In addition to the weekly lecture, the Old Lahaina Courthouse features exhibits about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s work in Lahaina, as well as a look at the town’s history from both the Hawaiian cultural and historical perspective. NOAA provided support for the recent renovation of the courthouse’s museum and second floor public space.

LAHAINA – The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the Pacific Islands Region of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, in collaboration with Lahaina Restoration Foundation, will present weekly sanctuary lectures at the Old Lahaina Courthouse. Scheduled every Tuesday at 11 a.m. on the first floor of the courthouse, the lectures are free and open to the public.

“Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is pleased with the prospect to extend our outreach on Maui’s West Side,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent.

“Our presence at the Old Lahaina Courthouse will allow us to reach visitors and our local population with sanctuary messages, and we are grateful to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation for this opportunity.”

“The Old Lahaina Courthouse has a long history of community use, and we are happy to partner with NOAA to provide a space for the weekly, free whale talks,” said Theo Morrison, executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaii through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship.