Pacific Whale Foundation’s vessels include the modern catamaran Ocean Spirit.

MAALAEA – PacWhale Eco-Adventures set sail once again beginning July 18 with a 50 percent kama’aina discounted rate on select ecotours as a way to say mahalo and welina hou (welcome back) to its local friends, fans and supporters.

For the month of July, PacWhale Eco-Adventures is offering a morning Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel ecotour and an evening Sunset Sail with cocktails and pupu on Saturdays.

The 50 percent kama’aina discount continues through the end of August on regular tours and will be available through a promo code provided to Hawaii residents with appropriate identification.

All approved PacWhale Eco-Adventures tours and boats will operate at 50 percent capacity as per state and Department of Natural Land & Resources COVID-19 safety guidelines.

This reduction in the number of passengers per vessel offers an enjoyable, intimate ocean experience for kama’aina guests.

“It certainly will be a less crowded tour – no question,” said PacWhale Eco-Adventures Business Development Manager John Gaskins.

“And we have all the protocols in place for guests to have a safe, exciting time aboard our vessels.”

Meticulously researched and implemented safety procedures for PacWhale Eco-Adventures include touchless check-in to avoid personal contact; boarding and seating by zones to facilitate proper social distancing on the dock and on the boat; and, for cruises involving food and/or drink, meals and libations are delivered to guests at their seats rather than pre-COVID buffet style.

Private cruises accommodating up to 70 passengers are also available for booking. Call PacWhale Eco-Adventures directly for private charter pricing and availability.

As a social enterprise wholly owned by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, revenue raised by PacWhale Eco-Adventures helps fund PWF’s Research, Education and Conservation programs.

“If you want to go out on the water and have fun, go with somebody who makes a difference,” Gaskins said.

“Since all profits from our ecotours fund the important work conducted by our parent nonprofit, Pacific Whale Foundation, if you come with us, you’ll be making a difference, too.”

For information, or to book a kama’aina reservation, call (808) 856-8357 or visit www.pacificwhale.org/kamaainaspecials.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures is an international organization headquartered on Maui that offers market-driven products and services to advance its mission of protecting the ocean through science and advocacy and inspiring environmental stewardship.

As a social enterprise owned by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation, PacWhale Eco-Adventures serves more than 300,000 individuals per year through its Ocean Stores and top-rated, responsible ocean ecotours, including snorkel trips, sunset dinner and cocktail cruises, stargazing excursions and Maui’s most award-winning whale watch.