are so pleased to hear that you

We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed our beautiful grounds and Manta Ray views!We appreciate your comments, and have shared this with our management staff. Posted on We had a great week at this hotel. In this page not only will you see properties represented by , but also properties represented by other members of Hawaii Information Service. Aloha Leeroy007,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. The verandahs were large and would be fine for young children to play, as they were completely undercover and had solid rendered balconies. Our complex only has a few parking stalls available for a fee ($11 per hour). In a holiday We read many reviews on TA before selecting the Sheraton. We hope to welcome you back to the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa in the future, to once again share the warmth of our culture and Aloha spirit with you. While Manta Raysare awe-inspiring and very large, their primary food source is plankton (and not you!) Bathrooms were dated and that to me is what lets the Sheraton experience down. The decider was the resorts close proximity to the Manta Ray night snorkel, and the Manta Ray views from the ocean front rooms.On arrival, the Resort did look architecturally chunky with concrete, which was pretty much the style of the 60's, however once you enter the grounds and the foyers, you forget about the building and enjoy the tropical ambience of the open reception areas. Price is $129.25 per ticket, price for 1 Adult is $129.25, We offer a ride-along rate for guests that will not be getting in the water, Minimal snorkeling experience needed, but guests MUST know how to swim. There will also be discussion about manta ray tourism along the Kona Coast, focusing on its history and growth and how humans can help protect the rays in their natural habitat. Species you may spot while snorkeling Keauhou Bay, You can help us keep this page up-to-date by uploading your pictures to the photo gallery, or by sending us your comments via the contact form, Night snorkeling tour price (from $130pp. All day bus tour, includes a pic-nic lunch stop. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our wonderful rooms and friendly staff! There are plenty of reputable operators and a quick google search will help you find one that best suits your needs. ), Our top12 best snorkeling spots to see sea turtles, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see sharks, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see rays, Our top10 best snorkeling spots to see starfish, Cration/Dveloppement twinbi | Agence web Paris. This adventure is particularly unique, as several boat operators coordinate their arrival and positioning to ensure the safety of guests and manta rays. Copyright, 1995-2015, REALTORS Association of Maui, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Full terms and conditions of this benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid. There's no beach, but the pool looked nice -- we were only there for one night and left early in the morning so didn't get a chance to see if it was super crowded during the day. During this 2-hour tour during sunset or after dark, slip on Manta Ray Night Snorkeling is so incredibly beautiful, you will count it as a highlight of your Hawaii experience. This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed. Ray's was Ok but lacked a variety of choices and different nightly menu specials would go a long way. Many help to keep accurate counts of the local ray population and help to study local Manta Ray behavior. of Maui and should not be relied upon without independent verification. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, are provided by third-party suppliers. There are designated areas for snorkelers and divers and no free diving is allowed. I plan to be in Kona end of Oct 2021 and look forward to a snorkel venture to view these gentle giants! ALOHA! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The state-of-the-art engineered light boards are the best that the industry has to offer and our grand staircase makes for easy water entry/exit. Tennis courts and basketball courts available to use. We also have a new Director of Engineering who is reviewing the overall needs of our Resort, so that we may enhance our guest's experiences. It is also wonderful to hear that you took full advantage of the uniqueness and beauty of our Island! The next day my wife told she had the "best masseuse" in her life (Greg, at the Sheraton spa). Did you know the term dog days of summer dates to ancient Rome? Featured properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure. I can understand in theme parks, why you have to wear them, but adult paying guests at a Sheraton Hotel its insulting. You can email me at companyblog@hawaiilife.com or via phone at (800) 370-3848. We hope to welcome you back to the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa in the future! We are delighted to hear that the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa provided you with beauty and relaxation during your time in Hawaii! Be sure to get it rolled in your room rate (and really watch the price -- our price went DOWN about 5 times in the 6 month watch period and ended being about our cheapest room this vacation) as breakfast is $25 walk in rate and there is not much else close by. These gentle giants began congregating upon Keauhou Bay since the 1970s, when the Kona Surf Hotel first opened. We hope to welcome you back to the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa in the future! Manta rays are some of the smartest, most interesting creatures to study and it is our mission to preserve this majestic species for generations to come, Laros said in the press release. Please know that he is implementing new menu selections that take advantage of our local farm and sea communities. Thanks for a great article! Rooms were large and comfortable. Other parking options in the general area include: 75-5668 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Those guests looking for the five star treatment may need to find an alternative hotel. Its one of the top ten things to do in your lifetime. Receive the latest news and updates from us. Some will take you to the site in a traditional outrigger canoe, which is without a doubt the most eco-friendly way to go! Waimea Library to Host Free Online Event Featuring, Two Race Days?! It looks like a ballet. All guests will be subject to a temperature reading at the time of check-in and any guest showing symptoms of illness or with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater will be denied boarding. The event will feature Keller Laros, president of Manta Pacific Research Foundation, and Csilla Ari-GAgostino, a leading researcher from the University of South Florida. Once the sliding glass door was closed, no external noise filtered through from the outside verandah to the room. We had two afternoons poolside in October & did not have any problems with crowds or children. The room itself was tasteful, beds & pillows provided a wonderful nights slumber. However, we discovered on our last morning that we could have used our breakfast vouchers in the coffee shop, which for us was better suited. On arrival, the Resort did look architecturally chunky with concrete, which was pretty much the style of the 60's, however once you enter the grounds and the foyers, you forget about the building and enjoy the tropical ambience of the open reception areas. We also have a new Director of Engineering, who is reassessing our maintenance needs, both within our guest rooms, and throughout our grounds. In a holidayWe read many reviews on TA before selecting the Sheraton. All rights reserved. Please see our partners for more details. While the warm waters off the Kona Coast have long been their habitat, Manta Rays began gravitating to what has now become known as the Manta Village site in the 1970s. These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. Has a deck at night with spotlights where you can view the giant manta rays swimming. At Manta Village, youre almost always sure to spot a Manta Ray. Many operators are so familiar with the rays and their habits that theyve given them charming names like Re-Nata and Sugar Ray. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. They are dark on the top, and bleach white on the underside, which they flash as they twist and turn in the water. varies based on the sunset. Keauhou Bay is located about 7 miles south of Kailua-Kona. A Manta Ray photographed at night in the waters off the Kona coast of Hawaii. Note: Honolulu Board of REALTORS receives inquiries seeking professional advice; however the Honolulu Board of REALTORS staff is not qualified, nor licensed, by the state of Hawaii to properly address real estate or legal issues. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws. Once you reach Keauhou Bay, our experienced Captain and crew will provide you with a history of the hahalua (manta rays) and a complete safety briefing before getting you in the water to snorkel with these majestic creatures. All guests getting into the water MUST know how to swim without the assistance of a flotation device. Bathrooms were dated and that to me is what lets the Sheraton experience down. Our Hawaii Island real estate team have spotted groups of spinner dolphins leaping out of the water while standing on the shoreline Kailua-Kona. We enjoyed our 6th floor room very much and the view out over the swimming pool from the doorway and off over the bay from the lanai were very nice. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Naturally, you will need to be a certified scuba diver to partake in a night dive with Manta Rays. Mahalo nui loa! Join us for daily manta ray viewings at dusk at the Manta Center. Once the floodlights are turned on, the manta rays arrive quickly and use the water column between the snorkelers and sea bottom to perform their feeding rituals. In a holiday resort, shower caps & toiletries should be a given; but they weren't.. A marble/granite luxury bathroom is also generally a given.but not so here. Manta rays are related to the shark family, and of course, to other types of rays like Sting Rays and Eagle Rays, yet they are the largest of the ray family. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. scuba diving, Of course, every reputable snorkel and dive company will brief you about passive interaction with the rays, how to safely enter and exit the water, and more. Given their size, they have a surprisingly small coastal range of about 90 square miles (30 miles of coastline and about 3 miles offshore). Our verandah had a couple of bar stools & bar table so the high balcony did not impede, on the beautiful outlook. Manta Heaven is located just offshore, close to the Kona International Airport, while Manta Village is about 6 miles south of Kailua-Kona, at the beautiful Keauhou Bay. It is important to stay either on the surface or on the seafloor to not harm or disrupt the manta rays as they come for their nightly feast. Manta Rays, The last day there, I needed a rest, so we just went on a relaxing snorkel tour, looking for wales. Next day we did a 4 hour, two stage helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian. Our verandah had a couple of bar stools & bar table so the high balcony did not impede, on the beautiful outlook. We appreciate you sharing your comments with us, and have shared this with our management team, for further discussion on how we can enhance our guest's experiences. We appreciate you sharing your comments with us, and have shared this with our management team. After your snorkel adventure, grab a cup of hot cocoa or tea, cookies, sit back, do some stargazing and enjoy the city lights as we return to Kailua-Kona. The Kona Coast of Hawaii Island is a haven for wildlife lovers, particularly for those interested in marine life. Your email address will not be published. We hope to welcome you back to the Sheraton Kona Resort in the future! No beach in the area but I think there are ones a short drive away. so they are unlikely to do you any harm. It took 2+ hours to get to each one of these. Enjoy education talks at the Manta Center and learn about why the ocean currents and rich minerals attract the manta rays close to the Kona shore. The Kona Coast has long been a hotspot for manta rays to feed in the warm waters off the shore. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us. things to do, There was plenty of seating, the only annoyance was having to wear a wrist band whilst using the pool area & hotel towels. The rooms are a bit dated but clean and comfortable. We read many reviews on TA before selecting the Sheraton. Watch a legendary Kona sunset from our beautiful catamaran, capturing majestic views of Kailua town and Mount Hualalai as we sail the Kona coast. We were directly above Rays at the Bay, and it was lovely in the evening to have a drink on the verandah before dinner and enjoy the live music from downstairs and spot the rays. Please note that prepaid cards are subject to expiration, so pay close attention to the expiration date of the card. Free self parking was a plus for us since most of the other hotels in the area we looked at charged 20-30 dollars per day to park there. This hotel has a huge pool with lots of space to sit. I am so excited to have this experience with Konas Manta Rays! Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. the towels!) The Kona Coast is one of the only places in the world where you can view giant manta rays up close. These majestic creatures live in their natural, coastal habitat here in Hawaii and are often spotted at two magical locations on the Kona Coast of the Big Island. This is not a gift card. Not only is this a very beautiful property, with clean comfortable rooms but they have fantastic food. Aloha happycamper519,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. These majestic rays glide gracefully and harmlessly within inches of snorkelers. We are delighted to re-engage in this synergistic partnership with Manta Pacific Research Foundation as part of our brands larger Outriggers ZONE global conservation initiative, which seeks to preserve and protect the health of our oceans and marine life such as corals and manta rays.. Attendance and parking for the Manta Talks event also are free. Mahalo nui loa! Unbeknownst to them, the floodlights served as a beacon for plankton to gather on the oceans surface, thereby attracting the filter-feeding manta rays to feed on the huge schools of plankton. Some operators offer two-tank dives, so you can dive once before sunset, and then again after dark with the Manta Rays. This information is believed to be accurate. Docents at the hotel provide a 20-minute educational talk on Tuesdays and Thursdays at sunset at the hotels waterfront restaurant, Rays on the Bay. scuba, Know where to go before you go -- Have to know where to turn to get to the hotel -- embarrassing that we took about 3 tries in the daylight -- not that well marked to find it first time. Copyright 2016, Hawaii Information Service. Those that are a bit more cruisy will enjoy the hotel and their amenities.More. We have shared your comments with our Rays on the Bay Chef de Cuisine, and appreciate the opportunity to improve our guest's experience in this area. As flotation devices light up the plankton, the manta rays come out to eat. Was clean, friendly and helpful staff, free self park. Very serene standing well above the cloud line, next to some of the largest telescopes on earth. snorkeling, Big Island, The Sheraton gets a huge boost from its beautiful setting, and its proximity to the big manta rays at night (note: Rays on the Bay has terrible food, but it's definitely worth going for a drink and to check out the rays swimming below - absolutely amazing!). The Reception and porter staff were excellent.We booked an Ocean Front king room and were not disappointed with the views. Your Email address will be kept private, this form is secure and we never spam you. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. If we had kids, this review might have been different, but as a fairly young couple on an anniversary trip, one night was plenty to give us the idea of the resort and then be glad we were moving somewhere else. You will receive confirmation of your exact tour departure time when you call to confirm your reservation. For more information about Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, click here. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed our beautiful Resort and amenities during your stay!We are very proud of our wonderful location, and signature Rays on the Bay restaurant; and are delighted that you were able to experience the majestic Manta Rays, in their natural habitat! Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. The layout of the hotel is dated and confusing and doesn't show off the beautiful property to its best advantage. Do you honestly think we're going to steal a pre-loved towel.As a family holiday destination hotel we thought the Sheraton was great. After dark they shine a spot light into the ocean. Once the sliding glass door was closed, no external noise filtered through from the outside verandah to the room. AARP and its affiliates do not provide retail goods or services or discounts on such goods or services. The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. The kids played in the huge pool whenever they were allowed and it was nice to be able to have a cocktail and something to eat around the pool. Ask C0nstantlyOnTheG0 about Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Ask Bowiememe about Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Ask happycamper519 about Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, great experience, would reccomend to anyone, Ask Kelsey W about Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Ask Leeroy007 about Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Ask Bill W about Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, We compared the lowest prices from 19 websites, Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, We compared the lowest prices from 20 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 18 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 13 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 8 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 11 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 15 websites. Please contact the AARP Travel Center directly for full details. The Manta rays come in to eat along the shore line. We are so pleased to hear that you also took advantage of our unique Island! Fringing coral reef with a great variety of fish, Vibrant fringing reef with sea turtles and spinner dolphins, Marine reserve with a fringing reef and many fish, Reef drop off and sandy beds with sea turtles, Immersed volcanic crater with coral, reef fish and turtles, Localize and discover the best snorkeling spots in more than 50 destinations worldwide. Some tour operators offer a free re-booking if you dont see any ray during your tour. Thank you again for your review. Enjoy the Big Island's famous manta ray night snorkel experience at Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. Stopped for a short break in Hilo, then off to fly through the mountains to see a 3,000 foot waterfall. Use your Visa prepaid card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted around the world. *To qualify, you must book a Flight Package Trip on or after Dec 1, 2021. Our office is located in the Kona Square Shopping Complex at: 75-5669 Alii Drive, Unit #1107, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. This site contains Affiliate Links, which means that we may earn commissions through links you make purchases through. Naturally, theyve also seen sea turtles, humpback whales and of course, the graceful Manta Rays. Today, the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay maintains the legacy of shining the floodlights into the water, and many tour operators bring snorkelers here to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Lit by the floating rafts, you can marvel at the rays from just feet away and peer into their mouths lined with brachial filters used to sieve the plankton from the sea. Rooms large and newly updated with a lanai. Your use of the prepaid card is governed by the Cardholder Agreement, and some fees may apply. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed our beautiful grounds and wonderful location for manta ray viewing! Keauhou Bay, Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes). A Kona resort is partnering with a research organization to help protect a gentle ocean giant and is hosting an upcoming event for guests and anyone who wants to learn more. The rooms, though, are dark and cavelike, with almost no natural light, especially the ones facing the parking lot. I suspect it probably was. The travel channel says it is Theres simply no feeling that compares to seeing enormous manta rays up close, as their graceful wings seem to fly underwater and turn in rolls You must be logged in to post a comment. This information is provided by our partners, COMBO: Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel Adventure, 22 reviews of this activity. Our verandah had a couple of bar stools & bar table so the high balcony did not impede, on the beautiful outlook. Mahalo nui loa! We also have a new Director of Engineering, who is reassessing our maintenance needs, in an effort to continuously improve our Resort. Personally, the bathroom didn't stop us from enjoying our time,, but coming from Australia I would have thought the hotel might be better suited to one of its lesser hotel brands in their portfolio.. Breakfast was ordinary in the restaurant, and it was the only public area that was dull and did not give off that tropical ambience. See these majestic creatures in Keauhou Bay right from our oceanfront resort when they come out to feed on plankton. You can also rest assured that plenty of regulation and safety measures are in place and local operators abide by them strictly, in order to ensure the safety of snorkellers, divers, and the Manta Rays themselves. We booked an Ocean Front king room and were not disappointed with the views. I will also view them at Rays on the Bay. November 11, 2017 The Reception and porter staff were excellent. Again, there are plenty of reputable dive operators to choose from. PARKING The Sheraton Kona has the most beautiful location that makes for a quiet and restful vacation. Thank you again for your review. As a snorkeler, youll be warned about keeping your distance and staying on the waters surface, so as to observe the rays from above. Aloha C0nstantlyOnTheG0,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. This is our second visit to this property and although slightly out dated it provided us with time to. just relax. Flew right over the only live volcano on the Islands.Huge recent lava flow which took out an entire town, only one small section of road left. Mahalo nui loa! And they really do nickel-and-dime you on everything (the water! Manta Village is considered one of the best locations on the planet to view manta rays perform their nightly feeding rituals and at close-hand! diving, Ifliving close to the wonder and beauty of Manta Rays is for you, wed like to suggest some recent blog posts about the Kona Coast lifestyle, some beautiful new construction thats now being sold at Holua Kai at Keauhou Bay, and some of the areas many attractions. Aloha Bill W,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. The helicopter pilot hovered above so we could all see and take pictures.Next day went to the highest point on the Islands. We hope to welcome you back to the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa in the future! The bathrooms look like they were last updated 25 years ago and the decor is only so-so. You should conduct your own investigation and consult with appropriate professionals to determine the accuracy of the information provided and to answer any questions concerning the property and structures located thereon. Your email address will not be published. Snorkel with the gentle manta rays at night at the Manta Ray Village off the Kona Coast. The area boasts beautiful beaches, as well as some of the deep blues more exotic sea creatures. Thank you again for your review. The marine plankton are attracted by the lights, so the hotel and local dive companies provide plenty of it. The breakfast buffet was part of a special rate for our room and was very good with many choices. holua kai, On the way back we saw a mother wale with her baby. It is wonderful to have a like-minded partner with Outrigger who understands the importance of protecting this wild, natural and truly authentic experience and educating global visitors about the rich history of manta rays in Kona, Hawaii.. For a deeper learning experience, visit the Manta Learning Center which was developed as a partnership between the Manta Pacific Research Foundation and the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. I'm a big Sheraton fan, but with a Sheraton listing, comes a Sheraton expectation. This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Note that manta rays are wild animals and that sightings cannot be 100% guaranteed. Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa is hosting a free Manta Talks event from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at its Manta Center. We were directly above Rays at the Bay, and it was lovely in the evening to have a drink on the verandah before dinner and enjoy the live music from downstairs and spot the rays. You will receive confirmation of your exact tour departure time when you call to confirm your reservation. Aloha Kelsey W,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Thank you again for your review. Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. The dive site is just a short, 10-minute paddle from the edge of the bay, and we imagine this is more peaceful for the Rays, too! These gentle giants perform an acrobatic display by flapping their massive wings to spin in circles and filter the schools of plankton into their giant mouths. As a result, thousands of human visitors have also been flocking to this part of Hawaii each year to see Manta Rays in their natural habitat both from the shoreline and from below the surface. Aloha Bowiememe,Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP's intellectual property. These sites are known to scuba divers and snorkellers at Manta Village and Manta Heaven. This means that are quite accessible for humans to pay them a visit! , It comes as little surprise for tourists to arrive on the Big Island of Hawaii and be greeted by a , It remains evident that the high-end of the real estate market on the Kohala Coast is strongly influenced by desire , This Big Island escape, that lives like an oceanfront resort, has played host to celebrities, royal families, and was chosen . Dress very warmly. Thank you again for your review. giving it more of a cruise ship feel than a luxury resort.If I had kids, I think I would have appreciated the convenience, the family-friendly pool and the generally pleasant staff, but for a romantic trip it just wasn't the right fit. 1995-2016 Honolulu Board of REALTORS. There's real coffee at the coffee shop.The pool areas were beautiful. Also, touching the rays is prohibited. The go down a little and look through the drivers telescope, I've never seen the moon that clearly nor realized how many stars there really are.The Sheraton Kona really is a first class resort, with so many things to do around it. On arrival, the Resort did look architecturally chunky with concrete, which was pretty much the style of the 60's, however once you enter the grounds and the foyers, you forget about the building and enjoy the tropical ambience of the open reception areas. You can also join a manta ray night snorkeling tour for an unforgettable Hawaiian experience. We recommend this fuller experience and also, it helps to set you at ease with the terrain before you dive into it in the dark. The rooms are adequately appointed, the beds were very comfortable. One local dive operator claims that 90% of visitors spot at least one and as many as five manta rays on a typical visit. I'm from Minnesota, and it was tough on me. in Activities, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii Island, Lifestyle, Activities, The Reception and porter staff were excellent. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. Sheraton K, Guest Experience Team at Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, responded to this review. We hope to welcome you back to the beautiful Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, so we may share our culture and Aloha spirit with you once again! marine life, Keauhou Bay, and particularly Manta Village (the name given to the area in front of the hotel), became a popular place for people to come to view manta rays right on the shoreline easily. Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa is right in front of the spot.

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