Filmed on location in Australia, Hawaii, the South Pacific, the Philippines and Indonesia, "BLUE" changes the way viewers think about the liquid world and inspires the audi

KAANAPALI – The second annual World Whale Film Festival will promote visual storytellers who are passionate about whales, dolphins and our oceans.

The mission is to tell powerful stories that inspire ocean and wildlife conservation around the world.

One of the main events in Pacific Whale Foundation’s 2018 Maui Whale Festival, the film event will take place on Friday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Admission is free.

See the feature film “BLUE,” a documentary charting the drastic decline in the health of our oceans.

With more than half of all marine life lost and the expansion of the industrialization of the seas, the film sets out the challenges mankind faces and the opportunities for positive change.

Doors open 5:30 p.m. If you have registered for this event, your name will be on the guest list at check-in. Attendees must check-in by 5:45 p.m. There will be additional seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. E-mail events@pacificwhale.org with any questions.

The next day, Pacific Whale Foundation will hold the “An Unknown Future” Masquerade Gala from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Waikapu Ballroom at King Kamehameha Golf Club.

This formal event will include a red carpet arrival, photo booth, sustainable seafood pupus, a hosted (open) bar and special entertainment, including live music by 13-time Grammy Award-nominated, multi-Platinum-selling pianist and composer Peter Kater.

One of America’s best-reviewed professional deejays and the official deejay of Maui Whale Festival 2018, Deejay Teddy Rux will end off the night on the dance floor.

Proceeds will benefit global efforts to save the Vaquita, Hawaiian False Killer Whale, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Chilean Blue Whale and Maui Dolphin.

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the club’s 74,000-square-foot clubhouse sits at 750 feet above sea level, offering Haleakala and bi-coastal ocean views.

Tickets are $170; Pacific Whale Foundation members receive a 20 percent discount.

A shuttle from Lahaina is available with pick-up and drop-off at Lahaina Cannery Mall; reserve your seat through event registration.

This is a formal event, so dress to impress! Masquerade masks are encouraged and can be purchased through event registration.

More information on the Maui Whale Festival is available at mauiwhalefestival.org.

This year’s lineup also includes the Online Auction for Whales through Feb. 24; storytime performance with the Banana Slug String Band at Kihei Public Library and Concert Cruise with John Cruz on Friday, Feb. 16; Keiki Concert Cruise with the Banana Slug String Band and Concert Cruise with HAPA on Saturday, Feb. 17; Maalaea Harbor Party and Concert Cruise with Amy Gilliom on Sunday, Feb. 18; Great Whale Count and Story Time with Author Gill McBarnet at the Kihei Library on Saturday, Feb. 24; and Great Whale Count Results VIP Cruise on Sunday, Feb. 25. n