Students from Lanai are going on a whale-watching expedition from Manele Harbor for the first time with the Pacific Whale Foundation today.

Approximately 460 students in kindergarten to 12th grade from Lanai High and Elementary School will go on free trips throughout this morning and afternoon led by certified marine naturalists, according to the foundation, thanks to the generosity of Servco Foundation and other donors. Last week, students from Molokai went on the excursion.

“Our ultimate goal is to inspire the students to be stewards for the ocean,” said youth education specialist Robyn Ehrlich. “For many keiki, this is their first exposure to something that’s right in their own backyard. Hopefully it will encourage them to appreciate and protect the environment.”

The Keiki Whalewatch is an educational program offering customized ecotours and science enrichment to school groups. The program is available from January through April, and open to all grade levels, with grade-level appropriate curriculum, hands-on activities and an optional classroom session.

Visit the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Keiki Whalewatch page to learn more.