Whale Quest Kapalua in Maui

by Mary VanMeer
Filed Under Attractions, Children, Eco-Travel, Family Travel, United States 

The humpback whale, one of Maui’s most famous and loyal visitors, will make an encore appearance at this year’s fourth annual Whale Quest Kapalua held at Kapalua Resort. The three-day educational symposium runs from February 13-15, 2009, at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, and will provide thousands of Hawaii residents and visitors the chance to get up close and personal with this spectacular mammal.

Whale Quest Kapalua’s festivities kicks off Friday, February 13, with a special welcome ceremony by Charles “Flip” Nicklin, whose underwater photography of marine mammals has appeared in many National Geographic articles, followed by a 45-minute seminar on the underwater cinematography of the humpback whale by Jason Sturgis from Whale Trust.

For families with young keiki (children), Whale Quest Kapalua has added new interactive educational activities for children ages 5-12. Keiki will have the opportunity to learn about whale behaviors as they visit various stations on whale migrations (whales mounted on remote controls so kids can race them through large channels on a giant painted map), whale breaching (bouncing castle so they can practice breaching techniques), whale karaoke, as well as blubber and bubbles.  The complimentary activities are presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, and are available February 14-15, with sessions from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Space is limited.  To register, call the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Center at 808-665-7292.

In-depth educational sessions continue throughout the weekend led by experts including Bruce Mate, from Oregon State University; Hugh Pearson, from BBC; Brian Skerry, award-winning National Geographic photographer; Adam Ravetch, wildlife filmmaker; and Dr. James Darling, who specializes in humpback whale behavior. 

Event attendees will also have an opportunity to observe magnificent humpback whales in their natural habitat by signing up for a two-hour Whale Quest Kapalua whale watch.  These exclusive, educational whale-watching boat rides are narrated by a Whale Quest Kapalua representative, who will share interesting facts and knowledge about these gentle giants.  Whale Quest Kapalua whale watches run daily at 7 a.m. and admission is $40 plus tax.  For more information, contact Kapalua Events Management at 1-808-665-9160.

In addition to these activities, Whale Quest Kapalua also offers opportunities for research, conservation, and environmental organizations to present interactive educational displays and information throughout the weekend.  Attendees will be able to experience art and photo exhibitions, with some pieces available for purchase, to benefit participating research organizations.

And to raise funds in support of whale research, Whale Quest Kapalua will also host a charity golf tournament at The Plantation Course, one of Kapalua Resort’s championship golf courses, on Sunday, February 15, 2009. Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit host non-profit organizations: Whale Trust, Center for Whale Studies and Hawaii Whale Research Foundation. The tournament entry fee is $395 per person (with $270 going towards charities) and includes an awards luncheon. Hole sponsorships are available for $1,750 (with $1,080 going towards charities) and includes entrance for one foursome to the tournament and the awards luncheon.

Following an action-packed day of exploring all that Maui has to offer, guests can spend their evening relaxing in luxurious accommodations at The Kapalua Villas, conveniently located in Kapalua Resort. The Villas’ stunning ocean front and ocean view accommodations allow guests to enjoy the balmy sea breeze from their lanai, while whale watching from the privacy of their Villa.

For more information on Whale Quest Kapalua, visit kapalua.com or call 1-888-665-9160.


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