Early each year, more than 12,000 humpback whales gather in Hawaiian waters to mate and give birth, and in March 2016, Bluecology will celebrate our partner Hawai’i Wildlife Fund ‘s 20th anniversary by offering a three-day trip that includes snorkeling, kayaking and whale watching.
Hannah Bernard, co-founder of Hawai’i Wildlife Fund and an experienced marine biologist and conservationist, will lead the trip, sharing her vast knowledge of coral reef ecology, local marine wildlife – including green turtles — and the rich environment that sustains that life.
The humpback whales in the North Pacific are a conservation success story due in part to local groups such as the Hawai’i Wildlife Fund, which worked tirelessly to help establish the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Captain Amy Venema, with the Keiki Kohola Project, will talk about her research with humpback calves and lead the whale watch excursion.
Hawaii Wildlife Fund also works to protect other threatened and endangered species, and works closely with Hawaiian communities on sustainability programs promoting traditional management, such as restoration of fish ponds and taro farms. This trip, based out of Olowalu, one of Maui’s most significant coral reefs and candidate for designation as a new Community Managed Makai Area, will shine a spotlight on why this area is so special.
This special anniversary trip will take place March 8-11. The cost is $890 per person for a triple or quad cabin at comfortable Camp Olowalu, six miles southeast of Lahaina on Maui. (See campolowalu.com). This is a great hands-on learning opportunity for families with children over the age of eight years.
The cost includes accommodations, most meals, group transport and two kayak trips. Kayaks will be provided, but participants must bring or rent snorkeling equipment. Airfare to Maui is not included.
Trip participants can extend their stay to participate in a three-day community service project on Maui, assisting with habitat restoration and planting native crops.
The trip is limited to 14 people, and the registration. To register, call 415-755-5174, or email tripmanager@bluecology.org for more information.