One of Maui's most popular events for 34 years, World Whale Day is a free, all-day celebration that honors the humpback whales that come to Maui each winter. Hosted by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, World Whale Day 2014 will take place on Saturday, February 15.

This festive celebration will begin at 9 am with Maui's Parade of Whales along South Kihei Road, starting at the intersection of Alanui Keali’i Drive and continuing north to Waimahaihai Street. Don’t miss the costumed sea characters, and floats of all shapes and sizes created by local organizations.

The fun moves to Kalama Park, where the festivities kick off at 10 am with an opening ceremony and hula, followed by live entertainment by some of Hawaii's top recording stars throughout the day. 

World Whale Day also features great food by Maui restaurants, a children's carnival, a huge "Made on Maui" artisans fair, environmental displays and more. Admission is free. World Whale Day is part of the Maui Whale Festival. To learn more, call Pacific Whale Foundation at 808.249.8811 ext. 1.

Meet our Performers from 2013 (and visit again soon to learn about our line-up for 2014):

Kalapana
With a 37-year legacy of performing and recording some of Hawai‘i’s most loved hit songs, the legendary Hawaiian band Kalapana is ranked among the best of Hawai‘i’s musicians of all time. Hailing from Oregon and O‘ahu, this remarkable seven-piece band will be making a rare Maui appearance as the headline act at World Whale Day. Musical trends have come and gone, but Kalapana’s many hits have remained island classics. After over 37 years, Kalapana still stands as a symbol of inspiration for contemporary Hawaiian music today. They have won several Nani Awards, the predecessor to the present day Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, including “Best Performance by a Duo or Group” and “Best Male Vocalist.”

Willie K 
A Maui native who has won more than 18 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Willie K is a winning singer, songwriter and musician—and also starred in the movie, “Get a Job.” When you experience his energetic and riveting performances, you’ll understand why he has been voted multiple times as the best male vocalist and No. 1 entertainer in Hawai‘i. Willie K has played with legends including B.B. King, The Commodores, Prince, Willie Nelson and Mick Fleetwood. His most recent Na Hoku Hanohano Awards include “Christmas Album of the Year” (2011) for his album, “Willie Wonderland,” and “Male Vocalist of the Year” (2010) for his album, “Uncle Willie K” (DVD).

Manute‘a Nui E
A professional dance group with over 50 years of combined hula and Tahitian dance experience, Manute‘a Nui E shows their love of their culture in exquisite costumes, astounding choreography and incredible music.

Marty Dread
Local reggae star Marty Dread has performed around the world with such greats as Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and reggae legend Pato Banton. Marty’s 1992 release, “Wicked Wahine,” sold out as a cassette single and skyrocketed to the top of the Hawaiian charts. Three of Marty Dread’s songs were featured in the international motion picture release, “Maui Heat”— still seen on television screens around the world. His recent albums, “Keiki Reggae” and “On the Beach,” were each nominated for “Best Reggae Album of the Year” at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

Ekolu
Holder of three Na Hoku Hanohano awards for “Reggae Album of the Year” and four Hawai‘i Music Awards for “Reggae Album of the Year,” “Contemporary Album of the Year” and “Anthology Album of the Year,” Ekolu’s first four albums have also been on the Top World Billboards. Come experience the riveting sounds of this homegrown Maui band—and be ready to dance!

Erin Smith and The Throwdowns
Hailing from Maui, The Throwdowns have developed their own indie rock, pop-punk sound that encompasses dance and reggae, all with an identifiable connection to Hawai‘i. It’s this unique sound, hookladen songs, big attitude and killer live performances that are causing the buzz about this band, fronted by charismatic Canadian powerhouse vocalist and performer Erin Smith.

Ekolu Kalama
World Stand-Up Paddle Champion Ekolu Kalama is also a talented and serious musician, as evidenced on his 2012 album, “Dare To Dream,” which features 12 original tracks covering a range of musical genres from pop to reggae. Kalama’s ultimate goal is to bring Hawaiian culture to the rest of the world and share the aloha spirit with as many who are willing to receive it.

The variety of flavors and subject matters conveyed in Kalama’s music is a direct result of being raised in Hawai‘i, the “melting pot” of the world, and is sure to appeal to listeners from all walks of life.

Banana Slug String Band
Appearing on our second stage, in a special peformance for children and families, will be the award-winning Banana Slug String Band of Santa Cruz, California, whose music works to inspire young people and their families to learn about and care for the ocean.

Thank you to our 2013 Sponsors and Volunteers
We thank all who worked together to make our 2013 World Whale Day a success, including our major partners, sponsors and hundreds of volunteers. Mahalo! We couldn't do it without you! 

2013 Major Sponsors:
Expedia Local Expert
County of Maui Office of Economic Development
County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation
Hawaii Tourism Authority
Kaiser Permanente
KPOA and Pacific Radio Group
Maui Printing Co.
Maui Weekly
Menehune Water Co.
RZ Electric
Village Audio

2013 Additional Valued Sponsors:
Akina Aloha Tours
Azeka Place Mauka
Bev Tech
Bounty Music

Budget Rent A Car
DHX - Dependable Hawaiian Express
Dis N Dat Shop
Duffy Bowman
Elements of U
Fleetwood's
Goodfellow Brothers
Honu The Green Sea Turtle - Barbara Berg
Hope Chapel
Kihei-Wailea Flowers by Cora
Kahului Florist
Maui County Police Department
Maui Soda and Ice Company
Maui Vintage Shop
Melissa Verbena
Pacifica Island Art
Palapala Designs
Pamela Wootton
Speedi-Shuttle
Stani Crystals
Tutti Frutti

2013 World Whale Day Entertainers:
Kalapana
Willie K
Ekolu
Marty Dread
Erin Smith and the Throwdowns
Hula by Manute'a Nui E
KPOA Maui Allstar Band with Ekolu Kalama and KPOA DJs and musicians Alaka'i Paleka, Kaena Brown and Shane Kahalehau.

World Whale Day Food Booths:
Beach Bum''s
Cheri's Hand Dipped Ice Cream
Cold Stone Creamery
Down to Earth Natural Foods
Haiku Falafels
Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods
Maui Kazowie Kettle Corn
Monsoon India
No Ka Oi Nut Company
Ola Catering
Paradise Tropical Ice
Porto Mediterranean Grill and Flame-Fired Pizzeria
Pupuuli Potatoes
Shaka Pizza and Sandwiches
Shaka Pops
Sharkey's
Stella Blues Cafe

Mahalo to our 2012 World Whale Day Sponsors, Performers and Participants:

2012 Sponsors:
Expedia Local Expert
Hawai'i Tourism Authority
County of Maui Office of Economic Development
County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation
Menehune Water Company -- the official water sponsor of World Whale Day
KPOA Radio
Maui Weekly
Kaiser Permanente
Maui Printing Company
Tropical Seas Reef Safe Sunscreen 
Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures

2012 Food Booths:
Monsoon India
Down to Earth Natural Foods
Paradise Tropical Ice