Pacific Whale Foundation Announces May Events

This May, Pacific Whale Foundation’s events calendar is packed with unique eco-adventures, educational programs, and opportunities to volunteer to preserve and protect Maui’s environment. And don’t forget – the whales are still here! Maui County waters are still teeming with mothers, calves and spectacular competition pods, and whale sightings are guaranteed aboard all Pacific Whale Foundation whalewatch eco-adventures through May 15!

 

For more information about Pacific Whale Foundation's upcoming events, programs or Eco-Adventures, please call 808-249-8811 ext. 1 or visit www.pacificwhale.org.

 

Ongoing: Wednesday Mornings

SeaWees – Ocean Ed-venture for Preschoolers

Now in its 5^th year, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Seawees Program offers field trips, activities, songs and stories with Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine educator Merrill Kaufman.The theme for May 5 through June 2 is “Scales to Tails – the Amazing Fish of Hawaii.” Things may get “fishy” as we take a beak to fin look at the fish found in Hawaiian waters, from the sandy bottom to the open ocean. We’ll examine a fish close up, using artifacts, Hawaiian cultural traditions and even some Gyotaku (Japanese fish prints) to record our “catch.” Includes a “catch and release” fish from shore on May 26.

·       For ages 3-5. All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

·       Days and times: Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

·       Location: At Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center, downstairs in the Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea (next to Maui Ocean Center).

·       Cost: $10 per class or $40 for five sessions. Advance enrollment is required.

·       Please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 for more information or to enroll.

 

Ongoing: Fridays
Island Rhythms Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Join Pacific Whale Foundation for a very special sunset cocktail cruise every Friday evening. Enjoy music, cocktails, and appetizers with host Marty Dread. Local Reggae sensation Marty Dread has released numerous solo and group albums, been nominated for Na Hoku Hanohano awards, and performed around the world.

·       Menu: Includes hot and cold appetizers (BBQ pulled pork, meatballs with marinara sauce, taro rolls, artichoke dip, crackers, local vegetable crudités with ranch dip, and assorted local fresh fruit) and refreshments. Includes up to 3 alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, Mai Tais and tropical well drinks) for adults with valid ID.

·       Days, times and location: Fridays 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. from Ma’alaea Harbor.

·       For reservations, call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or reserve online at http://www.pacificwhale.org/mauiecocruises.

 

Thursday, May 13

Stargazing Cruise

and

Thursday, May 27

Full Moon Magical Cruise

For those interested in experiencing Maui at night and learning about the stars, Pacific Whale Foundation offers two moonlight cruises in April. Award-winning professional astronomer Harriet Witt provides expert narration about the Hawaiian night sky aboard the Full Moon Magical Cruise and the Stargazing Cruise. Witt is an international award winning astronomy writer and speaker who has been giving informative presentations on astronomy in Hawaii since 1990. Don't miss the chance to view the moon and stars with her on a beautiful night at sea!

·       Includes hot and cold appetizers (BBQ grilled Maui Cattle Co. beef sticks marinated in teriyaki sauce, Hawaiian-style boneless, skinless chicken strips marinated in special sauce, fresh vegetable crudité platter with Maui onion dip, baked spinach dip with crackers, seasonal assorted island fruits, and a Hawaiian sampler platter) and refreshments. Adults with valid i.d. can enjoy up to 3 alcoholic beverages (Maui Brewing Co. beer, wine, Mai Tais and tropical well drinks) per person.

·       Times: 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. from Lahaina Harbor

·       For reservations, call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or reserve online at http://www.pacificwhale.org/mauiecocruises.

 

Thursday, May 15

Aloha to the Whales Cruises

After a fantastic season of whalewatching, join Pacific Whale Foundation for a two-hour Aloha to the Whales cruise at a special discounted price. Bid the humpback whales farewell and wish them a safe journey back to their northern feeding areas. Whale sightings are guaranteed aboard these cruises, or you will receive a coupon for a free whalewatch!

·       Includes ice-cold juices, sodas and filtered water.

·       9:00 and 11:30 a.m. departures from Lahaina Harbor.

·       To book these discounted whalewatches, please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or reserve online at http://www.pacificwhale.org/mauiecocruises.

 

Thursday, May 20

Free Talk: The Auwahi Forest Project – Protecting Leeward Haleakala’s Natural and Cultural Resources

Pacific Whale Foundation will present a free talk with Andrea Buckman, Project Coordinator for the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership. Andrea will discuss the natural history of leeward Haleakala and the work being done to restore the area’s natural and cultural resources. She will focus on Auwahi forest, a highly diverse and ethnobotanically rich dryland forest ecosystem on former ranch lands. The partnership works with the community to transform this and other degraded areas into highly productive watershed forests. The talk is part of Pacific Whale Foundation’s monthly Making Waves Lecture series.

·       Admission is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

·       Location: Pacific Whale Foundation's Discovery Center in Ma'alaea (next to Maui Ocean Center). 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

·       Call 249-8811 for information.

 

Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22

Moonlight Tidepool Exploration

Brittle stars, urchins, octopi, or my! Explore tidepools at night with Pacific Whale Foundation’s expert marine naturalists on a Moonlight Tidepool Exploration at a South Maui Tidepool. Co-sponsored by the Mana Kai Maui Resort.

·       7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Check in time is 6:45.

·       This program is for people ages 6 and over.

·       $10 for adults; $5 per child. Advance reservations are required.

·       For reservations, call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or visit http://www.pacificwhale.org/mauiecocruises.

 

Fridays, May 7 and May 14

Furlough Fridays Ocean Camp

Pacific Whale Foundation will offer special Ocean Camp sessions for children in Kindergarten through 5^th grade on each Furlough Fridays throughout the school year. The camp will feature hands-on learning about the ocean, with programs including science experiments and projects, arts and crafts, vocabulary development and language arts, field trips and fun. The program incorporates Hawaii Content Performance Standards, and is staffed by Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine education team, all of whom hold college degrees, naturalist certifications, and CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard training. Each camp day will focus on a theme. The theme for May 7 is “Sharks.” The theme for May 14 is “Prey and Predators.”

·       8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available with advance registration.

·       Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center, downstairs at the Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea (next to Maui Ocean Center).

·       $56 per day ($44.80 for Pacific Whale Foundation members). Camp price includes all field trip feeds and morning and afternoon snacks. Pre-registration is required.

·       Please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or register online at www.pacificwhale.org or www.mauioceancamp.org.

 

Friday, May 28

Pint Night Benefit at Maui Brewing Co.

On Friday, April 30, Maui Brewing Co. in Kahana will donate a portion of the proceeds from all pints sold from 6:00 p.m. to midnight 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 p.m. to midnight

·       Maui Brewing Co., Kahana Gateway Center, 4405 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, 96761

·       For more information, please call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 or Maui Brewing Co. at (808) 669-3474.

 

Ongoing, Every Sunday through Thursday

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 at Ulua Beach in Wailea. 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.

·       Every Sunday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

·       Ulua Beach, Wailea

·       For information, call (808) 249-8811.

 

Volunteering on Vacation

Pacific Whale Foundation operates seven different Volunteering on Vacation programs on a regular schedule year-round. These include ocean-side trail maintenance and beach cleanups with Hoaloha ‘aina 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, restoring world-famous Ho’okipa Beach Park on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, 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. This program is supported with an award from Hawaii Tourism Authority.

 

For more information on the Volunteering on Vacation program, visit http://www.pacificwhale.org/sitecontent/content.php?PageId=78&menu=4&submenu=203. To register to participate in a program, please call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1. A complete listing of the projects is included here:

 

Sundays, May 2 and May 16

Haleakala National Park

Through Volunteering on Vacation, a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation, help pull invasive plants at Haleakala National Park. Includes 3 hours of work, plus time for a picnic lunch and a short hike. Free transportation from Ma’alaea and Pukalani and free park admission provided. Wear warm, layered clothes and closed-toed shoes, and bring water, lunch, snacks, and sun protection. Get a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag for your efforts! Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority. 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Advance registration required. For information or to sign up call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1. 

 

Ongoing: Every Monday

Hoaloha ‘aina

Through Volunteering on Vacation, a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation, 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. 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. 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). For information or to sign up call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.

 

Ongoing: Every Wednesday

O’o Farm

Through Volunteering on Vacation, a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation, join Pacific Whale Foundation 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 a.m. on Wednesday mornings to caravan up to the farm site in Kula. Project work lasts from 8:45 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. 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. Advance registration required. For information or to sign up call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.***Please note that this project is currently funded in whole by Pacific Whale Foundation. The volunteer tote bag is not included in this project.

 

Ongoing: Every Friday

Maui Coastal Land Trust Service Project

Through Volunteering on Vacation, a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation, help save unique ecosystems at Maui Coastal Land Trust in Waihee. 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.

 

Ongoing: Every Saturday

Honokowai Valley Restoration

Through Volunteering on Vacation, a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation. Visit Honokowai Valley, which is closed to public access. Help save archeological sites of old Hawai’i, pull invasive plants and possibly plant native species. Meet at the north Sugar Cane Train station in Ka’anapali at 9:00 a.m. and return no later than 5:00 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.

 

Saturdays, May 8 and May 22

Ho’okipa Restoration Project

Through Volunteering on Vacation, a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation. Restore and protect the world famous Ho’okipa Beach Park. Remove invasive plant species and plant native species. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Get a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag for your efforts! Call 249-8811 ext. 1 for reservations.

 

Daily: Beach Cleanups

Through Volunteering on Vacation, a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation, clean up your favorite beach and help monitor marine debris along Maui’s shorelines. Get a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag for your efforts! Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority. For information call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.