The Great Maui Whale Festival 2011 Events

The Maui Whale Festival is a month-long celebration featuring a series of events that honor and commemorate the endangered humpback whales that come to Maui each winter. In 2010, festival events included:
 

Run for the Whales
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Runners and walkers joined in the popular Run for the Whales along the scenic coast of South Maui. Runners chose from a 5K walk or fun run, a half marathon run, and a 2K children's race. Participants received a free race t-shirt, a free post-race breakfast, and free electronic timing (for the 5K and half marathon). Medals were awarded to the top finishers, and there were great prize giveaways. Race fees benefited marine education programs for Maui schoolchildren. All races started at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort in Makena.

Download the 2010 entry form here: 2010 Entry Form
Download the 2009 race results here: Half Marathon | 5K Run



Maui's Parade of Whales
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Maui residents and visitors turned out by the thousands for this community parade in honor of the humpback whales that migrate to Maui each winter. Music, floats, gymnasts, marching bands, costumed characters and a life-sized humpback whale balloon were all part of the fun! The parade traveled north along South Kihei Road on Maui, ending at Kalama Park by the big whale statue. The parade served as the official kick-off to Whale Day, a free, all day celebration of whales. More info.

Want to participate in the 2011 parade?
Call Pacific Whale Foundation at 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1.

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Maui's Whale Day Celebration
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Maui's largest and longest running celebration of its famous wintertime residents, the humpback whales! This free, all-day celebration-in-the-park is hosted each year by the non-profit Pacific Whale Foundation and includes live music by some of Hawaii's top musicians, great food by popular Maui restaurants, a gigantic craft fair featuring more than 100 local artists, environmental displays, activities for children, a parade (at 9 a.m.) and lots of information about whales! Whale Day is free and open to all. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kalama Park in Kihe
i.

Check back soon for more information about Whale Day 2011 (February 19, 2011), or call (808) 856-8333.

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VIP Whalewatch with Greg Kaufman
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Pacific Whale Foundation President and founder Greg Kaufman
(noted researcher, author and whale conservationist) led this special two-hour eco-adventure cruise aboard the double-deck catamaran Ocean Odyssey. Passengers received a complimentary whale poster, full-color whalewatch guide, and an autographed copy of Greg Kaufman's book, 125 Fun Facts about Humpback Whales

Check back soon for information about VIP Whalewatches for the 2010-2011 whale season.

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The Great Whale Count
Saturday, February 27, 2011
Pacific Whale Foundation's research team leads this annual citizens' count of the humpback whales that can be seen along Maui's shorelines. No experience is required; there's no cost to participate. The research team provides all the training and the tools. It's a great way to learn about humpback whales and whale research, and see more whales from shore than you ever imagined!

Check back soon for more information about the 2011 Great Whale Count.

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Check back soon for more information about free talks and presentations for the 2011 Maui Whale Festival.

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Watching Whales, Saving Whales: Symposium
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Protecting & Saving Whales through the Power of Public Awareness & Scientific Discovery
Free and open to the public. This first annual sympoisum included free talks, workshops and presentations by renowned researchers, educators and those involved in watching and protecting whales from around the world at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali. A shareathon (in which participants can share videos, photos, stories and artwork relating to whales and whalewatching) took place from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

2010 Symposium events included:

Sunday, February 14, 2010
Workshop 1:"Whale Photo Safari"
Pacific Whale Foundation researcher Annie Macie and noted wildlife photographer Monica Sweet led a whalewatch photo safari from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. aboard the Ocean Explorer from Lahaina Harbor. Participants received expert advice on capturing whale images and learned about utilizing the latest digital photo techniques and data storage.

Workshop 2: "The Delicate Art of Watching Whales from Land"
Pacific Whale Foundation's Research Director led this free workshop, providing tips on spotting whales from shore, identifying whale behaviors and interpreting social interactions.

VIP Whalewatch with Interntational Experts
This VIP whalewatch was led by some of the world's foremeost researchers, scientists and environmentalists. Participants on this two-hour eco-adventure cruise received a complimentary whale poster, free color whalewatch guide, and an autographed copy of Greg Kaufman and Paul Forestell's book, Humpbacks of Hawaii, The Long Journey Back.

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Keiki Eco Day
Friday, February 18, 2011
Pacific Whale Foundation's expert marine naturalists presented the inaugural Keiki ECO (Educating Children Outdoors) Conference on February 19. Children in grades K-5 were able to participate in a unique outdoor learning experience, participating in workshops, exploring presentations by nature groups and educators, and enjoying a performance by the Banana Slug String Band. All participants were encouraged to bring a waste-free lunch.

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Click here for Maui Whale Festival t-shirts and logo wear!














 

For 2011 Maui Whale Festival information, call (808) 856-8333 ::: ©2009-2011 Pacific Whale Foundation . All Rights Reserved