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.
Reef Manta Ray · Cricket Raspet CC BY
Devil Rays · 116916927065934112165 CC BY
Reef Manta Ray · Lexi Amico CC BY
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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when manta rays are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for manta rays sit around 58 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Mar | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| Maybest time | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Jul | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Novbest time | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Decbest time | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on manta rays in Hawaii:
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
Go see them · Hawaii
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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.