Whale Trust

Conducting, Promoting, and Supporting Whale Research and Education in Maui, Hawai‘i

Whale Tales

Join Ralph Lee Hopkins for a Whale Tales Photo Expedition

The Whale Tales Photo Expeditions are exclusive workshops led by Lindblad Expeditions Founder and Director of Photography, Ralph Lee Hopkins. Each expedition will provide you with a unique and in-depth experience to learn and explore some of the key elements of nature photography with whales as your muse.

Registration/Waitlist

MAUI 2020

WEEK 1: FEBRUARY 10-13, 2020
WEEK 2: FEBRUARY 18-21, 2020

Limited to 10 guests per week, this intimate experience includes 5 private whale watches with Ultimate Whale Watch (15 hours total), a welcome dinner with National Geographic contributing photographer Flip Nicklin, personal mentoring and instruction with Ralph.

INCLUDES

  • Option for special hotel room rate at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua ($400, plus taxes and resort fees.
  • Welcome dinner with National Geographic photographer and Whale Trust co-founder, Flip Nicklin.
  • Daily transportation to group events (including dinner and whale watches).
  • 5 Private Whale Watch excursions (includes 15 hours total-private charter trips with Ultimate Whale Watch, crew tips included).
  • Catered breakfast at the harbor each morning.
  • Daily pass for Whale Tales 2020 (February 14-17, 2020).

$3500*

minimum donation per person.

*OPTION: WHALE TALES MAUI PHOTO EXPEDITION + WHALE TALES 2020 SPONSORSHIP

Whale Tales Photo Expedition participants who increase one donation from $3500 to $5000 will be recognized as an event sponsor and will also receive the sponsorship benefits associated with the Minke Whale Sponsorship level including:

  • Two (2) invitations to the VIP Reception (2/15)
  • Two (2) tickets to a Whale Watch with Flip Nicklin (TBD)

Additional sponsorship options available. Contact Event Director, Dayna Garland, for more information.

ALASKA 2020

WEEK 1: AUGUST 13-17, 2020
WEEK 2: AUGUST 18-22, 2020

Limited to 10 guests per week, this four-day photo safari aboard a private catamaran charter (8 hours per day) will provide you with a unique and in-depth experience to learn and explore some of the key elements of nature photography with whales, Alaska landscapes and other wildlife.

INCLUDES

  • Option for special hotel room rate (location and rate pending).
  • Welcome dinner with Lindblad Expeditions Director of Photography, Ralph Lee Hopkins, National Geographic Photographer and Whale Trust co-founder, Flip Nicklin, and special guest Mark Kelly.
  • 8-Hour daily photo safari with Allen Marine Tours aboard a private catamaran charger, including meals.
  • Daily shuttle to and from harbor.

$4500

minimum donation per person.

Register Now

Whale Tales 2019

Whale Tales brings together marine experts and thousands of residents and visitors from around the world each year. Each year since 2006, world-renowned presenters have joined the Whale Trust research team on Maui to collaborate and share the latest findings on humpback whales and their environment. Over four days, scientists, photographers, filmmakers and conservationists join the public for a memorable weekend of engaging talks, receptions and exciting whale watches. In 2019, Whale Tales will be held February 15-18 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Stay tuned for the detailed program and schedule of events. Early registration and benefit whale watch tickets coming soon!

Whale Tales has raised more than $650,000 in 12 years for whale research in Hawaii! All proceeds from the Whale Tales event are distributed to selected beneficiary organizations and students to support whale research in Hawaii through the Whale Tales Beneficiaries Program.

Corporate and individual sponsors are critical to bringing this world-class event to Maui each year. Be a part of the continuing success of Whale Tales as a sponsor!

Whale Tales is an esteemed marine-science event among whale researchers and enthusiasts around the world. The annual event, hosted by Whale Trust, was established in 2006 to bridge the information gap between scientists working in the field and the public. Researchers, photographers, filmmakers and conservationists collaborate together to share and to help raise money to support ongoing research and education.

Partnering with Whale Trust as a Whale Tales Sponsor emphasizes your commitment to the future of our oceans. As a Whale Trust partner, we are happy to tailor sponsorship benefits to your business objectives or individual needs. See page 6 for 2019 sponsorship benefits. Your sponsorship contract will allow you to select which benefits best suit your needs as a sponsoring partner.

View Sponsorship Opportunities
PDF | Online

Become a Whale Tales 2019 Sponsor

Join us at Whale Tales 2018

We are excited to announce that the dates and location for Whale Tales 2018 have been finalized! Join us February 16-18, 2018 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and February 19, 2018 at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for an exciting weekend in February! For more information, please visit our new Whale Tales website at www.whaletales.org!

Whale Tales 2018 will feature presentations offered throughout the weekend by world-class presenters from around the globe. Benefit whale watches and other ocean activities will be held each morning, giving all guests the chance to get out on the water and learn firsthand from the presenters. Whale Tales also offers an Art and Education Expo, showcasing a variety of Maui artists, merchandise and non-profits. Together with our presenters, exhibitors, whale watching boats, beneficiaries, sponsors, and guests we are committed to creating a world more knowledgeable about whales.

  • Experience PRESENTATIONS by world-renowned scientists, photographers, filmmakers and conservationists.
  • Enjoy benefit WHALE WATCHES and other ocean activities to get out on the water and learn firsthand from the presenters.
  • Explore the ART AND EDUCATION EXPO, showcasing Maui artists, merchandise and nonprofit organizations.

Join us at Whale Tales: February 24 – 27, 2017 at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua

Whale Tales 2017 is Announced!

We are excited to announce that the dates and location for Whale Tales 2017 have been finalized! Join us February 24 – 27, 2017 at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

Whale Tales 2017 will feature a multi-day program with presentations offered throughout the day by world-class presenters from around the globe. Benefit whale watches and other ocean activities will be held throughout the weekend, giving all guests the chance to get out on the water and learn firsthand from the presenters.

Whale Tales also offers an Art and Education Expo, showcasing a variety of Maui artists, merchandise and non-profits. Together with our presenters, exhibitors, whale watching boats, beneficiaries, sponsors, and guests we are committed to creating a world more knowledgeable about whales.

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for an exciting weekend in February!

WHALE TALES 2016: A Successful 10th Anniversary Event

Mahalo For Making Our 10th Annual Whale Tales The Best Ever!

Meagan Jones Speaking to Whale Trust Crowd

Thanks to our generous sponsors, donors, volunteers and participants, we reached our goal and raised over $70,000 for whale research on Maui! Over the past ten years, Whale Tales has raised over HALF A MILLION DOLLARS to support whale research in Hawaii.

Whale Tales 2017 Educational Expo

MANY THANKS TO OUR WHALE WATCHING SPONSORS

The Jayhawk – Powered by Adventure Quinn
Captain Steve’s Rafting Adventures
Gemini Sailing Charters
Hawaii Ocean Rafting
Maui Adventure Cruises
Ultimate Rafting Adventures
Trilogy Excursions
Lahaina Cruises, Hawaii Ocean Project
Hawaiian Paddle Sports
Maui Kayak Adventures

 

SCHOOL OUTREACH

Close to five hundred 4th-8th grade Maui students joined our presenters, staff and volunteers at the Whale Tales Children’s Program to learn about current research and methodologies regarding the behavior, conservation and disentanglement of humpback whales. Check out some of the fun below!

Mahalo to the schools, teachers, and students who joined us to participate in the Children’s Program! We are so thankful to the coordinators and volunteers who made this event possible.

PRESENTERS

Mahalo to all of our wonderful presenters who took the time and effort to participate in Whale Tales 2017! Your thoughtful, engaging and insightful presentations were appreciated by all!

Susan Casey
Jim Darling
Beth Goodwin
Ralph Lee Hopkins
Ed Lyman
Greg MacGillivray
John Moran
Chuck Nicklin
Flip Nicklin
Kenneth O’Brien
Fred Sharpe
Jonathan Stern
Olga Von Ziegesar
Marty Wolff

SPONSORS

Whale Trust Maui would like to send a HUGE mahalo to the Makana Aloha Foundation for serving as the backbone of Whale Tales since 2009. Thank you for your support, guidance and leadership, and for being the best partner a non-profit could ask for. Your support and friendship mean the world to us.

One of the highlights of Whale Tales each year is the VIP reception for sponsors and presenters hosted by JoRene and Gunars Valkirs. This year was no exception! We know how much work goes into this event and we cannot be more appreciative.

Many heartfelt mahalos to ALL of our sponsors. Thank you so much for joining our team, supporting our mission, and contributing to the event. It would not happen without you!

For a complete list of sponsors and supporters, click here.

VOLUNTEERS

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who contributed immensely to the success of Whale Tales. It takes a village, and your positive attitudes and enthusiasm made it all worthwhile! Mahalo for being a part of our ohana!

AUCTION CONTRIBUTORS, ARTISTS & EXHIBITORS

Thank you to all of the Whale Tales silent auction contributors, artists and exhibitors for making this year one of the best ever. Your efforts and donations significantly added to the overall success of the event and we are so grateful.

PHOTO EXPEDITION

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s photo expedition led by Lindblad Expeditions Director of Photography Ralph Lee Hopkins! This sold out expedition was a wonderful new addition to our weeklong lineup. Check back in with us for updates on the 2017 expedition.

 

All featured photos by Bryan Berkowitz