LIHU‘E — Kamakai, the life-sized inflatable, walk-in humpback whale will return to Kukui Grove Center after a four-year absence.
LIHU‘E — Kamakai, the life-sized inflatable, walk-in humpback whale will return to Kukui Grove Center after a four-year absence.
Kamakai will be available from March 20 through the end of March at a location near Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery, across from the Famous Footwear store.
“The timing of Kamakai’s visit perfectly coincides with the peak humpback whale season in Hawai‘i,” said Jean Souza, the program specialist with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the on-site manager for Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery. “I want classes and other special large groups to register for a one-hour time slot before going on spring break.”
Kamakai will be available for the public to experience for free with no reservations on March 20, 22, 27 and 29 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. On March 23 and 30, Kamakai will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, March 24 and 31, Kamakai will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
School classes and other large groups, such as the senior centers, need a reservation to experience Kamakai as a group. Reservations are available on March 20 through 22 and March 25 through 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and can be done by emailing KODinfo@noaa.gov.
During the Kamakai experience, attendees can expect to learn more about humpback whales, their anatomy, migration and behavior patterns. There will also be learning stations on humpback whale research.
