Best Time to See Manta Rays in Hawaii
December, November and May is the best time to see manta rays in Hawaii. Based on 610 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when manta rays are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
610 verified observations of manta rays in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When manta rays are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
December
81 records (13.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 45 | 7.4% |
| February | 26 | 4.3% |
| March | 45 | 7.4% |
| April | 58 | 9.5% |
| Maypeak | 66 | 10.8% |
| June | 50 | 8.2% |
| July | 39 | 6.4% |
| August | 43 | 7% |
| September | 48 | 7.9% |
| October | 40 | 6.6% |
| Novemberpeak | 69 | 11.3% |
| Decemberpeak | 81 | 13.3% |
Manta Rays you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Reef Manta Ray | 592 |
| Oceanic Manta Ray | 8 |
Sightings of manta rays in Hawaii peak in December, when 81 of the year's 610 verified observations are logged — about 13.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, November and May.
The quietest stretch is February and July, when manta rays are hardest to find — February sees just 26 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The manta rays you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Reef Manta Ray and Oceanic Manta Ray — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see manta rays in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Viator
Book a manta ray tour in Hawaii
Guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences, with free cancellation on most.
Booking.com
Stay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best manta ray viewing in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see manta rays in Hawaii?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, November and May, based on 610 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are manta rays hardest to see in Hawaii?+
February is the quietest month for manta rays in Hawaii, with only 26 verified records.
Are manta rays active year-round in Hawaii?+
Manta rays are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More wildlife in Hawaii