Whale sanctuary reopens | News, Sports, Jobs

The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos

FIRST PHOTO: A crowd gathers in front of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s newly renovated visitor center to celebrate its reopening Saturday morning in Kihei. The sanctuary created to protect humpback whales and their environment is a partnership between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the state Division of Aquatic Resources. The visitor center has been closed since 2020 due to the pandemic. Bright informative panels, multimedia screens and memorabilia are part of the center’s impressive redo.

SECOND PHOTO: A panel depicting the sanctuary’s vital role in freeing entangled whales in Maui waters is presented in the renovated visitor center.

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