Whale Tales at Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, located on Maui’s Northwest Shore, hosts the 14th Annual Whale Tales Presented by Whale Trust, February 14 to 17, 2020.

Guests will have the opportunity to interact with top international scientists, photographers and conservationists during the four day event.  The gathering features talks from world renowned researchers on cetaceans and the ocean environment, stunning underwater photography and video of whales, immersive hands-on educational opportunities presented by marine research and conservation organizations, and benefit whale watches.

In partnership with Maui-based whale watch companies, local and international guest presenters will be featured on whale watching cruises during the event.

Whale Tales is a unique opportunity for Maui residents and visitors to hear first-hand what marine scientists are studying and discovering about the ocean and its inhabitants.

“We are so lucky to live here on Maui where the whales are such an important part of our lifestyle,” said Whale Trust executive director and co-founder Meagan Jones Gray. “As photographers, filmmakers, conservationists, and researchers, we travel the world to learn more about whales and their ocean environment, but it is on Maui that we come together to share our stories, research, photographs, and video at Whale Tales – a free community event.”

Whale Tales (originally Whale Quest Kapalua) was established in 2006 by Kapalua Land Company in partnership with Whale Trust to bridge the information gap between scientists working in the field and the public.

This year marks a milestone in the evolution of Whale Tales by Whale Trust as the event becomes one of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s signature events. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has been home to the event nearly every year since its inception in 2006.

“We are very pleased to welcome back Whale Tales to The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua for another year. To be in partnership with an organization that is making such an important and positive impact on the ocean environment is a true honor. Whales are a beloved aspect of Maui and we look forward to helping continue bridge the gap between scientists and the general public,” said General Manager, Andrew Rogers.

Presentations, special events, and benefit whale watches will be held throughout the weekend. Admission to Whale Tales presentations and the Marine Science Center is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $20 per person to support Whale Tales 2020 Beneficiaries. Benefit Whale Watch tickets will start at $65 per person.

More information, including presenters and special guests, event schedules, registration details, and whale watch tickets, will be available online at WhaleTales.org.

Whale Tales is a fundraising event to support whale research in Hawaiʻi. In 13 years, the event has raised more than $725,000 for whale research in Hawaiʻi and Alaska. All proceeds are distributed to selected beneficiary organizations and students.

The Whale Tales Beneficiaries Program has provided funding to support Cascadia Research Collective, Center for Whale Studies, Hawaiʻi Association for Marine Education and Research, Inc. (HAMER), Hawaiʻi Whale Research Foundation, Hawaiʻi Marine Mammal Consortium, Keiki Kohola Project, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Oceanwide Science Institute, Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute, Sitka Science Center, University of Hawaiʻi Foundation and Whale Trust.

This year’s presenting sponsors are Makana Aloha Foundation and George and Marie Weis.

Presentations, special events, and benefit whale watches will be held throughout the weekend. Admission to Whale Tales presentations and the Marine Science Center is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $20 per person to support Whale Tales 2020 Beneficiaries. Benefit Whale Watch tickets will start at $65 per person. For an up close and personal look at Maui’s most famous winter visitor – an exclusive package includes, luxury accommodations, Whale Tales Whale Watch for two, Ambassadors of the Environment Eco-Adventure for two, and access to complimentary Whale Tale events. Full terms and conditions include:

• Offer is valid for reservations stays between Feb. 12-19, 2020 and must be booked by Feb. 7, 2020.
• Limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Minimum length of stay may apply.
• Package is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer.
• Advanced reservations are required, and rates do not apply to groups.
• Rates listed are per room, per night, single or double occupancy, and exclusive of taxes, gratuities and other charges unless otherwise noted.
• Package inclusions may not be redeemed for cash or credit value.