Pacific Whale Foundation is proud to announce that we have won a Keep it Hawai'i recognition award from the Hawaii Tourism authority for our Lahaina Legends and Lore History Cruise.
The award is for demonstrating a commitment to the growth and development of the Hawaiian culture and is part of the 17th Annual Keep It Hawai'i awards program.
Pacific Whale Foundation's Lahaina Legends and Lore History Cruise was created to teach visitors about Hawaiian culture while allowing them to experience Hawai'i's beautiful outdoor environment.
Through oli (chanting), mele (song), narration and hands-on demonstrations, visitors are immersed in the traditional and modern stories of West Maui, Kaho'olawe, Lana'i andMoloka'i.
mele (song), narration and hands-on demonstrations, visitors are immersed in the traditional and modern stories of West Maui, Kaho'olawe, Lana'i andMoloka'i.
"All of our other cruises focus on the amazing marine animals and dramatic scenery of Maui's coastlines, but there was always something missing," explained Merill Kaufman, Pacific Whale Foundation's Hawaiian culture lead-person, and the developer of the History Cruise. "Offshore Lahaina serves as the perfect venue for this cruise, with the deep history of Lahaina, as well as a view of all of the islands in Maui County."
"We've had an overwhelming response from our guests, who've enjoyed learning a bit about the Hawaiian culture, and having a great time on the ocean as well," says Kaufman. "We'll also be using these cruises for field trips for children in 4th, 7th and 9th grades, to tie in with their Hawaiian History classes."
The Lahaina Legends and Lore History Cruise shares historical tales about the bustling port of Lahaina harbor, as well as fascinating Hawaiian myths and adventures.
The cruise was launched in June 2007 on Pacific Whale Foundation's eco-friendly catamarans.
"We were so honored by this prestigious award that we wanted to showcase this unique experience in a relaxing, fun and really different cruise, with local food, live narration, a bit of hula and the beauty of the sunset," says Kaufman.
The new upgraded cruise is called the "Taste of Maui Legends & Lore Sunset Cruise" and will replace the Lahaina Legends & Lore History Cruise.
The new cruise will be offered on select Saturdays, including October 25, November 22, December 13, January 24 and March 21.
The new two hour sunset cruise features live narration about the Hawaiian culture and history of West Maui, plus traditional Hawaiian chant and music, and a special hula celebrating the beauty of West Maui.
Guests can learn to play konane (a traditional Hawaiian "board" game) and make their own ti leaf kupe'e (wrist lei).
Because one of the best ways to experience Maui's island culture is by enjoying traditional foods, this cruise will include a delicious array of local-style appetizers, including Fire Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Kalua-Style Pork & Cabbage, Oven Roasted Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Baked Maui Breadfruit with Herb Crust, Zesty Green Papaya Salad and Taro Chips with Tropical Fruit Salsa.
To wash it all down, there will be unlimited fruit juices (including POG) and soda. Expertly mixed Mai Tais, beer and wine are available for guests who are adults with valid photo i.d. In the spirit of promoting responsible drinking, guest are limited to three alcoholic drinks during the cruise.
Desserts include Mini Coconut Haupia Pies and Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies, served with Maui-grown OMA Coffee.
The price for adults is $49.95. Children (ages 3 ñ12) are $34.95 Children ages 2 and under go free. Reservations can be made by calling Pacific Whale Foundation toll-free at 249-8811 ext. 1.
By booking online at www.pacificwhale.org, you can save 10%. Pacific Whale Foundation members save 20% and enjoy VIP boarding, whether booking by phone or online.
Keep It Hawaii Awards
On August 7, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency for tourism, announced the recipients of its 17th Annual Keep It Hawai'i Recognition Awards. The coveted Koa Award was presented to Kamehameha Investment Corporation for its Ho'iho'i Kulana Wahi Pana - Restoring Sacred Places project.
In addition, 17 Kahili awards and 26 Lehua Maka Noe certificates of merit were presented to individuals, organizations and businesses in recognition of their commitment to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture.
Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planet's oceans. This is accomplished by educating the public -- from a scientific perspective -- about the marine environment. Pacific Whale Foundation supports and conducts responsible marine research and addresses marine conservation issues in Hawaii and the Pacific. Through educational ecotours, Pacific Whale Foundation models and promotes sound ecotourism practices and responsible wildlife watching. To learn more, visit www.pacificwhale.org or call 1-800-WHALE-1-1.