World Whale Day in Kalama Park Kihei Maui

Saturday was World Whale Day and Kalama Park in Kihei was the place to celebrate our whales that return every winter to the warm Hawaiian waters to mate and give birth.

The Parade of Whales kicked off the day from 9:00 to 10:00 along South Kihei Road. I snapped a photo of this fun float as I walked up pretty Halama St. on my way to Kalama Park.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As I approached Kalama Park from my ocean side walk, a sea of tents were sitting beneath the Haleakala mountain ridge, and strains of Hawaiian music wafted my way, inviting me to attend this special event.

I found my way to the entrance and was immediately part of the throngs of people wandering around the park.  This was definitely a happenin' Maui event. Eco Alley had booths represented by more than 15 non -profits working on Maui to protect our resources. I thought this was so neat and one guy who was a volunteer for the Monk Seal Response Team let me take a photo of his back.

"Made on Maui" was the motto of the day and the many local artisans were displaying their wonderful hand made arts and crafts.

I was fascinated by a display called Bhakti Rocks.  Ane Colby-Takaha has created some beautiful paintings on stone. When I got home I looked up their website and let me tell you, it is interesting to read about her journey. Don't we all have one? 

I was also taken by some fun ceramic blow fish by an artist named Lynn. You can visit her website which is called Sparrow Seas to see all of her unique creations.

Wow. I couldn't believe this day. There was stuff for kids galore including shave ice, cotton candy and lots of inflatable fun rides.

There were a zillion food booths representing some of Kihei's best restaurants. You could choose from Shaka Pizza, Stella Blues, Monsoon India, and many more local restaurants. I think all you had to do was buy scripts which translated into dollars to pay for the food.

 I haven't even mentioned the amazing entertainment that was there for this event. There was everyone from John Cruz to Willie K, to Happa, to Lukas Nelson (son of Willie Nelson) to mention but a few popular Maui entertainers. We attended the performance by Willie K and OMG I can't begin to tell you the crowds he brought in. I was barely able to snap a photo between people dancing and getting right into his music.

Needless to say we had a fun time at the World Whale Day celebration in Kalama Park, Kihei, Maui.