Each year since 1980, Pacific Whale Foundation puts on the Maui Whale Festival, a series of events throughout the month of February to celebrate and educate about the marine animal they have been working for the past 40 years to protect – the humpback whale. There are plenty of fun and educational activities for you and your keiki to enjoy!
Run & Walk for Whales
Feb 1, 7am-11am
This a great physical activity that the entire family can participate in, including babes in strollers! Choose between several mostly level, easy-to-follow courses with beautiful scenic views of both the ocean and mountains – 1 mile, 5K, 10K, or 10 mile. Post-race activities include awards, music by Marty Dread, and a discounted whalewatch.
Whale Day and Parade of Whales
Feb 8, 9am-3pm
This year, PWF has partnered with Whale Trust, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Division of Aquatic Resources, DLNR to bring back the famous Whale Day and Parade! You and your keiki can watch the parade as it travels from Kamaole 1 to Kalama, where the free Whale Day activities will be taking place, beginning at 10am. Explore Hawaiian culture with hula performances from halaus across Maui Nui, visit local non-profits and play games that teach about their organization’s work, enjoy a performance by the Banana Slug String Band, race your whale in the Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta for prizes, and, in the keiki zone, find more games related to science and marine life, a DJ with interactive games, bubble machine, and hula lessons!
Keiki Concert Cruises
Feb 9 & 15
Keiki cruise for free with an adult (1 FREE keiki with every paying adult) on these special concert cruises, featuring the Banana Slug String Band Sunday, February 9 and Uncle Wayne & The Howling Dog Band Saturday, February 15. Let your keiki rock out to music created just for them!
Maui Whale Festival Library Performance with Uncle Wayne & The Howling Dog Band
Feb 14, 10:30am
Can’t make either of the Keiki Concert Cruises? Enjoy a special performance at the Kihei Public Library by Uncle Wayne and the Howling Dog Band free of charge!
World Whale Film Festival
Feb 14, 7pm-10pm
Your high schooler might just be inspired by a night out filled with powerful films about ocean and wildlife conservation around the world, with one submission made by students their own age. Grab some delicious food from one of our invited vendors and make this a dinner and a show you won’t soon forget.
Great Whale Count
Jan 25, Feb 29, & March 28, 8am-12pm
Encourage your child (middle schooler and up recommended) to participate in scientific research as a citizen scientist. Volunteers count whales at 12 survey sites along the shoreline of Maui as part of a long-term survey of humpback whales in Hawaii that provides the PWF Research department with a snapshot of trends in relative abundance of whales.
