Maui Ocean Center to Host World Whale Day Celebration on February 20

MĀʻALAEA, HI, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 – Maui Ocean Center invites marine life lovers to learn more about Hawaiʻi’s humpback whales at its 2022 World Whale Day celebration on Sunday, February 20.

This year’s celebration will kick off at the aquarium’s Māʻalaea Harbor Lookout, where guests can observe wild whale activity alongside passionate volunteers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, a Maui-based sanctuary for humpbacks migrating to warm Hawaiian waters each year.

Guests can participate in whale education stations led by Maui Ocean Center’s team of Ocean Experts, and view one of three exclusive showings of In the Wake of Giants, a film featuring inspiring conservation footage from NOAA’s whale rescue team on Maui. Showings of the film will take place at Maui Ocean Center’s Makai Theater at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm.

“World Whale Day originated on Maui, making this celebration of our wonderful whales very close to home,” said Jessica Colla, Maui Ocean Center’s Director of Education. “What was once intended to raise awareness about the plight of humpbacks against commercial whaling has become a celebration of this incredible species and their remarkable recovery.”

Guests are encouraged to continue the festivities at Maui Ocean Center’s 100% certified sustainable Seascape Restaurant with a refreshing ‘Peaching Whale’ cocktail or an ‘I Speak Whale Mock-tail’ available now through Sunday, February 21. In addition, the Maui Ocean Treasures world-class gift store will be offering a one-day-only 10% off sale on breathtaking whale photography by Karim Iliya and Susan Slade.

Whale activities and coloring sheets will be available for keiki, and fun marine-themed giveaways will take place throughout the day. World Whale Day celebrations are included with aquarium admission, and guests of all ages are welcome to participate.