The Maui Ocean Center celebrated the grand opening of its “Humpbacks of Hawaii” exhibit Sunday. The 3D film is described by Maui officials as an immersive “sphere” that combines audio and visuals to give viewers a sense that they are in the ocean with the whales.
The $3 million exhibit features 4K imagery, 3D active glasses and a 7.1 surround sound system. It was developed, produced and directed by Daniel Opitz of Ocean Mind and includes footage from two humpback seasons in the waters around Maui.
“‘The Humpbacks of Hawaii’ exhibit and sphere goes beyond whale-watching, providing insights and knowledge about Maui’s humpback whales that are not widely known,” said Maui County Council Chairman Kelly King. “The exhibit will serve as a valuable cornerstone for Hawaii’s whale experience, enabling residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of humpback whales year-round.”
Maui Ocean Center’s general manager, Tapani Vuori, said the exhibit lets viewers get up close with the whales without disturbing Hawaii’s ocean ecosystems. “The experience stirs emotions and fosters a commitment to preservation and spreads awareness of the complex social lives and migrations of whales throughout Hawaii and the world.”
The South by Southwest film festival named it a finalist for its SXSW Interactive Innovation Award.
For more information and a schedule of viewing times, visit mauioceancenter.com.
HAWAII ISLAND
Spaceport foes cite pollution, other issues
Opponents of a proposed spaceport on the Big Island attended an open house this week as part of the project’s environmental assessment process.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Friday that some protesters sang songs, played the ukulele and circulated with a microphone seeking to put project representatives on the spot.
Concerns included noise and air pollution, along with safety.
The Alaska Aerospace Corp. project would sit on 12.5 acres and launch small satellites into low orbit. Rockets would be between 40 and 60 feet tall.
The project requires Federal Aviation Administration approval.
The state of Alaska formed the Alaska Aerospace Corp. in 1991 as a public corporation to promote the state’s aerospace industry. It operates one launch site on Kodiak Island in Alaska.
