Pacific Whale Foundation Hosts Virtual 41st Annual Maui Whale Festival

The 41st Annual Maui Whale Festival to celebrate the return of Maui’s majestic humpback whales from Alaskan waters is being held virtually this February with a slate of events run by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation.

Guests can participate and engage throughout a variety of activities and events to help raise funds for the Pacific Whale Foundation’s mission work, including Run & Walk for Whales, World Whale Film Festival, Maui Artisan Virtual Craft Fair and Maui Whale Festival Webinar series.

Due to the pandemic limiting large events, walkers and runners from around the globe can take part in the festival’s virtual 2021 Run & Walk for Whales event. From Feb. 8 to 28, whale lovers and exercise enthusiasts can join Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) staff and supporters as they walk, run or jog 14.9 miles from the nonprofit’s world headquarters in Ma’alaea, Maui to its Ocean Store in Lahaina by signing up at www.mauiwhalefestival.org/runwalk.

Participants have 20 days to complete the challenge and will receive a medal upon completion. Runners who want to go that extra mile are encouraged to challenge their endurance by simply picking the number of miles they want to achieve and get moving. There is a $50 fee to participate in the Run & Walk for Whales, with proceeds benefitting PWF’s mission.

The Fifth Annual World Whale Film Festival, an important cornerstone of the festival, kicks off on Feb. 19. The 10-day virtual offering features thoughtfully curated visual stories about ocean conservation, environmental activism and champions of nature. Proceeds from the $20 fee to virtually attend the World Whale Film Festival also will further PWF’s mission.

The Maui Artisan Virtual Craft Fair (Feb. 1 – March 31) showcases products and services of Maui Nui merchants, artists and crafters, restaurants and businesses. The platform encourages online consumers and collectors to shop local by driving them to the virtual store or e-commerce site of the businesses.

Attendees can discover fascinating facts about oceans and marine wildlife as industry leaders, researchers and scientists share findings and stories via the Maui Whale Festival Webinar series available throughout February. Webinars will be live-streamed free of charge, and guests are encouraged to ask questions and interact with presenters.

For more information about the 41st Annual Maui Whale Festival, please visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org and for additional information about Pacific Whale Foundation, please visit www.pacificwhale.org.