Up-Close Encounter with a Manta Ray in Hawaii

STORY TIME - So @abby_hawaii and I decided to take out the paddle boards for sunrise a few days ago at the @westinhapuna . It was about 6:30 am a little chilly (lol I’m such a bum it was 75 😱) but other than that the conditions were pristine and shaping up to be even better for sunrise! - We spent a few minutes shooting around and then I threw up the drone right as the sun was cresting over Mauna Kea. Insanely epic scene but then I notice that Abby isn’t looking too good and it’s not just the temp. Then I look in the water and see a fin popping out about 8 inches from the surface and coming at her board head on! - Both of us try to remain as calm as humanly possible as she quickly rows back to shore. She gets back safely but was definitely a little flustered by the experience. - Me, being the curious guy that I am, decided to throw up the drone to scout out what exactly this mysterious fin was. I launch and scan the waters for about 3 minutes before finally finding the culprit... a 7 ft Manta Ray!- Swipe to see the video I got of him cruising the seas! - Manta Rays are gentle giants and are completely harmless to people. I actually got to swim with on at night earlier that week as well which you will see more of in a few days :) - It’s been a dream of mine for a few years now to see one of these guys in the wild and it was absolutely incredible to do it in such a natural way. Stay tuned for more from my big Isalnd adventures with @westinhapuna ! - Be blessed and stay stoked 😎🤙 • • • • • • #hawaii #passionpassport #nakedhawaii #eclectic_shotz #earthfocus #sunset #adventureculture #nature #earthpix #neverstopexploring #stayandwander #travel #awesomeearth #旅行 #sonyalpha #soft_vision #roamtheplanet #beautifuldestinations #bestvacations #ourplanetdaily #景色 #travelstoke #自然