At Whale Tales 2019 from Feb. 15-18, the public can hear the latest discoveries in whale and dolphin research while supporting research on humpback whales in Hawaii and Alaska. PHOTO BY RALPH PACE-PERMIT #19225.

KAPALUA – Whale Trust invites the public to join world-renowned scientists, photographers and conservationists at the 13th annual Whale Tales on Feb. 15-18 at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

This year’s event promises to take attendees on a marine mammal odyssey, from award-winning author Nick Pyenson’s research to understand their ancient past to stories of species’ adaptation in urban waters.

Learn how automated surface robots are exploring the Pacific Ocean in search of aggregations of humpbacks that we might not yet know about, and view stunning underwater photography and videography of whales in their natural environment.

Whale Tales is a unique opportunity for Maui residents and visitors to hear first-hand what marine scientists are studying and discovering about the ocean and its inhabitants.

The goal of the event is to help people move beyond the delight of watching a whale breach to a place of understanding, awareness and activism.

“This event really brings together a unique community that advocates for stewardship and protection of our local whale population,” shared one attendee. “The more we learn about whales, the more we want to learn.”

Whale Tales is hosted annually by Whale Trust, a Maui-based nonprofit organization dedicated to whale research and ocean education.

Whale Tales is both an educational event that bridges the information gap between scientists working in the field and the public and a means to raise funds to support whale research in Hawaii.

In 12 years, Whale Tales has raised more than $650,000 for whale research in Hawaii and reached tens of thousands of people, including thousands of local schoolchildren.

All proceeds from the Whale Tales event are distributed to selected organizations and students to support whale research in Hawaii through the Whale Tales Beneficiaries Program. This year’s funding will support projects specifically focused on understanding recent shifts in the distribution, abundance and migration patterns of humpback whales in the North Pacific.

“What makes Whale Tales special and unique is the sense of community surrounding the event,” said Meagan Jones, co-founder and executive director of Whale Trust.

“Whale Tales isn’t about just one organization. At its heart, Whale Tales symbolizes the spirit of collaboration within Maui’s whale research community.”

Open to the public, attendees will have opportunities to learn the latest in marine research from marine biologists and conservationists, and experience stunning visuals from world-renowned photographers and videographers.

Benefit whale watches featuring the expert presenters are hosted daily throughout the weekend. Registration is required and a $20 per day donation is encouraged.

Whale Tales is made possible through the generous support of many individuals and organizations. This year’s presenting sponsors are Makana Aloha Foundation and George and Marie Weis.

For a detailed schedule of events, presentations, registration and tickets, visit whaletales.org or call (808) 572-5700.