Pacific Whale Foundation

Our mission: To promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planet's oceans. We accomplish this by educating the public -- from a scientific perspective -- about the marine environment. We support and conduct responsible marine research and address marine conservation issues in Hawaii and the Pacific. Through educational ecotours, we model and promote sound ecotourism practices and responsible wildlife watching.

Marine research, education and conservation: as the cornerstones of our organization, they have allowed us to be leaders in addressing issues that shape the future of our oceans and our planet.

Pacific Whale Foundation's marine research has included studies of humpback whales in Hawaii, Australia, Tonga, Alaska, Japan and Ecuador, along with pioneering studies of the wild dolphins and coral reefs of Maui County.

Our award-winning marine education programs grew out of our desire to share our research discoveries with the public. Over the years, we have served tens of thousands of schoolchildren in Hawaii with programs that combine field trips and classroom/lab work, inspiring greater interest in science and marine conservation. Our visitor education programs help promote eco-friendly enjoyment of Maui's unique ocean environment and provide opportunities for Volunteering on Vacation. We also offer free talks, slideshows, displays and educational guides for the public through

Our conservation team tackles issues ranging from preventing small to large... from preventing cigarette butt litter on Hawaii's beaches to stopping commercial or so-called "scientific whaling" around the world. We also model sustainable practices on our ecotour vessels.