Events include a Keiki Concert Cruise with the Banana Slug String Band on Feb. 23 and a Concert Cruise with John Cruz (left) on Feb. 24. Visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org for information and tickets.

MAALAEA – Kihei Fourth Friday will celebrate Pacific Whale Foundation’s 39th annual Maui Whale Festival with a special installment of the popular monthly town party on Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Azeka Shopping Center.

Enjoy live music by some of Hawaii’s top musicians, ono food, local vendors, keiki activities and eco programs.

Honor the majestic humpback whales that travel to Maui waters each year with free ocean-themed fun for all ages.

On Saturday, Feb. 23, the Banana Slug String Band will perform from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Kihei Public Library at 35 Waimahaihai St.

In celebration of cetaceans everywhere, join the renowned Banana Slug String Band for a special performance.

This award-winning band has been playing music for kids for over 30 years.

They have played in 40 states and five countries for almost 2 million people.

They are environmental educators, impassioned musicians, songwriters, performers and eco-warriors!

With guitars, voices, crazy characters and an extraordinary ability to connect with children, they change the world – one child at a time.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. For more information, call Kihei Public Library at 875-6833.

Pacific Whale Foundation has undertaken the Great Whale Count for the past 29 years.

It is one of the world’s longest-running cetacean projects involving citizen-scientists.

Citizen science is becoming a widespread tool for ecological and environmental monitoring, engaging members of the public and promoting environmental stewardship.

This systematic counting method allows researchers to monitor changes in humpback whale sightings from year to year and provides a valuable long-term snapshot of Hawaii’s humpback whale population.

Upcoming dates for the Great Whale Count are Saturday, Feb. 23, and Saturday, March 30.

Register via the link at www.mauiwhalefestival.org.