February 9 - 15, 2026
MISSION STATEMENT
To inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins and the ocean.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where people and ocean life thrive harmoniously.
A WARM WELCOME TO YOU
Friends, PLACE HOLDER FOR WELCOME MESSAGE: In Hawaiʻi, after a lava flow reshapes the land, renewal begins quietly. One of the first plants to emerge is the kupukupu fern, taking root in new ground and signaling resilience, adaptation, and growth. That image reflects Pacific Whale Foundation’s journey in 2025, and the foundation we carry with us as we head into 2026.
In 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation marked its 45th anniversary, connecting us to the origins of the Save the Whales movement and the beginnings of World Whale Day here on Maui. For 45 years, we have been guided by a belief that people and ocean life can thrive together, and by a commitment to inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins, and the ocean.
The year was also one of transition. Following the loss of Ocean Legacy in 2023, we recently welcomed the newest addition to the PacWhale EcoAdventures fleet, Kai Kō (“sea with a strong current”). Grounded in this meaning, the name reflects strength, movement, and resilience –qualities that mirror the natural force of the ocean and the way we strive to lead in service of our mission. Shaped by our team’s vision and care, Kai Kō represents a new chapter, carrying forward our shared responsibility as stewards of the ocean and our commitment to push ahead for the marine environment and our community.
With gratitude, Dayna Garland
Executive Director & CEO
Pacific Whale Foundation
Friends,
PLACE HOLDER FOR WELCOME MESSAGE: In Hawaiʻi, after a lava flow reshapes the land, renewal begins quietly. One of the first plants to emerge is the kupukupu fern, taking root in new ground and signaling resilience, adaptation, and growth. That image reflects Pacific Whale Foundation’s journey in 2025, and the foundation we carry with us as we head into 2026.
In 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation marked its 45th anniversary, connecting us to the origins of the Save the Whales movement and the beginnings of World Whale Day here on Maui. For 45 years, we have been guided by a belief that people and ocean life can thrive together, and by a commitment to inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins, and the ocean.
The year was also one of transition. Following the loss of Ocean Legacy in 2023, we recently welcomed the newest addition to the PacWhale EcoAdventures fleet, Kai Kō (“sea with a strong current”). Grounded in this meaning, the name reflects strength, movement, and resilience –qualities that mirror the natural force of the ocean and the way we strive to lead in service of our mission. Shaped by our team’s vision and care, Kai Kō represents a new chapter, carrying forward our shared responsibility as stewards of the ocean and our commitment to push ahead for the marine environment and our community.
With gratitude, the mayor
MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to our sponsors for your generous support and belief in our mission. Your partnership makes this work possible and helps create meaningful impact for our community. We are truly grateful for your commitment.
FULL SCHEDULE
OPENING CEREMONY
February 9, 2026 | Mākena Golf & Beach Club
A TOAST TO WHALES: SPONSOR RECEPTION
February 10, 2026 | Montage Kapalua Bay
9TH ANNUAL WORLD WHALE FILM FESTIVAL
February 11, 2026 | ʻIao Theater
BIG BLUE SOIRÉE
February 13, 2026 | Mākai Glass
TASTE & TUNES
February 12, 2026 | OCEAN Organic Farm & Distillery
WORLD WHALE DAY PARADE
February 15, 2026 | South Kihei Rd.
SPECIALTY PACWHALE ECO-ADVENTURES
CRUISES
February 10 and 11, 2026
COMMUNITY DAY: MĀLAMA I NĀ KOHOLĀ
February 14, 2026 | Māʻalaea Harbor Shops
MĀLAMA PONO SERVICE PROJECT
February 9-13, 2026
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF IMPACT
1980S - THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
In 1980, when fewer than 1,000 humpback whales remained in the North Pacific, a small group on Maui chose to act. Led by founder Greg Kaufman, Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) was born. From the first educational whale-watch tours, PWF blended groundbreaking research with public engagement, turning awe into understanding and inspiring ocean stewardship. Greg’s humane approach to research helped launch one of Maui’s earliest photo-identification catalogs, revealing critical insights into whale behavior and migration. Today, 45 years later, thanks to supporters like you, North Pacific humpback whales number more than 21,000, and PWF’s work continues to protect whales and the ocean worldwide.
1990S - THE RISE OF PEOPLEPOWERED CONSERVATION
In the 1990s, PWF solution. Through initiatives like the Great Whale Count, residents and visitors became community scientists tracking whales from Maui’s shores. What began as a grassroots effort grew into one of Hawaiʻi’s longest-running community science projects. Along with PWF’s ongoing conservation work, it continues to inform policy that safeguards whales, dolphins, and their habitats, proving that when people take part in conservation, they become lifelong guardians of the ocean.
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF IMPACT
EARLY 2000S: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
PWF was born from the idea that when people, especially children, experience whales up close, they begin to care deeply about protecting the ocean. In its early years, PWF launched Keiki Whalewatch, introducing Maui’s youth to whales in the wild and helping them see themselves as ocean stewards. By the 2000s, that early spark grew into momentum, as education programs expanded and Ocean Camp became a cornerstone of hands-on learning. Forty-five years later, those beginnings continue to inspire new generations to protect the ocean they love.
2010S: SCIENCE SAFEGUARDS OUR
OCEAN
The 2010s marked a defining chapter for PWF. During this decade, our scientists helped identify critical habitats, tracked more than 15,000 humpback whales, and strengthened protections for whales and dolphins protections that are still in place today. Years of research and advocacy led to a historic milestone in 2016, when humpback whales were removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List, one of the greatest marine recovery stories of our time. Today, PWF’s science continues to inform laws, protect species, and safeguard whales and dolphins for generations to come.
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF IMPACT
2020S: A TALE OF COMMUNITY & RESILIENCE
From navigating the global pandemic to responding to the 2023 wildfires, one truth has guided our work: when we protect our ocean, we strengthen our community. During this decade, PWF expanded outreach through programs like Mālama Pono and Mauka to Makai, restoring reefs and native habitats, while education programs continued to inspire young ocean stewards. These efforts—powered by supporters, volunteers, educators, and partners—have connected people across cultures and generations, building a global community united by a shared love for marine life and a commitment to protecting our ocean for the future.
THE FUTURE: LOOKING AHEAD WITH HOPE
As Pacific Whale Foundation celebrates 45 years, we pause to reflect with gratitude and look ahead with hope. Guided by our vision of a world where people and ocean life thrive together, our work continues to meet the most urgent challenges facing the ocean today. With the support of our community, we are expanding ocean education, strengthening conservation through science and Indigenous knowledge, offering responsible ocean experiences that support both people and place, and operating as a strong, accountable organization. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping shape a healthier future for our ocean.
Friends,
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US
PLACE HOLDER FOR CLOSING MESSAGE: In Hawaiʻi, after a lava flow reshapes the land, renewal begins quietly. One of the first plants to emerge is the kupukupu fern, taking root in new ground and signaling resilience, adaptation, and growth. That image reflects Pacific Whale Foundation’s journey in 2025, and the foundation we carry with us as we head into 2026.
In 2025, Pacific Whale Foundation marked its 45th anniversary, connecting us to the origins of the Save the Whales movement and the beginnings of World Whale Day here on Maui. For 45 years, we have been guided by a belief that people and ocean life can thrive together, and by a commitment to inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins, and the ocean.
The year was also one of transition. Following the loss of Ocean Legacy in 2023, we recently welcomed the newest addition to the PacWhale Eco-Adventures fleet, Kai Kō (“sea with a strong current”).
Grounded in this meaning, the name reflects strength, movement, and resilience – qualities that mirror the natural force of the ocean and the way we strive to lead in service of our mission.
With gratitude,
Jen Delgadillo Bevington
Chair of the Board
Pacific Whale Foundation
SUPPORT BECOME A MEMBER
