Sunset and Manta Ray Snorkel — Kona, Hawaii: A Journey of Family, Culture, and Ocean Wonders

Article by: Dr. Robert “Battle Ax” Ornelas, Staff Journalist, IPA Magazine Travel

When you’re floating in the warm waters off Kona at sunset, watching majestic manta rays glide
beneath you, you realize you’re witnessing something sacred. Our family had the privilege of joining the Bite Me & Ocean Encounters Sunset Manta Ray Snorkel on the Big Island of Hawaii, and it became one of the most unforgettable experiences of our entire trip. What began as a simple excursion quickly transformed into a deeper journey of adventure, cultural reflection, and family connection.

An Experience for Everyone

Whether you’re on a honeymoon, a solo getaway, or a family vacation, this tour offers something for everyone. For us, experiencing it together as a family made it even more meaningful. The crew provided us with our own floating device equipped with lighting so we could stay close to one another in the water. The staff remained right beside us — gently guiding, answering questions, and sharing their ocean knowledge with patience and joy.

Arriving Early: Professionalism, Safety, and the Aloha Spirit

We arrived early and waited as the rest of the guests checked in. During that time, the crew greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome from the very beginning. Once we boarded the boat, they provided us with snacks and ensured we were comfortable. Before departure, we received a thorough safety briefing covering protocol, environmental protections, and both state and federal laws designed to safeguard the manta rays and the guests. What stood out most was how the staff, management, company, and crew all operated under these laws with complete professionalism and respect. This was not just a tour — it was a well-organized experience grounded in accountability, safety, and care for the ocean. Bite Me and Ocean Encounters embodied the Aloha Spirit.

From the first moment I spoke with them, Bite Me & Ocean Encounters expressed and demonstrated the true Aloha Spirit. After my initial conversation, I delegated my wife, Melissa, to handle the coordination — and management treated her with such kindness and. respect that she felt genuinely valued. Their warmth wasn’t just customer service; it was cultural integrity at work.

Understanding the Aloha Spirit Law

Enacted in 1986, Hawaii’s “Aloha Spirit” law acknowledges the Native Hawaiian philosophy of aloha as a guiding principle for how people of Hawaii should treat one another. It is not a punitive law — instead, it is a moral and cultural mandate that encourages leaders and citizens alike to act with sincerity and goodwill.

The law defines the Aloha Spirit through the acronym:

A — Akahai: Kindness, expressed with tenderness,
L — Lōkahi: Unity, expressed with harmony
O —ʻOluʻolu: Agreeableness, expressed with pleasantness,
H — Haʻahaʻa: Humility, expressed with modesty,
A — Ahonui: Patience, expressed with perseverance.

This philosophy has even influenced Hawaii Supreme Court rulings. Understanding this helps
visitors appreciate why Hawaiian hospitality feels uniquely heartfelt — it is a living cultural value that shapes everyday interactions.

Ocean Encounters of Kona: More Than a Tour Company

It’s also important to mention that Bite Me & Ocean Encounters operates in partnership with Ocean Encounters of Kona, known publicly as Swim With Dolphins and Mantas. This company offers a wide range of marine wildlife experiences, including swimming with wild dolphins, whale-watching, and the world-famous Kona manta ray snorkel. Their tours are designed to be family-friendly, conservation-focused, and guided by experienced crew members who deeply respect the ocean and its wildlife.This broader mission was obvious from the moment we stepped onto the boat. Their commitment to safety, education, and ocean stewardship made our experience not only enjoyable but meaningful.

Family Reflections from the Water

One of the most beautiful parts of the tour was hearing each member of my family experience the manta rays in their own words:

My wife Melissa Ornelas shared:
“I loved watching the manta rays doing their belly rolls right beneath me. The staff
made us feel special — the red-carpet treatment, their knowledge, their care — it all
stood out. This tour package exceeded my expectations”.

My nephew Dominic reflected on the ride out to sea:
“I liked the boat ride to the hotel on the outside. It was a beautiful view. The staff was really kind to us and gave us a lot of information about the place. And I loved the manta rays doing their belly rolls and back flips together.”

My son Jaycob, enjoying a break from acting, added:
“It was an amazing experience. We even saw a rare occurrence of the manta rays breaching the water. The staff shared the history of Hawaii and the hotel with us. It was so relaxed, and I felt safe the entire time.“

My son Joshua described it simply and powerfully:
“Just the whole experience was very good. It’s something I’ll be recommending to other people. Something I look forward to doing again in the near future. I had such a wonderful time — the manta rays were so beautiful.“

These reflections show how powerful this encounter can be for families — uniting generations in
awe, learning, and gratitude.

A Break from the Spotlight: Jaycob Ornelas’ Hawaiian Pause

This trip also provided a meaningful break for my son Jaycob Ornelas who has been busy on
film and television sets. Recently, he was featured in S.W.A.T. Season 8, Episode 2 — now
streaming on Netflix — where he appeared as Arturo, a cartel gang leader.
Jaycob shared:

“It’s been an incredible journey, but having this time in Hawaii and swimming with
the manta rays is a whole different kind of experience.“

Jaycob will soon appear in a new Apple Series, with more details coming soon. For him, this moment in Kona was a peaceful pause from the bright lights of Hollywood.

Cultural Significance: Hawaiian ‘Aumākua

Hawaiian culture teaches that manta rays can be considered ‘aumākua — ancestral guardians
that watch over families. Being welcomed into that cultural worldview made the experience feel deeper. As these gentle giants moved beneath us, we were reminded that the ocean holds stories, memories, and spiritual connections passed down through generations.

Honoring the Ocean Guardians: Conservation

Hawaii and the world protect manta rays through strong environmental laws:

● Hawaii Act 92 (2009): Illegal to kill or capture manta rays in state waters
●U.S. Endangered Species Act (2018): The Giant Manta Ray (Manta birostris) listed as Threatened
● International Protection:
CITES Appendix II: Regulates global trade. Because mantas reproduce slowly — sometimes just one pup every few years — they are extremely vulnerable. This makes responsible tourism essential.

Bite Me and Ocean Encounters

Check-In: 5:00 PM. ●Departure: 5:30 PM (just before sunset) ●Snorkel Time: Approximately 45 minutes ●Total Duration: About 2.5 hours. Crew: Captain Rory, Josh, and Laura — all deeply knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about the ocean. Their hospitality is what truly sets this company apart. Go to their website Bite Me and Ocean Encounters and book your next manta ray experience and more!!

Final Reflections

This manta ray snorkel was more than an adventure — it was a cultural connection, a family
moment, and a spiritual reminder of how creation speaks across generations. From Hawaiian
‘aumākua to Hawai‘i’s Aloha Spirit Law, from conservation efforts to the voices of my own family, the evening touched every part of our lives. The manta rays glided beneath us with purpose and grace — reminding us that the ocean is alive with guardians, stories, and wisdom for those who choose to listen.

About Dr. Robert “Battle Ax” Ornelas
Dr. Robert “Battle Ax” Ornelas is an artist, researcher, hip-hop performer, and community leader
whose work bridges culture, advocacy, and global outreach. He serves as a staff journalist for IPA Magazine Travel and is the frontman of The S.O.G. Crew (Sons of God International Hip
Hop Movement) under Thump Records / Universal Music Group, blending bilingual hip-hop
with urban worship to uplift and inspire audiences worldwide.

In addition to his artistic work, Dr. Ornelas is an Ambassador and administrator for the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians representing the tribe before the United Nations and promoting Indigenous rights, cultural diplomacy, and environmental protection, diplomacy, and environmental protection.

A lifelong advocate for youth, recovery, cultural preservation, and unity, Dr. Ornelas continues to
use his research, music, writing, and leadership to bring encouragement and healing to communities across the globe.