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OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa Celebrates 30 Years of Responsible Manta Tourism at World Manta Day Festival

Posted by Kathy Foley

Category: Hawaii

9/7/2023

KONA, HAWAI‘I – On Saturday, September 16, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is collaborating with the Manta Pacific Research Foundation to host a festival for World Manta Day that celebrates the underwater marvels while sharing ways to support the research, education and conservation of the manta species. Located on the shore of Keauhou Bay, the resort is one of the only places in the world to consistently view and interact with manta rays year-round.

The partnership between OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa and the Manta Pacific Research Foundation is part of OUTRIGGER’s global OUTRIGGER Zone initiative that provides enriching experiences for guests, hosts and communities that focus on stewardship, conservation of the ocean and its inhabitants.

Established in 2019, Manta Day Festival at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is a free experience for the whole family to learn more about the beloved sea animals and how to protect them. The public is welcome to participate in a full day of festivities featuring keiki crafts, prize drawings and “Manta Talks” by local and international expert divers and scientists. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. starting with activations in the OUTRIGGER conference rooms, followed by an oceanfront reception. As part of the festival, attendees will receive complimentary parking and an opportunity to see the premiere of a short film produced by Morgan Eason, focusing on how the property has fostered responsible manta tourism.

“At OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, we are deeply privileged to engage with magnificent manta rays every night, as they gracefully approach our resort to feast on plankton,” shared Geoff Pearson, director of sales and marketing at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. “These enchanting encounters serve as a poignant reminder of the profound responsibility we bear in safeguarding our oceans. We are committed to not only nurturing our stewardship for these waters but also sharing our dedicated efforts with our guests as they engage with this protected species.”

Since its inception, leading non-profit Manta Pacific Research Foundation has worked to bring awareness to the sea animals. The organization’s president and founder Keller Laros has helped to successfully ensure their protection in the State of Hawai‘i.

“I am deeply honored to extend our partnership with OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, as we remain steadfast in our shared dedication to safeguarding our oceans and these awe-inspiring creatures,” remarked Laros. “We are brimming with enthusiasm to enlighten guests, visitors and locals alike on forging the way towards a sustainable future, ensuring the flourishing of manta rays in their pristine natural environment. ”

WORLD MANTA DAY SCHEDULE

  • 12 p.m. – Meet & Greet with refreshments
  • 1 – 6 p.m. – Informative manta ray talks and marine environmental and conservation discussions given by local, national and international experts in the Bayview Rooms
  • 6 – 7 p.m. – Mahalo Reception at Pa‘akai Point with manta-themed crafts

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Click, HERE, for a PDF of this release.