• Skip to main content

Whale Trust

Whale Research and Education in Maui, Hawai‘i

  • WHO WE ARE
    • OUR STORY
    • OUR PEOPLE
    • FINANCIALS
  • RESEARCH
    • WHALE SONG
      • CHARACTERISTICS, COMPOSITION, & BEHAVIOR
      • WHY DO HUMPBACK WHALES SING?
      • CURRENT SONG RESEARCH
    • BREEDING BEHAVIOR
      • MATING BEHAVIOR
      • CALVING
      • CURRENT RESEARCH
    • RESEARCH - SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
      • VIDEO GALLERY
      • PHOTO GALLERY
  • EDUCATION & OUTREACH
    • COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EVENTS
    • MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION
  • RESOURCES
    • PHOTO GALLERY
    • VIDEO GALLERY
    • SONG & SOUND GALLERY
    • PUBLICATIONS
  • SHOP
    • SHOP ALL
    • CART
    • WHALE TALES
  • GET INVOLVED
    • VOLUNTEER
    • TAKE ACTION NOW
    • PHOTO EXPEDITIONS
    • DONATE
  • WHALE TALES
    • BECOME A SPONSOR
  • DONATE

Main Content

Mission
Whale Trust's mission is to conduct, support, and promote scientific research and education programs on whales and the marine environment.
LEARN MORE
2025 Annual Report
Our 2025 Annual Report is here!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR IMPACT
Whale Tales
SAVE THE DATE
February 11-15, 2027
Whale Tales
Spring Appeal
Whale Trust Turns 25!

In honor of Whale Trust’s 25th Anniversary on July 19th, we invite you to join our summer challenge to raise $250,000 in donations and pledges. If 1000 people who see this pledge just $25 dollars a month for one year (about the cost of a monthly streaming subscription) we can reach this goal together.

JOIN OUR JOURNEY
Spring Appeal
SPONSOR
Read About Our Impact
SPONSOR
previous arrow
next arrow

     .  . 

 

April 3, 2026 – Maui Whale Song

https://whaletrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/TASCAM_0023.wav

whaletrustmaui

Research | Education | Conservation
Creating a world that understands, appreciates, & protects whales and the ocean planet we share. 🐋

#ThrowbackThursday Ralph Pace joined the Whale T #ThrowbackThursday 

Ralph Pace joined the Whale Trust team in 2016, and has become an essential part of our research and our education and outreach through his photos.
Introducing Dr. Robb Spears! Yesterday, Haley suc Introducing Dr. Robb Spears!

Yesterday, Haley successfully defended her PhD dissertation at UC Santa Cruz, sharing her research on endocrine variation in North Pacific humpback whales.

Haley’s journey with Whale Trust began years ago, when she first participated in the Whale Tales Keiki Program as a elementary schooler. She stayed connected through her years at Lahainaluna High School, returned as a Whale Trust intern while in college, and joined Whale Trust as a researcher after graduating. Whale Trust also proudly supported Haley’s PhD research as she continued studying humpback whale physiology and behavior.

Now, after completing her PhD, her Whale Trust journey continues. This fall, Haley will step into a new role as Associate Director of Programs, helping lead Whale Trust’s research and education programs into the future.

We are so excited to celebrate this incredible milestone and the next chapter in a journey that has come full circle in so many ways.

Congratulations, Dr. Robb Spears! 💙🐋
#ThrowbackThursday Co-founders Flip and Jim in t #ThrowbackThursday 

Co-founders Flip and Jim in the field in 2015!
#ThrowbackThursday 10 years ago in 2016, Haley R #ThrowbackThursday 

10 years ago in 2016, Haley Robb Spears completed her first summer internship with Whale Trust while she was completing her undergraduate degree. This month, Haley is completing her PhD. Dr. Robb Spears will be continuing her journey with Whale Trust as Associate Director of Programs. 

Read what Haley had to say about her internship in 2016: 

"For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with marine life. As an elementary school student, I was able to attend Whale Quest Kapalua (in 2008), a wonderful event hosted by Whale Trust Maui serving to bridge the gap between research and local communities. Since then, I have been regularly attending the Whale Tales sessions held every year. I remember my freshman year of high school I heard Dr. Meagan Jones’ talk, during which she mentioned her collaboration with Lahainaluna students to analyze blubber samples collected from whales off Maui to see if they could detect hormones related to reproduction. I was introduced to her after and expressed my interest in marine biology. My senior year I took over the whale hormone project, where I got the opportunity to get to know Dr. Jones a bit better as well as be introduced to other members in the field. I even had the opportunity to go out on the research boat! This was an incredibly important experience for me as it solidified my decision to pursue a career in marine biology. I have since had the pleasure of working under Dr. Jones and completed my first internship with her this summer. Whale Trust Maui has been an extremely influential part of my decision to become a marine biologist, from elementary school to the present. I am so grateful for Whale Trust Maui’s educational programs that opened incredible opportunities for me. I am now studying marine biology with a minor in statistics at University of Victoria and planning for future internships with Whale Trust Maui."
We are getting closer to the start of whale season We are getting closer to the start of whale season! When do you think the first whale of the season will be spotted?
Join us for Haley Robb Spears' public defense of h Join us for Haley Robb Spears' public defense of her PhD project! Haley has been involved with Whale Trust since she was a part of the Whale Tales Keiki Program in 2008. 

Tune in for her public defense next Thursday September 24 at 1:30 pm HST!
#ThrowbackThursday Co- founders, Dr. Meagan Jone #ThrowbackThursday 

Co- founders, Dr. Meagan Jones Gray  and Dr. Jim Darling with a friendly whale in 2023!
We invite you to join us in supporting the 21st An We invite you to join us in supporting the 21st Annual Whale Tales by becoming a sponsor! Whether you’re an individual passionate about marine conservation or a business looking to make a positive impact, your sponsorship plays a vital role in our efforts.
Visit the link in our bio for more information!
#whaletales2027
Follow on Instagram

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

 

LATEST NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23 –
Dr. Haley Robb Spears! Click here to learn more.

TUESDAY, AUGUST. 10 –
Malihini Holo’s Biggest Fans! Click here to learn more.

SUNDAY, JULY. 19 –
Whale Trust was Founded 25 Years Ago Today! Click here to learn more.

MONDAY, JUNE. 15 –
Whale Trust’s 25th Anniversary! Click here to learn more.

TUESDAY, JUNE. 2 –
Get Involved With Whale Trust This Summer! Click here to learn more.

TUESDAY, MAY. 5 –
Whale Tales 2027 Save the Date! Click here to learn more.

CONTACT US

Phone:

(808) 572-5700

E-mail:

info@whaletrust.org

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1360
Puunene HI 96784

Whale Trust is a a 501(c)(3) based in Maui, Hawaii. Our tax ID is 91-2144632.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • HOME
  • Donate
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Copyright Ⓒ Whale Trust · Website Photos: Flip Nicklin/Minden Pictures & Ralph Pace/Minden Pictures; NMFS Permit #19225