A Manta Mahalo

Night snorkeling with manta rays was a standout from our pre-trip travels in the US.  

After sunset, you can take a boat or canoe with a tour operator a few minutes out to the shallow waters of Kona Bay. You then grab a snorkel, jump in, and hold onto a floating pole attached to the boat. The magic begins after the tour operators shine the UV boat lights below water, attracting plankton that the mantas feed on. 

The underwater giants were a startling, almost alien encounter at first. Gliding with grace at 12 feet and 1000+ pounds, the mantas moved and looked unlike anything I had seen, and liked to get close. But the apprehension quickly turned to awe, and for the next hour I cheered muffled excitement underwater with Anushka and my father-in-law, taking in the special moment.

I also attempted my first underwater GoPro video of the experience. And yes, it converted me to a GoPro fanboy immediately. Still learning the ropes.

(We booked our excursion with Anelaki Adventures, which I would recommend. Small group size, knowledgable guides and low environmental impact, as they opt for paddling instead of motorized boats.)