Whale Watch

Pacific Whale Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980, by Greg Kaufman, to protect a declining humpback whale population from global threats. Early pioneers in non-invasive whale research, PWF scientists began offering educational whale watches on the weekends, after studying whales and their ocean environment during the week. The trips were a means to share our findings, educate the public about whales, and raise needed funds for our research and conservation work.

That same tradition continues today. Our tour operations, PacWhale Eco-Adventures, is 100% owned by Pacific Whale Foundation, as is our Maʻalaea Ocean Store and Online Ocean Store. The profits that we generate go to supporting Pacific Whale Foundation’s work to protect the ocean through science and advocacy. Our Certified Marine Naturalists use our decades of research and hands-on conservation work to inform you of the latest and most comprehensive information on these majestic animals during your adventure. 

All of our PacWhale vessels operate based on marine animal safety standards based on our research, like Go Slow – Whales Below: safety protocols PWF developed with government bodies and other organizations. Our science has led the way in increasing the protection of several local marine species, including humpback whales, spinner dolphins and the endangered false killer whale.

Your ticket to adventure on a PacWhale Eco-Adventures ecotour directly funds nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation’s important work.