Blog: Catching some rays in Hawaii

Christine Reed from Travelworld Exmouth gets up close and personal to some manta rays on day 3 of her fam trip in Hawaii

The day started with a visit of the Royal Kona on Hawaii, the Big Island. The property has no beach as the coast is largely rugged volcanic rock, which is too young to be sand, but it does have an awesome salt water lagoon!

After the site visit we were picked up by Angelina from the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Hotel and taken for a snorkeling trip.  Of those living in Hawaii, only 1% are truly Hawaiian and Angelina is one of them. She was extremely friendly and welcoming, so much so, when we bumped in to her in the gift shop she insisted on buying us all various flavoured macadamia nuts!

On the morning snorkel trip we travelled to Captain Cook’s Monument and the Kealakekua Bay Underwater Marine Preserve, on a stunning catamaran with only eight other guests onboard.

As we arrived at Captain Cooks Point we saw a massive family of dolphins, daytime manta ray (which is practically unheard of in the daytime!), lots of beautiful angel fish and stunning coral.

Unexpectedly, we were given lunch on board which was lovely. Later, Angelina took us back to the Sheraton to try out the ocean front cabanas around their large pool – with a cocktail.

Adam from American Sky and Rachel from Hawaii Tourism Europe tested out the 200ft flume, much to our amusement.

Allison from USAirtours, Adam from American Sky and I tested out the hot tub, and boy was it hot!!!

During dinner at the Sheraton some of us fell in love with the Poke – ahi ahi – raw fish with a delicious strawberry and macadamia nut salad.

After dinner it was back on the Hokuhele boat where we sailed around our hotel in search of the Giant Manta Ray. We saw about three that evening. Amazing experience! Little bit chilly though, but when we climbed back on board the hot chocolate was waiting.

The Sheraton are currently completing a new restaurant on the ocean front. This will be known as ‘Ray’s on the Bay’. From this restaurant you will be able to see the Manta Ray as you dine. Fab experience I’m sure.

DAY 4

Up early for our 20-minute flight to Maui, where we visited  O’os Organic veggie farm, run by a husband and wife and their 23-year-old son. We even got to taste their baby pea shoots.

We had Trafalgar’s signature ‘Be My Guest’ lunch at Pacifico’s in Lahaina, right on the seafront. Lahaina is a quaint whaling village, with lots of shops, restaurants and art galleries – it’s actually known as the art capital of the Pacific.  It is also home to the world’s second largest Banyan Tree cover a whopping 1.2 acres of land

This evening we had dinner at Leilani’s in Whalers Village. We had an amazing amount of food, yet again. We were recommended the Hula Pie, so it would have been rude not too. It was a beast of a slice of ice cream pie with brownies, cream, cookies…..you get the idea.

After dinner we took a walk home alone the Kaanapali beach, beautiful evening and many stars out tonight. Ready for the next adventure tomorrow.