What an amazing way to celebrate Earth Day with the long-awaited grand opening of the Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center!
Community members along with HWF staff, volunteers, and renowned nature artist Patrick Ching, celebrated the grand opening of the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center on Earth Day. Photo credit: Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund
The day’s special events included the unveiling and Hawaiian blessing led by Kahu Ua for the absolutely stunning ʻOhana Kanaloa mural, created by renowned nature artist, Patrick Ching in partnership with the Maui community. Two oli were also shared by Noelani Lee and her sons at the mural later in the afternoon, along with another chant and celebration held within the center. The Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center, a 5,000 sq. ft. facility featuring an ocean immersion room and more than 30 stunning exhibits honoring the ocean realm.
Participants in the day’s events had a chance to create their own marine debris art and were treated to pupus & champagne, coconut weaving, ukulele lessons, and a silent auction featuring amazing items from Maui Divers Jewelry and Sea Maui Charters. The event also featured a presentation and screening of Patrick’s newly released “Painting in Paradise” show featuring Maui Murals and Jason Moore’s stunning presentation of the challenges and enormous feats accomplished by the Humpback Whale Sanctuary’s Disentanglement Network during the 2021-22 whale season in Hawaiʻi.
We hope you were there to join us! If not, please be sure to visit us at the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center, open everyday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Whaler’s Village in Kaʻanapali. Come check out the amazing array of ocean art, activities, immersion films and more celebrating native wildlife of Hawaiʻi. The facility was co-created and operated by Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund and Brookfield Properties. Your donations support its operation and new exhibits as well as the conservation of Hawaii’s native wildlife.
Viewing the many stunning art and immersion exhibits at the Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
Blessing of the ‘Ohana Kanaloa mural created by Patrick Ching and the Maui community, seen here with HWF staff & volunteers from Maui and Hawai‘i. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
A stunning section of the ‘Ohana Kanaloa mural, created by Patrick Ching and the Maui community. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
Blessing of the ‘Ohana Kanaloa mural, located just outside of the Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center in Whaler’s Village. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
The ‘Ohana Kanaloa mural, created by Patrick Ching and the Maui community. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
Is this yours?? An artist’s take on plastic marine debris at one of the many art exhibits at the Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center. Exhibit by Sharkastics. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
Community members along with HWF staff and volunteers celebrated the grand opening of the Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
Noe Lee sharing another oli to celebrate the grand opening of the Hawai‘i Wildlife Discovery Center with the Maui community and HWF staff and volunteers. Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
Blessing ceremony of the ‘Ohana Kanaloa mural. Seen here is keiki Kauluwai with his auntie Hannah (HWF Co-founder and Executive Director). Photo credit: Hawai‘i Media Collective.
