2010 Maui Whale Festival -- "The Biggest Ever"

Pacific Whale Foundation
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

2010 Maui Whale Festival -- "The Biggest Ever"

Includes Celebration of 30th Anniversary of Whale Day, plus Month-Long Calendar of Events

MA‘ALAEA (MAUI), HI -- The Maui Whale Festival -- Maui's largest and longest running celebration of its famous humpback whales -- will be a huge throughout the month of February 2010 in honor of the 30th anniversary of its nonprofit host, Pacific Whale Foundation.

Founded in 1980, Pacific Whale Foundation was established to save whales from extinction. Today, Pacific Whale Foundation is recognized for its work protecting whales, dolphins and marine life throughout the Pacific, through research, education and conservation programs.

The Maui Whale Festival traces its roots back to 1980, the year that the first Whale Day celebration was held on Maui. Whale Day is the signature event of the Maui Whale Festival. In honor of its 30th anniversary, Whale Day will also be bigger than ever, with the addition of a second music stage, a new "Made on Maui" market, more restaurant food booths, expanded environmental displays and more activities for kids. Whale Day will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2010.

"The 2010 Maui Whale Festival has an amazing lineup of events for all ages and interests," says Greg Kaufman, President of Pacific Whale Foundation, the host of the event. "We have so many events that they are spilling over into the months of January and March, adding up to an entire winter's worth of fun."

The Maui Whale Festival celebrates and honors the thousands of humpback whales that make the long trek to Maui from the northern waters off the coast of Alaska each year. While here, the whales mate, give birth and care for their young.

"Because this is where the next generation of whales is conceived and born, this is a celebration of hope and promise for the future," says Kaufman. "We want to raise awareness of these magnificent animals, and help all people realize the importance of protecting them and their habitat here in Hawaii."

Pacific Whale Foundation has created a special website (www.mauiwhalefestival.org) to provide details about the event. For additional information, you can call Pacific Whale Foundation at 1-800-WHALE-1-1 ext. 1, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hawaii time. The hotline is open seven days per week.

The events of The Maui Whale Festival include:

Mondays-Sundays
Humpback Whale Lookout Station
One or more experienced Pacific Whale Foundation naturalists will be present seven days a week from 8 am to 12 pm at Papawai Point in West Maui. The naturalists will provide free information about humpback whales and help people to spot humpbacks from this extraordinary whalewatching location. Look for the lookout turnoff on Honoapi’ilani Highway, approximately three miles northwest of Ma’alaea Harbor. For more information, please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Wednedays
SeaWees - Ocean Ed-venture Fun For Preschoolers
This program for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers features field trips, activities, songs, and stories with Pacific Whale Foundation's marine Educator Merrill Kaufman. This program for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers features field trips, activities, songs, and stories with Pacific Whale Foundation's marine Educator Merrill Kaufman.The theme for the January 13-February 10 session is "Terrific Turtles."  Meet these fasincating reptiles of Hawaii, learn about their habitat, natural history and the value of turtles in Hawaiian culture. The theme for February 24-March 24's session is "WOW! Wonderful, Outstanding Whales." Please note that there will not be a SeaWees session on Wednesday, February 17. This program is for children ages 3-5 (must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver). 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Pacific Whale Foundation's Discovery Center. The cost for the five-week session is $50 ($40 for Pacific Whale Foundation members). Advance enrollment is required. Call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 for more information or to enroll.

Wednesdays
Ultimate Whalewatch Experience
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a whale researcher? During the "Ultimate Whalewatch" you’ll spend time with Pacific Whale Foundation researchers on a personally guided, small group tour of Pacific Whale Foundation?s research center. Your group will receive a presentation about whale behaviors and their meanings and an introduction to whalewatching while enjoying coffee, bagels, and fruit. Next your group and researcher will embark on a two-hour Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatch tour. Our researchers share their knowledge of whale behavior, and interpret the significance and purpose of humpback social activity within the context of season and location. The tour is completed with a final 45-minute informative session at the research lab where guests can interact with members from the Pacific Whale Foundation research team and learn about their ongoing research in Hawaii, Australia, and Ecuador. Each tour guest will receive a CD of all of the professional photos taken during your Ultimate Whale Watch, some favorite stock photos from Pacific Whale catalog, an ultimate whale watch booklet, a Why Whales Do That CD, a bumper sticker, and a free whale poster. The ultimate whale watch is a four-hour morning program on Tuesdays from 7:00am to 11:00am (check in time: 6:55am in classroom). $79.95 per person. Save 10% by booking online. Call 808-249-8811 for more information or to make a reservation.

Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2010
Seaside Stories
Children and their parent/caregivers are invited to hear fanciful and factual stories of whales and the sea, presented by Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine education team. A creative story response project will follow. Free, at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store at The Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea at 10:30 a.m. Designed for children ages 3 to 6.

February 5 and 12, 2010
Stargazing and Whale Song Cruises
Join Pacific Whale Foundation for a celestial stargazing cruise featuring professional astronomer Harriet Witt. Cruise beneath a beautiful nighttime sky and learn about the stars. We'll also listen for whale songs with underwater hydrophones. Includes hot and cold appetizers and refreshments. Includes up to 3 alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, Mai Tais and tropical well drinks) for adults with valid i.d. Adults $49.95, children (ages 3-12) $34.95. Internet discounts available, along with discounts for Pacific Whale Foundation members. 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. from Lahaina Harbor. For reservations, please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or visit www.pacificwhale.org.

Saturday, February 6, 2010
Run for the Whales
Runners and walkers are invited to join in the popular Run for the Whales along the scenic coast of South Maui -- starting this year at a new location, Makena Beach & Golf Resort in Makena. The run is hosted by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation. Runners choose from a 5K walk or fun run or a half marathon run...plus a 2K children's race! There is a also a category for "competition pods" -- two to five friends run or walk as a connected pod (holding a rope; costumes or uniforms are welcome). Participants receive a free race t-shirt, a free post-race breakfast, and ankle chip timing (for the 5K and half marathon single runners only). There are medals for the top finishers and great prize giveaways; the entry fees are: $38 for the half marathon, $30 for the 5K run, $25 for the 5K walk and $20 for the 2K children's race (for registrations received prior to February 4, 2010). The fee for the 5K Competition Pod is $100 (for entries received prior to race day). The fee for all races increases by $5 for registrations on February 5 or on race day morning. Fees benefit marine education programs for Maui schoolchildren. The half marathon starts at 6:30 a.m.; the 5K starts at 7:30; the children's 2K race starts at 8:00 a.m; the Competition Pod race starts at 7:00 a.m. Please arrive at least an half hour prior to your race. To register, go to www.pacificwhale.org for a downloadable entry form or visit www.active.com. Call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 (or 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1 from the neighbor islands) or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org. If you are bringing a guest and wish to purchase breakfast for the guest, the price is $7 per person. Additional breakfast tickets must be purchased by February 3, by calling (808) 249-8811.

Saturday, February 6, 2010
Free Talk: "Living with Whales Down Under"
Presented by Gregory D. Kaufman
Noted author of four books about whales, Greg Kaufman has studied humpback whales for more than 30 years. He is the founder and Executive Director of Pacific Whale Foundation, Maui's oldest and largest organization dedicated to protecting whales and their habitats. This dynamic, multi-media presentation will trace the extraordinary journey of Pacific Whale Foundation's research team from the Great Barrier Reef in Northern Australia to the southeasternmost point of Australia in pursuit of new knowledge of humpback whales. It will feature incredible film and video footage of humpback whales and other wildlife in Australia, including material from the team's unforgettable encounter with the planet's only known all-white humbpack whale. At the Wailea Marriott Resort and Spa's Lokelani Ballroom in Wailea. No host cocktails at 6:00 pm; talk at 6:30p.m.; book signing to follow. Free, but advance reservations strongly recommended as seating is limited. Call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 (or 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1 from the neighbor islands) or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Flatbread Pizza Benefit Night
Enjoy some delicious pizza (made with local and organic ingredients) -- and help save the whales -- at the Flatbread Pizza Benefit Night. Located at 89 Hana Highway in Paia, Flatbread Company features the dancing flames of a kiawe-fired pizza oven right in the middle of the restaurant, plus what is without question the most delicious and unique gourmet pizza on Maui. A portion of all pizza sales will benefit Pacific Whale Foundation's marine education funds. Stop in to dine anytime from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 (or 1-800-942-5311 ext. 1 from the neighbor islands) or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

Saturday, February 13
"Watching Whales. Saving Whales" Symposium: Protecting and Saving Whales Through the Power of Public Awareness and Scientific Discovery
Saturday is the first day of a two-day symposium dedicated to protecting and saving whales through the power of public awareness and scientific discovery. The Saturday symposium is free and open to the public. It will include presentations, talks and panel discussions led by some of the world's leading whale experts, researchers and authors at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka'anapali Beach's Haleakala Ballroom from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A share-a-thon (in which participants can share videos, photos, stories and artwork relating to whales and whalewatching) will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. followed by the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

The agenda for day one will include:

8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saving Whales through Science - speakers to include Keynote Speaker Dr. Angelia Vanderlaan (St. Andrews Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada), Daniel Laggner (Pacific Whale Foundation researcher), Ed Lyman (Marine Mammal Response Manager for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary), Dr. Rachel Cartwright (California State University CI and Founder of the Keiki Kohola Project), and Dr. Marsha Green (President and Founder of Ocean Mammal Institute)

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Break

1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Conservation through Whalewatching - speakers to include Keynote Speaker Prof. Mark Orams (New Zealand Tourism Institute and Auckland University of Technology), Dr. Cristina Castro (Pacific Whale Foundation Ecuador Project Director), Prof. Michael Luck (New Zealand Tourism Institute and Auckland University of Technology), Douglas Abrams (Author - The Eye of the Whale), and Joana Varawa-McIntyre (Author - The Delicate Art of Whale Watching and Minds in the Water)

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Share-a-thon

6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival

Saturday, February 13
WIld & Scenic Environmental Film FestivalPatagonia and Pacific Whale Foundation present Maui's first Wild & Scenic Film Festival, an evening of award-winning short films relating to the ocean, water, climate change and the environment. Be entertained and educated! Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, from companies including Osprey Packs, Tom's of Maine, Sierra Nevada, Clif Bars, Patagonia and Pacific Whale Foundation.  6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Westin Maui in Kaanapali. The films from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. have been selected to appeal to children and adults.

This event is free an open to all. The public can attend some or all sessions. For information, call (808) -249-8811 or 1-800-942-5311, or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

Sunday, February 14
"Watching Whales, Saving Whales" Symposium: Workshop and Whalewatch
The symposium continues on Sunday with field trips and a special post-conference whalewatch:

"Whale Photo Safari"

Join Pacific Whale Foundation researcher Annie Macie and noted wildlife photographer Monica Sweet on a whalewatch photo safari from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. aboard the Ocean Explorer from Lahaina Harbor. With a capacity of just 49 passengers, and stadium style seating, this vessel is a favorite of wildlife photographers year-round.  Participants will get hands-on training with state-of-the-art digital cameras from Canon and will receive a DVD of all images and video collected during the safari. Participants will receive expert advice on capturing whale images and learn about utilizing the latest digital photo techniques and data storage.  Please bring your cameras. The cost of the photo safari is $99.95. For reservations, please call (808) 249-8811.

"The Delicate Art of Watching Whales from Land"

Learn tips on spotting whales from shore as well as identifying whale behaviors and interpreting social interactions from Dr. Marsha Green, President and Founder of Ocean Mammal Institute. Dr. Green has conducted numerous shore-based whale research studies in Hawaii and other parts of the world. 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Papawai Point (the scenic lookout) on Route 30. Binoculars will be provided. This event is free and no reservations are required.

VIP Whalewatch With Interntational Experts

See the whales on a VIP whalewatch led by some of the world’s foremeost researchers, scientists and environmentalists. The whalewatch led by the presenters from the "Watching Whales, Saving Whales" Symposium will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. On the double-deck power catamaran Ocean Discovery from Lahaina Harbor. A deli lunch will be served during the whalewatch. Participants on this two-hour eco-adventure cruise will receive a complimentary whale poster and free color whalewatch guide. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you receive a "Just a Fluke" coupon to go again for free. Early reservations are strongly encouraged for this one-of-a-kind whalewatch. $49.95 for adults; Children ages 7 to 12 are $34.95; free for kids ages 6 and under. Book online at www.pacificwhale.org and save 10%. Pacific Whale Foundation Members save 20%. For information and reservations, call (808) -249-8811 or 1-800-942-5311.

Friday, February 19, 2010
Keiki ECO-Day Conference
Pacific Whale Foundation's expert marine naturalists will present the inaugural Keiki ECO-Day Conference on February 19. Teachers in central and south Maui are invited to sign up their kindergarten through grade 5 classes for this conference, which is designed to promote positive interaction between children and the environment and to promote real action, on the part of kids, towards minimizing their impact on the earth. The conference will feature hands-on workshops given by environmental education partners (local nonprofits and government agencies involved with environmental management and protection) and Pacific Whale Foundation, as well as poster displays by students and groups involved in succesful environmental projects and a lunchtime performance by the Banana Slug String Band.

8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kihei's Kalama Park. The conference is free, and free bus transportation will provided (with generous support from the Kokua Foundation and Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures) for the first 25 classes to enroll. For more information or to sign up, call (808) 249-8811 (or 1-800-942-5311  from the neighbor islands) or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

Friday, February 19, 2010
Laugh @ da Park: Sustainable Dinner and Comedy Show

Enjoy a night of comedy, music, and a delicious sustainable dinner al fresco at Pacific Whale Foundation's "Laugh @ da Park." This evening fundraising dinner will feature a three-course, chef-prepared sustainable foods dinner, live jazz by Fulton Tashombe Quartet, and an after-dinner comedy show by local radio celebrity and award-winning comedian, Augie T.

Maui Brewing Company is donating its local, microbrewery beers for the event, and Tedeschi Winery is also donating local wines.

The menu will include: ginger tofu wonton pi salad with sesame seed dressing; asian pork buns served with sliced grilled pork belly, pickled cucumber slices, pickled shitake mushrooms, and hoisin sauce; Maui Cattle Company's prime rib, roasted with rosemary and served with horseradish sauce; locally caught, sustainably harvested mahi-mahi served Hawaiian-style, steamed and finished with hot peanut oil, fresh cilantro, ginger and garlic, shitake mushrooms and shoyu sauce; oven roasted chicken breast served with garlic Hamakua mushroom cream; grilled vegetables (zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and bell peppers), marinated in Maui Onion dressing; and garden vegetable fried rice with locally raised teardrop tomatoes, asparagus, red onions and carrots. Desserts will include a platter of fresh island fruits (featuring local mango, papaya and pineapple), garnished with Kula strawberries with a haupia tapioca dip, plus pineapple and taro bread pudding with caramel creme and fresh-baked brownies. Coffee and tea will also be served. 

Tickets for the Laugh @ da Park are $90 and include up to three alcoholic drinks per adult, as well as unlimited juices and sodas. Pacific Whale Foundation Members pay just $75.

For information or reservations, call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

About Augie T: Augie T. was voted “Entertainer of The Year” by Midweek and the Honolulu Star Bulletin. His radio show (aired daily from 6am-10am on 93.1 The Zone KQMQ) was chosen as one of Hawaii?s favorite Radio Shows in the Honolulu Advertiser's Best of the Best competition. Augie is a two time Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner with record selling DVDs including “Live at Hawaii Theatre” and “Then and Now.”

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Maui's Parade of Whales
Maui residents and visitors turn 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 are all part of the fun! 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. traveling along South Kihei Road on Maui, ending at Kalama Park by the big whale statue. The parade is the official kick-off to Whale Day. This year's theme is "Ocean in Motion." If you wish to participate in the parade, please call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org to learn about the prize categories and registration information.

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Maui's Whale Day Celebration
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Maui's largest and longest running celebration of its famous wintertime residents, the humpback whales! This free, all-day celebration-in-the-park includes live music by some of Hawaii's top musicians on two stages, great food by popular Maui restaurants, a gigantic Made on Maui market, 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 Kihei. For information, call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 (or 1-800-942-5311 ext 1) or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

Sunday, February 21, 2010
VIP Whalewatch with Greg Kaufman
Embark on a very special whalewatch, led by Pacific Whale Foundation President and founder Greg Kaufman. This two-hour eco-adventure cruise takes place on the double-deck catamaran Ocean Odyssey and includes a deli-style lunch and refreshments, a complimentary whale poster and a full-color whalewatch guide. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you receive a "Just a Fluke" coupon and go again for FREE. Early reservations are strongly encouraged on this inspiring eco-adventure with this noted researcher, author and whale conservationist. $49.95 for adults; Children ages 7 to 12 are $34.95; free for kids ages 6 and under. Book online and save 10%. Pacific Whale Foundation Members save 20%. For information and reservations, call (808)-249-8811 (or 1-800-942-5311ext. 1) or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

February 26, 2010
Pint Night Benefit at Maui Brewing Co.
"Drink the ales, save the whales" will be the motto at the Maui Brewing Co. in Kahana where a portion of the proceeds from all pints sold from 6:00 pm to midnight will be donated to Pacific Whale Foundation. All funds will go to support marine education programs for Maui’s schoolchildren. Maui Brewing Co. takes pride in serving local, sustainable products (including their own award-winning beers, brewed and canned on Maui), and in working to minimize their environmental impact. They have been part of the Maui Seafood Watch sustainable seafood restaurant partner program since 2008. 6:00 pm to midnight at Maui Brewing Co. in the Kahana Gateway Center, 4405 Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina. For more information, please call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or Maui Brewing Co. at (808) 669-3474.

February 26 and 27, 2010
Moonlight Tidepool Exploration
Brittle stars, urchins, octopi, oh my! Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine educators invite the public to meet some of the fascinating creatures that roam Hawaii’s tidepools at night during our Moonlight Tidepool Explorations. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at a South Maui tidepool. This discovery event is recommended for people ages 6 and over. Participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. Refreshments will be provided. $10 per adult and $5 per child. Advance reservations required. Co-sponsored by Mana Kai Maui Resort. Please call 249-8811 ext. 1 for reservations and information.

Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Great Maui Whale Count
Make it a memorable morning by joining in 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 at Pacific Whale Foundation will provide 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! For information and to sign up as a counter, call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

February 27, 2010
Full Moon Whale Song Serenade Cruise
A full moon at sea...listening to live whale songs via underwater hydrophones...expert narration about the night sky by professional astronomer Harriet Witt...great hot and cold pupu (appetizers) and drinks...all ingredients for a truly magical evening! Enjoy hot and cold appetizers and refreshments, including up to three alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, Mai Tais and tropical well drinks) for adults with valid i.d. Adults $49.95, children (ages 3-12) $39.95. Internet and member discounts available. From Lahaina Harbor, 8:00-10:00 pm. For reservations, please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or visit www.pacificwhale.org.

Saturday, March 6
Golf for the Whales Tournament
Take part in a tournament at the beautiful and scenic Makena Beach and Golf Resort's North Course, to benefit Pacific Whale Foundation's research and conservation programs. Four-man scramble start at 7:00 a.m. Awards luncheon with no-host bar at 11:30 a.m. Entry fees include all green and cart fees, a goody bag including a Maui Whale Festival t-shirt, hat, and golf balls, a "Closest to the Pin" competition, the post-tournament awards luncheon, prize drawings, 1st and 2nd place division prizes, and refreshments on the course. Price per player is $200, price for 4-man team is $750. Multiple sponsorship levels are also available. Preregistration required. Call Pacific Whale Foundation at 808-249-8811 or register online at www.active.com.

Fridays
"Island Rhythms Sunset Cocktail Cruise with the Whales”
Join Pacific Whale Foundation for a special musical sunset cruise every Friday evening. Local reggae and island music sensation Marty Dread will host this sunset cocktail and appetizer cruise, featuring feel-good rock and reggae for all ages and dancing at sea on our open-air onboard dance floor. Marty has released numerous solo and group albums, been nominated for Na Hoku Hanohano awards, and performed around the world. Includes hot and cold appetizers and refreshments. Includes up to 3 alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, Mai Tais and tropical well drinks) for adults with valid i.d. Adults $49.95, children (ages 3-12) $39.95. For reservations, please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Mondays through Fridays
Free Onsite Coral Reef Naturalist Program
Learn the names of the fish you've seen while snorkeling with the help of a knowledgeable Pacific Whale Foundation naturalist at Pacific Whale Foundation's free Coral Reef Information Station. A great place to visit if you're new to snorkeling in Hawaii. Learn how you can help protect the reef as you explore it! Sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Available every Monday through Friday, 9 am until 12 pm. For information, call 249-8811.

Volunteering on Vacation
Get off the beaten trail, learn about Hawaiian culture and natural history, and make a difference on behalf of the environment. Pacific Whale Foundation’s Volunteering on Vacation program offers six regular programs that you can participate in during the Maui Whale Festival. These include ocean-side trail maintenance and beach cleanups with Hoaloha Œaina in South Maui every Monday, work on the organic O'o Farm every Wednesday, dune restoration with Maui Coastal Land Trust in Waihe’e every Friday, removal of invasive plants and visiting ancient Hawaiian archeological sites with Malama Honokowai in West Maui every Saturday, and removal of invasive plant species from Haleakala National Park on the first and third Sunday of every month. Volunteers can also choose to pick up a beach clean-up packet and conduct a self-led cleanup on their own schedule. All projects offer participants opportunities to preserve and protect Maui’s environment, to visit beautiful parts of Maui that they might not otherwise be able to visit, and to meet other like-minded individuals. Visitors and locals are welcome. There is no cost to participate. Participation in the Haleakala National Park service trips includes free transportation from Ma?alaea or Pukalani and free admission to the park. Volunteers who work for three hours or longer will receive one free Volunteering on Vacation reusable canvas tote bag in appreciation of their efforts. For more information on the Volunteering on Vacation program, please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority. Advance registration required. Call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 for reservations.

The details on the individual projects are:
Monday
Hoaloha ‘aina
Join South Maui Volunteers and group leaders Bob and Lis Richardson to help maintain an ocean-side trail, pick up litter and remove invasive species. 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in South Kihei (exact location varies, please check with your reservationist regarding location and parking information for specific dates). Bring water, snacks and sunscreen and wear solid, closed-toed shoes. Get a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag for your efforts! Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority. For information or to sign up call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Every Wednesday
O’o Farm
Join us to work on the exquisite O’o Farm in the Waipoli rainforest in Kula. You’ll help with assorted farm chores on this unique and innovative 8.5 acre organic farm. Meet a Pacific Whale Foundation representative at the Pukalani Community Center at 8:45 on Wednesday mornings to caravan up to the farm site in Kula. Project work lasts from 8:45 until 11:30. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket that you do not mind getting a little dirty, as well as water and sunscreen. Gloves and gardening tools are provided. For information or to sign up call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Ongoing: Every Friday
Maui Coastal Land Trust Service Project
Help save unique ecosystems at Maui Coastal Land Trust in Waihee. Be prepared to help weed out invasive plants or help with other tasks. 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Get a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag for your efforts! Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority. For information or to sign up call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

Daily: Beach Cleanups
Clean up your favorite beach and help monitor marine debris along Maui’s shorelines. Gloves, bags, marine debris worksheet provided. Work according to your own schedule. Get a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag for your efforts! Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority. For information or to sign up call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Anne Rillero
Communications Director
Pacific Whale Foundation
The Harbor Shops at Ma‘alaea
300 Ma‘alaea Rd., Suite 211
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-244-8390
Fax: 808-243-9021
Cell: 808-283-0889
Email: anne@pacificwhale.org
My blog: pacificwhale.org/blog/category/maui-eco-news-events/

Our mission:
To promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planet's oceans. We accomplish this by educating the public -- from a scientific perspective -- about the marine environment. We support and conduct responsible marine research and address marine conservation issues in Hawaii and the Pacific. Through educational ecotours, we model and promote sound ecotourism practices and responsible wildlife watching.