Help
Celebrate World Manta Day with Manta Pacific Research Foundation at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa.
Saturday, September 12
Join us for a day of free family friendly festivities.
12:00 pm Meet & greet with refreshments
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Informative manta ray talks and marine environmental and conservation discussions given by local, national and international experts
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Mahalo reception at Keauhou Ballroom
Enjoy the wonders of manta rays through keiki crafts, marine conservation exhibitions, and a premier manta ray screening.
Manta Pacific Research Foundation is dedicated to research, education and conservation concerning manta rays and the marine environment. Registration is not required but encouraged.
Marine Education Presentations
Each session includes a 20-minute presentation followed by audience Q&A. Topics range from manta ray research and marine protected species to sustainable tourism and ocean conservation efforts in Hawai‘i.
1:00 PM - Manta Rays of Kona, Hawai‘i
Keller Laros, Manta Pacific Research Foundation
Learn about the biology, behavior, and life cycle of the manta rays that frequent the Kona Coast.
1:30 PM - Hawai‘i's Pelagic Protected Species
Devon Stapleton, Division of Aquatic Resources, DLNR
Explore the diverse marine species protected in Hawai‘i's open ocean environments.
2:00 PM - Long-Term Monitoring in a Short-Term World
Brad Giles, Reef Check Hawai‘i Coordinator
Discover how ongoing reef monitoring provides critical data in a rapidly changing ocean.
2:30 PM - Hawaiian Monk Seals: Conservation in Action
Carmelita Villalobos, Ke Kai Ola, Marine Mammal Center
An inside look at the recovery efforts and challenges faced by one of the world's most endangered marine mammals.
3:00 PM - Manta Ray Cognition
Dr. Csilla Ari-D'Agostino, University of South Florida
Uncover fascinating insights into the intelligence and cognitive abilities of manta rays.
3:30 PM - Coloration Changes of Manta Rays
Dr. Csilla Ari-D'Agostino, University of South Florida
A deep dive into the science of manta ray color patterns and what they may reveal.
4:00 PM - Day Use Mooring Buoys: Safe and Sustainable Boating
Jeff & Teri Leicher, Mālama Kai Foundation
Learn proper use of mooring buoys to protect coral reefs and enhance ocean safety.
4:30 PM - Marine Stewardship at Kahalu‘u Bay
Brianne Dewani Lauro, The Kohala Center
Hear how community-based stewardship supports reef resilience and visitor education.
5:00 PM - The Ecology & Conservation of a New Manta Ray Species
Jessica Pate, The Marine Megafauna Foundation
5:30 PM - Safe and Sustainable Manta Ray Marine Eco-Tourism
Keller Laros, Manta Pacific Research Foundation
Best practices for tour operators and guests to ensure the long-term protection of manta rays.
6:00 - 7:00 PM - Mahalo Reception at Keauhou Ballroom
Celebrate the day with light pupus and a cash bar
Schedule and speakers are subject to change. Please check onsite signage or event updates for the latest information.
Complimentary event self-parking available.
Click here to learn more about Manta Pacific Research.
Participating Organizations & Partners
Division of Aquatic Resources - Protected Species Program
Part of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) manages the Protected Species Program (PSP) to conserve, protect, and enhance marine animal species in Hawaiian waters.
Kristen Kelly, Marine Species Outreach & Education Coordinator | (808) 304-3017 | kristen.m.kelly@hawaii.gov
The Kohala Center - Marine Stewardship at Kahaluʻu Bay
Kahaluʻu Bay is a wahi pana, a sacred and storied place. The Kohala Center's Reef Teach program is a community-based stewardship effort dedicated to strengthening the bay's resilience through education, ecological monitoring, and advocacy. Daily, on-ʻāina beach outreach empowers visitors with respectful engagement practices. The Nāna Kahaluʻu Monitoring Plan integrates western science and Native Hawaiian methodologies to track coral health, water quality, fish populations, and human impact. TKC works in partnership with the County of Hawaiʻi and DLNR as managing agencies of Kahaluʻu Bay.
Kathleen Clark, Coastal Stewardship Manager | kclark@kohalacenter.org
Reef Check Foundation - Hawai‘i Chapter
Established in 1996, the Reef Check Foundation is a global nonprofit empowering citizen scientists to conserve tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests. With volunteers in over 40 countries, Reef Check is relaunching its Hawai‘i coral reef monitoring program this fall to support sustainable reef management.
Brad Giles, Hawai‘i Island Coordinator | (425) 350-9889 | hawaii@reefcheck.org
Marine Megafauna Foundation
The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) is an internationally recognized marine conservation nonprofit operating in the Americas, Western Indian Ocean, and Asia Pacific. Its mission is to protect endangered marine species—like manta rays and whale sharks—through research, education, and outreach. In Hawai‘i, MMF partners with Manta Pacific Research Foundation and DLNR to support community education around the endangered oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris).
Mark Hackney | (713) 319-5045 | mark.hackney@marinemegafauna.org
Ke Kai Ola - The Marine Mammal Center
Ke Kai Ola, part of The Marine Mammal Center, is a world-renowned facility dedicated to ocean health through rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. Located in Kailua-Kona, Ke Kai Ola focuses on the recovery and care of endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
Megan McGinnis, RVT, Director | mcginnism@tmmc.org
Ocean Defenders Alliance
Ocean Defenders Alliance (ODA) works to protect marine ecosystems by removing hazardous marine debris and educating the public. Collaborating with local communities, ODA targets man-made debris that poses serious threats to marine wildlife and habitats.
Marjorie Zensen | (410) 688-4310 | mjzengland@gmail.com
Mālama Kai Foundation
Since 1991, the Mālama Kai Foundation (MKF) has championed the health of Hawai‘i's coastal and marine ecosystems. MKF is best known for creating and maintaining the Day-Use Mooring Buoy (DMB) Program, which prevents anchor damage at popular dive and snorkel sites. MKF also supports education, youth scholarships, and grassroots partnerships to inspire ocean stewardship.
At World Manta Day, MKF will debut a new video on the DMB Program, showcasing Hawai‘i's model of community-led reef protection.
Victoria Martocci, DMB Program Director | moorings@malamakaifoundation.org
With Ross Bronzan (Filmmaker), Jeff & Teri Leicher (Founding Supporters)
Manta Pacific Research Foundation
The Manta Pacific Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 to promote research, education, and conservation of manta rays and their marine environment. Based in Kona, the foundation is a leader in manta ray science and sustainable marine tourism advocacy.
Morgan Eason - easonmorgan2020@gmail.com | (352) 222-0257
Keller Laros - keller@mantapacific.org | (808) 895-1791
Island CPR
Island CPR has delivered lifesaving medical training in Hawai‘i since 2008. Offering a range of classes—from CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certification to CNA and Medical Assistant training—Island CPR is committed to building a safer, healthier community. Courses are offered at their Kona facility or on-location across the state.
Kara Osada-D'Avella | (808) 896-1889 | Kara@IslandCPR.com
Keiki Crafts - Jack's Diving Locker
For over 30 years, Jack's Diving Locker has run keiki marine education programs that foster a love of the ocean through fun, hands-on learning. Their Marine Life Ambassador and Junior Programs for ages 6-18 teach ocean stewardship while offering PADI certifications. Recognized with multiple awards, their programs help cultivate the next generation of ocean protectors.
Preslie Alonso & Brandi Hoffman
