The first humpback whale of the season was spotted off South Maui on September 14! Maui Now first broke the news, citing Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) research in their reporting of how this year’s sighting compares to previous years. Though it is unusual for a humpback whale to be in Hawaii this early, it is not entirely surprising. In the year 2000, PWF recorded the first whale sighting on September 16. 

Read the Maui Now article HERE and click HERE to see a full list of PWF's first sighting dates.

This first sighting is undeniably exciting for humans, but according to an article PWF published this past May, the whales are finding Maui's waters to be less desirable these days. Humpback whales have a temperature preference when it comes to breeding. With ocean waters warming in recent years and projected to continue along this trend, our research illustrates the need to protect critical ocean habitats, including the winter home of these humpback whales.

It may be too soon to tell if more whales are close behind or weeks away, but it’s not too soon to start welcoming them home!

Congratulations to Sherry Ringer! Her winning photo, Afternoon Siesta, will be featured on the cover of PWF's 2023 Marine Life Calendar.

Thank you to our finalists and to all who supported us through photo submissions and voting. Between the Whale of a Photo Contest Call for Entries and Voting Round, we raised just over $13,000 in support of PWF's Research, Education, and Conservation programs!
 
Your recent support will continue to make a difference long after the contest has ended by providing necessary funds for PWF programs like the following: 

Fall Ocean Camp registration is OPEN! 
Ocean Camp offers fun, adventure and learning for children entering or currently enrolled in grades 2-5. Campers learn about the ocean and Maui’s natural environment while developing new skills and making new friends. Each session centers around a unique ocean-related theme and includes hands-on science lessons, team-building games, expressive crafts and daily field trips with local partners including two weekly three-hour private snorkel trips on PacWhale Eco-Adventures vessels.

This session accommodates a maximum of 18 campers, so reserve your keiki's space today!

Astronomer Harriet Witt is known for her entertaining and informative commentary on all things celestial. If you’re looking to do something unique while learning about Hawaiian culture and the star-filled canvas above, we encourage you to take this journey with us. 

During this new and improved version of our original Stargazing cruise, you’ll enjoy delicious appetizers, drinks and Maui’s famous sunsets as you discover the finer points of Polynesian navigation (wayfinding) and how wayfinders utilized the stars to locate the Hawaiian Islands. Once the sun sets and stars begin to appear, Harriet will highlight specific stars and relate stories about their significance to the Hawaiian culture in juxtaposition with popularly known Greek cultural explanations.

Book Online & Save $10 per adult.