The festival celebrates the annual migration of Pacific humpback whales to Maui waters.

LAHAINA – Lahaina will celebrate the annual migration of Pacific humpback whales with the Lahaina Whale and Ocean Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Banyan Tree Park.

Artists will display their best marine-themed art for sale while musicians and hula troupes entertain.

Children will enjoy a keiki ocean art contest. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 4 (applications are posted online at www.visitlahaina.com; for more information, call 667-9175). Artwork will be on display on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; winners will be announced at 2 p.m., with prizes provided by local merchants.

At the annual festival, marine research groups will have naturalists present to talk story and offer visitors and residents opportunities to learn more about whales and Hawaii marine life.

Keiki can come and paint a four-foot whale from noon to 2 p.m. Each whale and ocean organization will have information available and merchandise for sale. Participating groups include the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, NOAA Fisheries, Hui O Wa’a Kaulua, Maui Ocean Center and Polanui Hiu.

The festival will feature live musical entertainment sponsored by Honua Consulting and 20 Maui artists. Maui spider jump will be joining the fun.

The event is free to the public. While enjoying the fun, bring a nonperishable food donation for the Maui Food Bank.

For more information, go to www.visitlahaina.com or call the Lahaina Visitor Center at 667-9175.