Sunset. Hervey Bay. Queensland, Australia. Pacific Whale Foundation researchers had been out on the water since early morning that memorable winter day in 2006 and were about to head back to the harbor when five younger humpbacks appeared.

"We were sitting there with the motor in neutral, and the whales — think teenagers — seemed to be mesmerized by the quiet vibration of our engine," recalled Greg Kaufman, PWF’s founder and executive director. "They swam slow laps around us for about 20 minutes. Then suddenly they all stopped and lay side by side on the surface with their noses pointed toward the back of the boat. They appeared to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the outboard."

The whales floated there for half an hour, not moving except to take a breath or two every five minutes. As the sun sank below the horizon, they slipped into the water, and seconds later, without warning, they simultaneously spy-hopped — rose vertically — around the boat.

"It’s as though they were trying to get a good look at what was making that humming sound," Kaufman said. "I’ve been studying humpbacks since 1975, and they never cease to amaze me. Just when I think I’ve seen everything, something ‘wow’ like that happens to remind me how incredible nature is."

Kaufman spearheaded the launch of what was initially known as Whale Day in April 1980 (seven months later he established PWF to honor the humpbacks that migrate to Hawaii every winter to breed and give birth). He and other whale enthusiasts wanted to get together to eat chili, listen to music and raise awareness of the importance of protecting whales and other ocean creatures from threats such as pollution, net entanglement, vessel strikes and climate change. They had such a great time, they decided to do it every year.

"World" was added to the festival’s name in 2009 to emphasize the global reach that PWF has achieved. "Today, with live streaming, people pretty much everywhere can come to Maui virtually to celebrate World Whale Day with us," Kaufman said. "It’s a family-oriented event where we show our appreciation for and share our knowledge of whales with anyone who’s interested."

The Parade of Whales kicks off the daylong event with marching bands, walkers dressed as sea creatures and floats flaunting creative decorations. Following the parade, festivities continue with live music (headliners this year include Henry Kapono, Willie K, Anu­hea and Ekolu), a Made on Maui arts and crafts fair, and food ranging from pizza to poke to plate lunches. The Keiki Carnival will keep kids occupied with bouncy castles, face painting and ocean-themed games.

A dozen organizations that, like PWF, are working to protect Maui’s natural resources will be stationed in Eco Alley. This year they include Sierra Club Maui, the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, the West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

PWF’s research, education and conservation team also will be on hand to engage attendees with whale-themed activities, exhibits of whale artifacts and information about ongoing research projects, marine education programs and ocean conservation efforts. The 35th Anniversary Tent will spotlight PWF’s accomplishments since its inception through videos, displays of memorabilia and photos from its early days.

"It’s a fun, lively event that’s a great example of the community coming together to put on something special," said Kaufman. "And since it falls on Valentine’s Day this year, we’re expecting 25,000 people to join us to express their love for Hawaii and the whales!"

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.