RELEASE NUMBER 34|24
Family-friendly fun at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa’s 22-acre oceanfront resort features keiki crafts, captivating speakers and film screenings presented by the Manta Pacific Foundation
KONA, HAWAIʻI – OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is joining forces with the Manta Pacific Research Foundation to present the World Manta Day Festival on Saturday, September 14, 2024. This beloved event will honor the majestic manta rays that grace our waters with a day full of educational activities, engaging discussions and family-friendly fun including keiki crafts and raffles. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the captivating world of manta rays from the resort’s premier location on the shores of Keauhou Bay, where these incredible creatures make nightly appearances.
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa upholds the brand’s global conservation initiative, OUTRIGGER Zone, underscoring a commitment to ocean health by providing enriching experiences to guests and the community that promote stewardship and conservation. This dedication is highlighted by the festival’s focus on manta rays, whose continual presence at OUTRIGGER reinforces the value of partnering with the Manta Research Foundation.
Since its debut in 2019, the Manta Day Festival has been a free, family-friendly event designed to educate and engage the community about manta rays and their conservation. The events of the day run from 12 to 7 p.m., starting with informative talks and discussions in the Bayview Rooms, culminating with an oceanfront reception. The festivities conclude with the screening of the short film “Mission Manta” spearheaded by University of Miami Marine Biologists, Nikki Brito and Morgan Eason, along with Keller Laros of the Manta Pacific Research Foundation. The film aims to promote conservation efforts and expand public awareness about the long-standing families of manta rays residing off the Kona coast. Complimentary parking provided for all attendees.
“Experiencing the manta rays at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is a unique and special privilege,” said Geoff Pearson, General Manager at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. “Each evening, these remarkable animals inspire us to deepen our commitment to ocean conservation. We are excited to engage our guests in this mission, helping them appreciate the importance of preserving our marine ecosystems.”
The Manta Pacific Research Foundation has been a leading advocate for manta ray awareness since its founding. Under the leadership of President and Founder Keller Laros, the foundation has been instrumental in ensuring the protection of these remarkable creatures across Hawai‘i.
“I am thrilled to continue our partnership with OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa as we work together to protect our oceans and the magnificent manta rays that inhabit them,” said Laros. “We look forward to inspiring guests, visitors, and locals to adopt sustainable practices that will ensure these extraordinary creatures thrive in their natural habitat.”
To enhance your World Manta Day experience, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa invites you to extend your stay with a special 25% discount on resort room bookings. Whether you’re a returning guest or discovering the resort for the first time, this is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the newly renovated facilities and the warm hospitality that defines OUTRIGGER. To book your stay and learn more about the property, visit www.outrigger.com.
In addition, the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program offers members exclusive benefits, including preferential rates, room upgrades, and DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) at OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and other GHA properties. Whether enjoying the beaches of iconic OUTRIGGER destinations like Kona, the Maldives, or Thailand, members can expect rewarding experiences. Through our partnership with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), OUTRIGGER enhances its global reach and drives incremental revenue while maintaining its distinct brand identity.
World Manta Day at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa Schedule:
● 12pm: Kick-off meet and greet with refreshments
● 1-6pm: Informative manta ray talks and marine environmental and conservation discussions given by local, national and international experts
● 6-7pm: Mahalo reception at Paʻakai Point with manta-themed crafts
● 7pm: Screening of short film “Mission Manta”
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