundation
- 2 pm: Little Plankton Talk – Jenna Hancock – Naturalist, Fairwinds
- 2:30 pm: Manta Ray Identification- Each is Unique and Special – Keller Laros
- 3 pm: Dynamic Coloration – Csilla – University of South Florida – Manta Pacific
- 3:30 pm: Manta Rays in Hawaiian Culture – TBC
- 4:00 pm: Mantas – Corey Nevels – U of Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology
- 4:30 pm: Manta Ray Cognition – Csilla – University of South Florida, Manta Pacific
- 5:00 pm: Day Use Moorings at Manta Dive Sites– Jeff & Teri Leicher, Malama Kai Foundation
- 5:30 pm: Manta Ray Genetics – Mark Deakos
- 6:00 pm: Mahalo Reception at Rays On The Bay. Pupu and cash bar
- 7:00 pm: Screening of short film, "Mission Manta" with creator Nikki Brito
