education IN Motion
Watch our Ocean Camp overview video and experience the highlights from years of unforgettable camp moments.
Registration opens soon for our 2025 Summer Ocean Camp. Scholarship assistance is available for Ocean Camp through the generosity of our donors for students who qualify for financial assistance and/or keiki impacted by the wildfires.
Ocean Camp (Grades 2-5)
What is Ocean Camp?
This unique offering encourages campers to learn about the ocean and Maui’s natural environment while developing useful skills and making new friends. Our 2026 winter camp session centers around all things whales and includes hands-on science lessons, team-building games, crafts and daily field trips, including a 3-hour private snorkel trip on PacWhale Eco-Adventures vessels. Winter camp session accommodates a maximum of 20 campers.
Pacific Whale Foundation’s Education department is focused on the nurturing of minds to become the ocean’s stewards of tomorrow in a safe and accepting environment. We encourage all students of all identities to come as they are as their most authentic selves. As educators and volunteers, it is our responsibility to respect and actively support the identities of our students from their race to their gender identity, to the religion they practice and more.
Schedule
8:00-8:30 AM: Drop Off
Early-mid morning: Learning activities and games!
Afternoon: Field trip
3:30-4:00 PM: Pick up
What to Pack
A field trip schedule will be provided for your session to help pack for specific activities. Good everyday items to pack each day are:
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Lunch/snacks
Pricing
Ocean Camp is offered on a “pay what you can” model. We use a 3-tier system: a reduced rate, a Kamaʻāina rate, and a full scholarship option. Please note that Kamaʻāina pricing and scholarships are available only to Hawaiʻi residents, and a valid Hawaiʻi ID is required to apply.
All three tiers already reflect reduced, subsidized pricing — and cover instruction, daily field trips, activities, private snorkeling, and more.
If you’d like to make an additional donation to support our programs, CLICK HERE.
Session Information
December 28 – December 31 | Whale, whale, whale, what do we have here?
Explore all things humpback whales! Campers will learn how these amazing animals breathe, communicate, migrate, and survive in the ocean. From songs to breaches, we’ll discover what makes humpback whales so unique.
Winter camp session includes 2 private snorkels aboard the Pac-Whale Eco Adventures vessels, a visit to the Maui Ocean Center, and an onshore whale watch/Field-Day at Sugar Beach/Kenolio Park.
FAQ
What age groups do you serve?
- Our Ocean Camp program serves current second–fifth graders.
Where/when is drop off and pick up?
Campers will be dropped off between 8:00-8:30 AM at the Discovery Classroom entrance at the lower level of the Harbor Shops complex next to Boss Frog’s. Pick-up is at the same location between 3:30-4:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE: prior authorization and a valid driver’s license is required to sign out campers every day.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
Basic swimming ability is recommended for water activities. Our team always prioritizes safety, and certified lifeguards will always be present when children are in the water. Flotation devices, life vests, and floating boards are available. If you are concerned about your children’s swimming abilities, please contact our staff and we can make an individual plan tailored to your child’s needs.
What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
We maintain a low ratio to ensure safety, engagement, and individualized attention. We accept up to 20 campers per camp session. There are always at least 2 teachers in the classroom with the camper. When on outings or snorkeling trips, we are accompanied by PWF volunteers, boat crew, lifeguards, and captains.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We adjust activities as needed and always have backup plans, including indoor lessons, crafts, and educational activities. We will notify adults as soon as we are able to with any concerns or changes.
Can my child attend multiple weeks?
Absolutely! Each week of Ocean Camp has a unique theme, so campers can join multiple sessions without repeating the same experience.
Do you provide snacks or lunch?
One daily snack is provided: campers are responsible for their lunch each day at camp. We also advise packing additional snacks, especially on snorkel days.
Scholarship assistance may be available for Ocean Camp through the generosity of our donors for students who qualify for financial assistance and/or keiki impacted by the wildfires. Contact [email protected] with any questions.