Road Closure for Maui’s Parade of Whales
File photo from 2010 Whale Day by Sonia Isotov. The free event features a variety of keiki event, a silent auction and a day full of headline entertainment. In this photo, Michael King enjoyed the pathway through Eco-Alley to a huge tent housing the remarkable Curtain of 36,000 Origami Whales.
By Wendy Osher
A portion of South Kihei Road will be closed on Saturday morning, February 18, to accommodate the Parade of Whales.
The parade is the official launch to 32nd annual World Whale Day Celebration hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation.
The road closure extends along South Kihei Road from Alanui Kealii Drive to Waimahaihai Street near the Kihei Library, and will be in effect from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Musicians, dancers, floats and costumed characters will celebrate the theme “World of Whales,” with Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa serving as the Grand Marshal.
Parade emcee, KPOA’s Morning Goddess, Alaka’i Paleka, will provide narration as participants pass the big whale statue on South Kihei Road. Volunteer parade judges will determine winners for recognition as Most Eco-Friendly, Most Creative and Best Overall entries.
Following the parade, events and entertainment surrounding World Whale Day will be held at Kalama Park. The free day-long celebration includes entertainment throughout the day from artists including: Anuhea, Hapa, John Cruz, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Marty Dread, Nuff Sedd, Willie K and Manute’a Nui E.
About 100 local artisans will be featured in a Made on Maui display. There will also be children’s activities, a silent auction, food, and educational displays on whales and their environment.
Free event parking with free shuttle bus service is available from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hope Chapel, and also at Azeka Place Mauka Shopping Center by the Bank of Hawaii.
To learn more about World Whale Day, visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org or call Pacific Whale Foundation at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1.
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