There’s no doubt in our minds that the Hawaiian Islands are home to some incredible restaurants, and while it can be easily argued that the food is the most important aspect of a restaurant, ambiance also plays a role. Even better are restaurants that have the whole package — good food, stellar views, beautifully-decorated interiors, and an unforgettable experience. Overlooking a bay frequented by giant manta rays, this might just be one of the most unique restaurants in the Aloha State, and you’ll want to visit as soon as possible.
Welcome to Rays On The Bay, a one-of-a-kind restaurant nestled along Hawaii Island’s Kona Coast that absolutely deserves a spot on your Hawaii dining bucket list — for more reasons than one.
Namely, though, it is perhaps the only oceanfront restaurant in the world that offers manta ray viewing while you dine. Talk about unique!
Perched atop rugged lava cliffs at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, Rays is just steps from the Pacific Ocean and features a phenomenal vantage point of the manta rays that call this Hawaiian bay home.
Also known as Manta Village, these gentle giants are found throughout Keauhou Bay.
The largest of the ray family, the wingspan of manta rays typically reaches up to 15 feet across, can weigh as much as 3,000 pounds, and can live as long as 30 to 40 years. The manta rays started gravitating towards this bay in the 1970s, and today, the lights of the resort illuminate the coastal waters, attracting marine plankton, and in turn, manta rays.
You might suspect that such a unique restaurant serves average food, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The menu features a variety of island-inspired New American cuisine, including fresh, island-caught seafood and farm to table dishes as well as handmade artisan pizzas, burgers, and mouthwatering pupus.
Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., and features all of your morning favorites andisland specialties.
Don't forget to start your meal with a signature cocktail, save room for dessert, or both!
This macadamia nut chocolate cup —made with chocolate cremeux, macadamia nuts, and salted caramel — looks absolutely heavenly.
The promise of witnessing manta rays will draw you in, but it’s the open-air, modern atmosphere, live music, rum bar, and fire pit lounges that will keep you coming back again and again.
Did we mention that the sunsets and views of the Pacific Ocean are truly second to none?
So, what are you waiting for? Tourists and locals alike love this casual, oceanside eatery, and it's easy to see why.
Address: 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua, HI 96740
Rays On The Bay is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. Have you ever dined at this one-of-a-kind restaurant? Share your experiences and opinions with our readers in the comments below.
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