Experiencing the ocean around Maui is unforgettable,but choosing how you explore it can make a meaningful impact. Born from decades of hands-on marine research, PacWhale Eco-Adventures grew out of the early educational whale watches that helped fund critical science and that pioneering model continues today. As the social enterprise wholly owned by Pacific Whale Foundation … Continued
The Global Movement That Saved the Whales Whales have long stirred the human imagination. From their presence in Hawaiian legends to their portrayal in classics like Moby-Dick, these giants of the sea embody both mystery and inspiration. Yet by the late 1970s, reality overshadowed myth: humpback whales were on the brink of extinction. In the … Continued
A juvenile false killer whale, its face clearly visible, documented by Selket Kaufman alongside the Pacific Whale Foundation research team. What is a False Killer Whale? Despite their name, false killer whales (FKW) are not whales at all—they’re actually part of the dolphin family. Known as blackfish, these sleek, intelligent marine mammals were named for … Continued
Each year, North Pacific humpback whales embark on an incredible migration, traveling thousands of miles from Alaska’s feeding grounds to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed and give birth. Once pushed to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling, they now stand as symbols of resilience and hope. In recognition of their ecological importance, Pacific Whale … Continued
Recently, Pacific Whale Foundation member and donor Erick Wand spotted an entangled whale off the west coast of Maui and took action. Read about the encounter below. Mahalo Erick. His story highlights the fact that anyone can make a difference! It’s up to all of us. Check out our wildlife viewing guidelines and reporting numbers … Continued
On January 19, 2022, off the coast of Maui, Hawai‘i, an unprecedented event was recorded for the first time — two humpback whales copulating. While this observation is remarkable on its own, this story has a remarkable twist – the encounter involved two male whales. Humpback whales have long been subjects of fascination for researchers … Continued
During a tranquil lunch on the ocean, following our morning transect surveys, our research team witnessed an unexpected event in the midst of observing a nearby group of humpback whales. The team realized that the whales were headed toward them and decided to put their camera in the water to document the behavior. What they … Continued
MAKE A GRAND GESTURE AND MAKE IT WHALE-SIZED This Valentine’s Day, give the ocean lover in your life the gift of being a part of the dedicated ʻohana saving marine animals. A PWF Gift Membership includes discounts on events, like our upcoming Race for Whales, discounts* on PacWhale ecotours, and regular updates on marine life news … Continued
Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) stands as a dedicated guardian of the ocean, using our science and advocacy to inspire environmental stewardship. Recognizing the pivotal role of the ocean in climate regulation, PWF aligns with global efforts to safeguard this vital ecosystem. Here, we explore the interconnectedness between COP28, the UN’s climate initiatives, and PWF’s commitment … Continued
Immediately following the Maui wildfires, Pacific Whale Foundation and PacWhale employees worked together to understand, meet, and advocate for community needs. In this time of coming together in an “all hands on deck” response, a new Pacific Whale Foundation and PacWhale Department was born. We’re proud to share our new, hard-working PWF Outreach Team. The … Continued
