 Pacific Whale Foundation
& Expedia Local Expert
present
WHALE DAY 2008Maui's Biggest Celebration of Humpback Whales
Voted "Best Community Festival" by Maui Time Weekly
Saturday, February 16 • Kalama Park, Kihei
FREE ADMISSION
Click here for race results and photos of Run for the Whales 2008
What is Whale Day? It's a huge free concert in the park featuring some of Hawaii's top recording stars. It's an opportunity to celebrate the humpback whales that come to Maui each winter. And it's a day for giving thought to the future of our planet's oceans, and how your daily choices can help to protect whales and all other marine life.
All together, it's the 28th Annual Whale Day Celebration, offered by Pacific Whale Foundation and Expedia Local Expert. This daylong festival will be held on Saturday, February 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kalama Park on South Kihei Road in Kihei, by the big whale statue.
Admission is free, with more than 10,000 Maui visitors and residents expected to attend and enjoy live music by an impressive line-up of award-winning musicians, including John Cruz, Henry Kapono, Barefoot Natives, George Kahumoku Jr., Vince Esquire, Marty Dread and Jasmine Trias of American Idol fame.
But a day full of free, high-caliber entertainment alone isn't what has earned Whale Day the title of "Best Community Festival" by the readers of Maui Time Weekly. This is an event that truly fulfills the old slogan of "fun for everyone" – with "everyone" including Maui residents, visitors, kids, teens and adults.
"Whale Day is a great community event and we're excited about Whale Day 2008, which promises to be the best one yet, " says Lendy Leslie, Whale Day Coordinator.
Maui's Parade of Whales at 9 a.m.
Launching it all is the only parade that takes place in Kihei – the Parade of Whales – at 9 a.m. This year the parade begins at the Kihei Public Library and travels south on South Kihei Road beyond Kalama Park to Auhana Street. With Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares as the Grand Marshall, plus the Baldwin High School marching band and Grammy-award winner George  Kahumoku Jr. providing the music, this hometown parade will be a toe-tapping, hand-clapping event. Parade participants will include a range of entertainment, including Featherduster the Clown, Unicyclists Club of Pukalani, horses from Makena Stables, U.S. Coast Guard and many others.
You Can Be Part of the Parade!
If you love the idea of sashaying along as part of the parade, there's still time to dream up a creative costume and sign up. The parade theme is "Help Save the Whales – Go Green." All parade entries who sign up in advance will be announced by an emcee by the Kalama Park whale statue and will also be listed in an ad in The Maui News. Prizes will be awarded for “Best Overall Act,” “Most Creative Individual,” “Most Creative Group,” “Best Foot Powered Entry” and “Most Eco-Friendly Entry." To sign up, email kara@pacificwhale.org or call 249-8811 ext. 1.
A Free Concert ... And Lots More
Whale Day's festivities begin at Kalama Park at 10 a.m. with a traditional Hawaiian blessing followed by the day-long free concert. You'll want to grab a great seat on the big lawn in front of the stage to catch it all.This free concert features:
• John Cruz
John Cruz is a Hawaii musician whose 1996 debut album, Acoustic Soul, sold about 100,000 copies in Hawaii alo ne. He is known for his hits "Shine On," "Sitting in Limbo" and "Island Style," which has become a local anthem. Acoustic Soul won two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 1997 – one for Contemporary Album of the Year and one for Most Promising Artist. In 2005 John added a Grammy to his list of honors. His original song "Jo Bo's Night" was featured on the compilation CD Slack Key Guitar Volume 2, which won the first Grammy ever awarded for Hawaiian music. John Cruz's fans include Jack Johnson, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, Trey Anastasio, Lisa Loeb and world champion surfer Kelly Slater.
John's well-earned reputation became even more solidified with the release of his second album, "One of These Days," on September 25, 2007. He is known for his Hawaiian Island rhythms drenched in powerful prose and a warm embrace!
 • Henry Kapono and his band
Henry Kapono is an award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter. His numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards include Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Album of the Year. He's also an children's book author, has appeared in the films Damien and Waterworld, and is half of the musical duo “Cecilio and Kapono” a pairing that created an instant phenomenon and made them the best-selling recording artists to ever come out of Hawaii.
• The Barefoot Natives
The band Barefoot Natives feature two of the most popular artists in Hawaii, Willie K and Eric Gilliom. Their musical duo combines music, culture and humor in a way that's both poignant and hilarious. Barefoot Natives won the prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano award in 2007 for Best Contemporary Hawaiian Album with their first CD, “Barefoot Natives." Their latest CD, “Slack Key Circus”, is in stores now.
"Maui boys Willie K and Eric Gilliom have taken their undeniable gifts in music, theater and comedy and blasted them together for an all-out good time that fans experience at every show. With more than 50 years of collective experience on stage, Willie and Eric know exactly what it takes to make the magic happen - a love for what youíre doing and a passion to make people happy." - Midweek (9/7/07)
George is one of Hawaii's best known performers of slack key guitar music, and has two Grammy awards on the shelf at home. George, along with a group of other local slack key guitar artists, has recently released a third compilation music CD of performances recorded live from their performances on Maui. This album has been nominated for a Grammy at the upcoming 2008 Grammy awards ceremonies.
Jasmine Trias, a Filipino-American, was a 3rd place finalist on American Idol. From her single Excuses (already #10 in the Philippines) to her song Sexy Boy, with its playful, relaxed grooves, Jasmine Trias soothes her listeners into forgetting about the hustle surrounding their busy lives from the moment they hear her soulful voice.
• Vince Esquire
Vince Esquire and his band have been featured and opened for such music luminaries as Willie Nelson, Los Lonely Boys, Funk Music legend, Fred Wesley, Derek Trucks, Little Feat, Sonny Rhodes, Coco Montoya, Tommy Castro, Chris Duarte and Eric Johnson and Doobie Brother's guitarist, Pat Simmons. In 2004, while living in Austin, Texas, Vince was invited by Willie Nelson to perform at his annual July 4th Festival in Dallas where he appeared before a crowd of 50,000 enthusiastic fans. Vince was also invited by blues/rock icon Gregg Allman to join the legendary Allman Brothers at their prestigious annual run of shows at the Beacon Theater in New York City. After his performance on Maui, Vince will rejoin the Gregg Allman Band in the spring of 2008.
Marty Dread is "Maui's Reggae Ambassador" and always puts on a high-energy show. Be ready to kick off your shoes and dance to the reggae tunes that reflect Marty's love of Hawaii.
Whale Day's pecial guest emcee, Augie T (from Q103 -KAOI Radio Group) is a comedian and radio personality, and winner of two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards himself.
And remember, this entire "concert in the park" is free thanks to major sponsors Expedia Local Expert and Pacific Whale Foundation. The entire event will be filmed by AKAKU TV and Whale Day podcasts will be released by Maui Net. KAOI Radio Group will be on hand doing a live remote broadcast throughout the day.
PLUS: A Keiki Carnival
Kids will naturally gravitate to the Keiki Carnival, where bouncy castle-style rides will be found alongside a bevy of activities for youngsters, including a rollicking "Whale Competition Pod" game, crafts, carnival games, face painting, and perennial fair treats by Maui Kazowie Kettle Corn.
Keiki Whale-a-thon
From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., children ages 6-12 will be invited to navigate the free whale-themed obstacle course created by Pacific Whale Foundation educators and named the "Keikl Whale-a-thon." Kids can pretend to be whales as they hone their skills at breaching (in a party bouncer), singing like a whale, and navigating past marine debris. The first 100 kids to take part will receive a free pass to Maui Ocean Center.
Incredible Food
Ma'alaea Grill, South Shore Tiki Lounge, Alexander's Fish & Chips, Maui's Freshest, Shaka Pizza, Maui's Freshest, Maui Kazowie Kettlecorn, Star Anise Indian Cuisine, Real Fruit Ice Cream Hawaii and In Your Mouth Pizza will offer tantalizing fare when tummies begin to rumble. Pacific Whale Foundation will also host its own food booth with grilled favorites, salads and drinks. As part of making Whale Day as eco-friendly as possible, attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups and save 50% on the cost of soda or filtered water.
Huge Craft Fair
Shoppers always look forward to the huge craft fair at the north end of the park comprised of nearly 100 Maui artisans. There's also a Silent Auction tent stuffed with great buys on golf packages, restaurants, shows, hotel accommodations, artwork, jewelry and other items. The bidding begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta
An always popular event is the Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta, Maui's own answer to Rubber Ducky races held across the U.S. Little rubber whales will be racing all day on a water course constructed especially for Whale Day with the winners of each heat moving on to the finals. The sponsor of the winning whale will receive free round-trip airfare for two between the U.S. Mainland and Maui (or vice versa if you live on Maui). The second place winner will receive a free Research Internship with Pacific Whale Foundation in Hervey Bay, Australia -- a 12-day experience that includes learning about whale research through firsthand experiences in the field. Many other prizes will be awarded, so if you haven't entered, you'll want to do so during Whale Day. You don't have to be present to win; you can download an entry form and mail it to Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Ma'alaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793.
Eco-Alley Displays
An "Eco-Alley" offers ideas for green living and displays by nonprofits and government agencies working to preserve Maui's unique environment. The Maui chapter of the Sierra Club, Maui Surfriders and Hawaii Nature Center, as well as the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Dept. of Land and Natural Resources and others will be educating the public about their work. You can also find out about Pacific Whale Foundation's research, education and conservation programs, including the "Butts off the Beach" campaign to end cigarette butt litter. There will be information about Pacific Whale Foundation's "Volunteering on Vacation" program which helps visitors find meaningful ways to benefit Maui's environment by volunteering for a few hours with various nonprofits on the island.
New! Curtain of Whales
A special feature this year will be the "Curtain of Whales," a massive display featuring 30,000 hand-folded origami whales created by thousands of children and adults of all ages, along with schools and organizations from nations around the world. The Origami Whales Project began in 2004 as part of the Children's Whale Art Project to raise global awareness of the threat posed by commercial whaling. It was inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young Japanese girl who developed leukemia in 1955 from radiation caused by the bombing of Hiroshima. While Sadako was in the hospital receiving treatment, her friend told her of a Japanese legend that if she folded a thousand paper cranes, the gods might grant her wish to be well again.
The Curtain of Whales is a traveling exhibition that began with just 1,400 folded paper whales. It's grown quickly in a short period of time was displayed in Alaska and several sites in California in 2007. Viewers can walk into a 20-by-60 foot tent and wander through a maze of colorful paper whales on display, meet artist, surfer and project creator Peggy Oki, and learn how to fold a whale or two yourself.
Great Community Support
Sponsors of Whale Day include KAOI and Q103 Radio, County of Maui Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Maui Net, Maui Time Weekly, KPOA and Pacific Radio Group, Maui Today TV, KONI-104 (HHawaii Media), Akina Aloha Tours, Akaku TV, This Week Magazine, Maui Visitor Magazine, Madden Corporation, Maui Soda and Ice, Kihei Ice, Maui Chemical and Paper Products, Maui Cattle Company, Teens on Call, Honzawas Store, Mana Foods, S&W Wholesale, Memory of Maui, Maui Ocean Center, Reactor Watches, Old Lahaina Luau, Terminix International, Maui Flavors Catering, Spotlight Hawaii Magazine, Four Seasons Resort, Feast at Lele, Spectra-Hawaii Printing and Imaging, and others.
Free Whale Day Shuttle
A free Whale Day shuttle bus will operate between Kalama Park and two free satellite parking lots from 7:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. The free parking lots are at Hope Chapel on the corner of the Piilani Highway and Welakahao Street, and at First Hawaiian Bank in Azeka Place Mauka Shopping Center on South Kihei Road, just north of Lipoa Street. Better yet, leave your car at home and take the bus or bike to Kalama Park to help reduce carbon emissions. The Maui Bus will also offer its regular schedule of buses through South Kihei, with a stop just across the street from Whale Day, at Foodland. There will also be a place to park and lock your bicycle.
About The Great Maui Whale Festival
Whale Day is part of The Great Maui Whale Festival, a two-week celebration of Maui's humpback whales. In addition to Whale Day, there's a Run for the Whales on Saturday, Feb. 9 and The Great Whale Count on Saturday, February 23, plus a free talk and slideshow by Pacific Whale Foundation President and Founder Greg Kaufman on Thursday, February 21, and a special VIP whalewatch cruise with Greg Kaufman on Sunday, February 24. To learn more, call 1-800-WHALE-1-1 (ext. 1) or click here.
Get Involved: Help Make Whale Day a Success!
Be a Volunteer at Whale Day
Sign up for three hours and receive a free event T-shirt! For information, call Kelly Vough, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Volunteer Coordinator, at (808) 856-8320 or 1-800-942-5311.
Be a Whale Day Sponsor
Sponsorships are still available for Whale Day. They provide a great way to put your company's name in front of 10,000 people -- and to support a great cause! For sponsorship information, please call Mitch Jamison at 856-8303 or email mitch@pacificwhale.org. Please click here for a downloadable Sponsorship Form.
Donate to the Silent Auction
We welcome your donation of merchandise, gift certificates, cash or other items to our Whale Day Silent Auction.Pacific Whale Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, so your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. To donate to the Whale Day Silent Auction, click here for a donation form. Or you may contact Lendy Leslie at (808) 463-9119 or email whaleday@pacificwhale.org.
Have a Booth at Whale Day
To obtain information about a Whale Day craft booth or environmental/green living booth, please call Brooke Porter at 856-8341 or email brooke@pacificwhale.org.
For information about a food booth, please call Diana Bergantino at 856-8301 or email diana@pacificwhale.org.
Get an Entry Form for the Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta
To obtain an entry form for the Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta (you don't have to be present to win), call Kelly Vough, Pacific Whale Foundation’s Volunteer Coordinator, at (808) 856-8320 or 1-800-942-5311. Or you can download an entry form and mail it to us. |
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