The state is asking recreational and commercial boaters to be cautious during the height of the whale season from January to March.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources urged vessel operators to post dedicated whale lookouts and maintain a slow and safe speed.

The state says such measures are needed to help the Hawai'i humpback whale population thrive.

Humpback whales migrate to Hawai'i's warm waters around November each year to breed and give birth.

They return to Alaska in the spring and summer to feed.

As many as 10,000 humpback whales may visit Hawai'i waters in a season.

They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.