RELEASE NUMBER 23 | 26
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Nightly Manta Ray Encounters, Authentic Hawaiian Cultural Experiences and Adventure-Filled Days Await at Keauhou Bay
KONA – Families seeking more than a typical beach vacation will find an unforgettable summer experience at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. Perched above the waters of Keauhou Bay on Hawaiʻi Island’s Kona Coast, the award-winning resort combines one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters, immersive Hawaiian cultural experiences and family-friendly recreation in one extraordinary destination.
Fresh from a $60 million revitalization and recently recognized with Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice® Award for 2026, placing it among the top 10% of hotels worldwide based on guest reviews, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa offers travelers a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi through experiences that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
From swimming alongside majestic manta rays under the stars to exploring ancient Hawaiian sites, learning hula and ʻukulele, or simply spending quality time together by the ocean, families can create memories that extend far beyond the typical summer getaway. Kamaʻāina residents can experience it all with special rates starting at $225 per night.
For families seeking extra space and elevated amenities, the Club Deluxe Oceanfront Suite offers 900 square feet of oceanfront comfort, complete with a spacious private lanai and sweeping views of the Kona Coast. Accommodating up to four guests, the suite includes exclusive access to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, featuring daily breakfast, evening island-inspired tastings, complimentary valet parking and access to the children’s play area and weekly Coral Kids DISCOVERY Zone activities, benefits valued at more than $250 per night.
One of the resort’s most sought-after experiences begins after sunset. Through a partnership with Eka Canoe Adventures, guests can embark on nightly manta ray encounters in the waters of Keauhou Bay. Known as one of the world’s most reliable locations for manta ray viewing, the bay offers visitors the rare opportunity to witness these graceful ocean giants in their natural habitat nearly every night of the year.
To deepen the experience, the resort also hosts complimentary Manta Talks, expert-led presentations exploring manta ray biology, behavior and conservation, allowing guests to better understand the marine environment they are about to encounter.
Beyond the water, families can immerse themselves in the living culture of Hawaiʻi through a robust schedule of complimentary experiences rooted in the history and traditions of Keauhou. Led by Director of Cultural Experiences Nani Kupihe, the Kaukulaelae Walking Tour takes guests along the resort’s sacred coastline, where they discover Kaukulaelae Heiau, the legendary Pōhaku Pele bell stone and remnants of traditional canoe sheds, fishing shrines, salt pans and ancient dwellings that reveal generations of Hawaiian life.
At the Aloha Cultural Center, guests of all ages can participate in hula lessons, ʻukulele classes, lei making and other hands-on cultural activities that celebrate the traditions and stories unique to Hawaiʻi Island.
Evenings come alive at the Feast & Fire Lū’au, where hula, storytelling and locally sourced Hawaiian cuisine come together in a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture. Before the performance begins, guests can explore the Artisan Village featuring lei making, poi pounding demonstrations and traditional bamboo stamping (ʻohe kāpala), while the Makahiki gaming grounds invite families to try native stone bowling, kōnane (Hawaiian checkers) and other traditional games.
Throughout the summer, the resort offers special events that bring together guests and the local community:
- June 19 | 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. – ReefTeach: Guests and local volunteers participate in a beach cleanup and learn reef-friendly practices while supporting marine monitoring efforts at Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center. Director Cindi Punihaole hosts a special Talk Story session featuring a film screening, Q&A, interactive exhibits and ocean-friendly giveaways.
- June 30, July 28 and August 25 | 5–6 p.m. – Under the New Moon: A monthly cultural gathering at PIKO Makai featuring moʻolelo shared by a kumu and hula performances by Nā Wai Iwi Ola Hula Hālau.
- July 4 | 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. – Flowerworks: In place of fireworks, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters releases locally sourced flowers over Keauhou Bay. The celebration includes lei-making workshops, beginner hula lessons, ʻukulele instruction and live music.
- July 12 | 8 p.m. – TUMUA: Das’ How Tour: Hawaiian-born comedian Tumua brings his 2026 tour to the resort ballroom for an all-ages evening of island-style comedy.
Families can also take advantage of a wide range of activities included in the daily resort fee, including stand-up paddleboarding, pickleball, basketball and tennis. Two swimming pools, including a keiki pool with a 200-foot waterslide, yoga on the Chapel Lawn, guided ocean swims and daily Aloha Cultural Center programming ensure every day can be as active—or relaxed—as guests choose.
“Keauhou Bay has been a gathering place for generations and there are very few places where history, culture and the natural world come together the way they do here,” said Geoff Pearson, general manager. “This summer, we have an opportunity to welcome a new generation of families to experience it all.”
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is located at 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island, approximately 25 minutes from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. Every guest also receives complimentary membership in GHA DISCOVERY, providing access to benefits and rewards across the Global Hotel Alliance’s worldwide portfolio.
Book your stay at the Best Hotel Brand in Hawaiʻi, as recognized by the TravelAge West WAVE Awards 2026. For reservations, visit OUTRIGGER.com.
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