Splashing into 2010!

Visitors had a wonderful time watching the many humpback whales that showed up for the "Splash into 2010" event.

Visitors from around the United States and as far away as Belgium,  France, South Africa and Japan had a “front row seat” as they watched humpback whales during a special program held at Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Staff and volunteers from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary held a whale watch and a special “Talk Story” program that highlighted their incredible efforts to help protect and educate about these amazing creatures.

During the whale watch, visitors were delighted by these giants of the sea, as they breached and frolicked in the Sanctuary waters just off the coast from Pu’ukohola Heiau. After observing the humpbacks, visitors went inside to listen to Justin Viezbicke as he talked about the incredible efforts that he and other Sanctuary staff make to ensure that these wonderful creatures are protected from man-made threats, such as entanglements, boat strikes and pollution.

From January through March, volunteers from the Sanctuary will be offering free whale watches at Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site every Tuesday and Friday from 9:00-11:00am. If you would like more information, please contact the Park at (808) 882-7218.

Justin Viezbicke talks to visitors about the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.