Whale Quest Kapalua raised more than $65,000 during a three-day educational symposium last month at Kapalua Resort, according to parent company Maui Land & Pineapple Company Inc.

The free, public event attracted thousands of participants who enjoyed educational forums by well-known whale researchers and marine biologists, interactive displays as well as art and photo exhibitions. Funds were raised through whale-watching excursions, a charity golf tournament on Kapalua Resort's Plantation Course and the auction of a trip to Antarctica donated by National Geographic Expeditions.

Proceeds from the Feb. 15 to 17 gathering will benefit Whale Quest Kapalua's three designated beneficiaries: Whale Trust, Center for Whale Studies and Hawai'i Whale Research Foundation. The three local non-profit whale research organizations will use the monies to help fund various field projects and research initiatives.

Flip Nicklin, co-founder and director of photography and videography for Whale Trust thanked the company for its support of whale research.

"Each year Whale Quest Kapalua does a tremendous job of raising funds and awareness for these important creatures," he said. "The event also gives us a chance to share with the community the importance of caring for our oceans to help preserve the natural habitat of whales."

Since its inaugural event in 2006, Whale Quest Kapalua has successfully raised more than $175,000 for local whale research organizations. For more information on Whale Quest Kapalua, visit kapalua.com.