Each month, the County of Maui Volunteer Center is spotlighting one of our partner organizations. This month, we are pleased to spotlight Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and share their remarkable success story:
Established in 1992 by Congress and jointly managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the State of Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is itself a success story. We are one of 13 national marine sanctuaries, including the newly expanded Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument. Our mission is to protect those gentle giants: the humpback whales and their habitat in Hawai‘i. Thanks to our volunteers, we have been able to help Hawaii’s seasonal humpback whales for decades by educating the public about good ocean etiquette around whales and other marine species.
People who volunteer at our sanctuary’s Visitor Center include students, retirees, married couples and more, and many of them have volunteered here for over a decade. Praised by visitors as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful and passionate, our volunteers help us succeed in our mission to help the whales through education and community outreach.
The official humpback whale season (December 15 – April 15) is fast approaching, and our sanctuary is in need of volunteers to help connect with and educate the community. New exciting opportunities are also opening up in Kaanapali at the new Whale Center of Hawaii, set to open in only a few months. If you are a US citizen 18 years or older, and want to help us protect the whales, please visit Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary agency profile for more information and to sign up. Mahalo!
