Celebrate humpback whales in Maui at the 37th Annual World Whale Day & Parade of Whales on Saturday, February 18 in Kihei. Presented by Pacific Whale Foundation, World Whale Day is a community festival with a global mission — to raise public awareness and inspire conservation on behalf of marine wildlife and their ocean habitat.
>> Click for World Whale Day website <<
World Whale Day 2017 kicks off at9:00am with a hometown Parade of Whales along South Kihei Road, featuring marching bands, musical performances, an inflatable 50-foot whale, costumed sea characters, and colorful floats.
The festivities continue at beautiful, oceanside Kalama Park with live entertainment from 9:30am to 6:00pm from some of Hawaii’s top artists and performers, including the traditional Polynesian dancers of Manutea Nui E.
The Main Stage musical line-up includes: John Cruz, Eli Mac, Maoli, Darren Lee from Burn’n Love, Lily Meola, Derick Sebastian, Dr. Nat & Rio Ritmo, Haiku Hillbillys, and a special appearance by Alto Reed of Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band.
The Keiki Stage is back by popular demand, with entertainment for the young and young-at-heart, including: Banana Slug String Band, Maui Aerial Arts, Canada’s Chestermere Concert Band, and a special Ulalenaperformance from Maui Theatre.
The Keiki Carnival is bigger and better than ever this year, with keiki hula and lei po’o making, henna and face painting, cotton candy, hot dogs and shave ice, bouncy castles and Maui Spider Jump — Hawaii’s only reverse bungee trampoline system. Kids will have a whale of a time!
Other things to see and do at World Whale Day include the original Made on Maui Fair showcasing island artists and their unique crafts. There’s also Eco-Alley featuring local environmental groups and green businesses. Plus, games, prizes and a Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta.
‘Ono food and tasty treats are available all day from food booths and Maui’s favorite food trucks. Farm-to-table booths also offer fresh, locally grown take-home products.Please note that outside food, beverages, alcohol and coolers are not permitted.
A new feature for World Whale Day 2017 is the Tidal Trash TreasuresArt Contest. Bring your artwork made from marine debris to Kalama Park the day before World Whale Day and enter to win valuable prizes.
>> Click for contest rules and info <<
FREE satellite parking (at Azeka Center and Hope Chapel) and FREE shuttles will be available from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
>> Click for map and directions <<
Admission to World Whale Day is only $5 and FREE for keiki 12 & under!
You can skip the lines at the park by purchasing tickets in advance at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Store in Ma’alaea or Lahaina. Food, drinks and some activities within the park will require the purchase of scrip. All proceeds of the event help support research, education and conservation programs of Pacific Whale Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information, please visit WorldWhaleDay.org or call (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 anytime between 6am and 8pm. See you at World Whale Day on Saturday, February 18!
