KAPALUA – Whale enthusiasts can learn about whales and the ocean environment from world-renowned scientists, photographers and filmmakers from around the world at “Whale Tales.”

Coordinated by Whale Trust, the event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Friday, Feb. 3, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An educational event, “Whale Tales” is an outgrowth of “Whale Quest Kapalua,” which was held successfully from 2006-09 and 2011.

This year’s presenters include whale experts from all over the country: Dr. Bruce Mate, Craig Matkin, Flip Nicklin, Mark and Debbie Ferrari, Dr. Dan Salden, Edward Lyman and Dr. Jim Darling.

Nicklin and Darling will be on-hand to sign copies of their latest books featuring Hawaii’s humpback whales from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Naturalists from Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program will present free interactive activities for children ages 5 to 12 during the event.

Sponsored by the Makana Aloha Foundation and hosted by Whale Trust, the seminars are free and open to the public. A $20 suggested donation will be gratefully accepted.

All donations and proceeds benefit three local nonprofit organizations dedicated to whale research: Whale Trust, Hawaii Whale Research Foundation and Center for Whale Studies.

A local nonprofit, Whale Trust’s mission is to promote, support and conduct scientific research on whales and the marine environment, and broadly communicate the findings.

For a complete schedule of events and information on Benefit Whale Watches, visit www.whaletrust.org or call (808) 572-5700.