HONOLULU - The average number of whales sighted off Kahoolawe during the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count Saturday was the highest among four islands.

The Kahoolawe rate of 14 whales per 15-minute count period was higher than the state average of eight whales. There were 56 sites on Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island and Kahoolawe. The average number of whales spotted each quarter-hour was four on Oahu, five on the Big Island and eight on Kauai.

The Pacific Whale Foundation conducts a Maui whale count independently. Also, the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission organizes a private count on Kahoolawe, officials said.

Weather conditions were perfect for viewing humpback whales around the state, a news release said.

"The Ocean Count project provides a unique opportunity for the public to learn about Hawaii's humpbacks while participating in a monitoring event," said Christine Brammer, sanctuary Ocean Count coordinator. "Many volunteers that try out the project come back year after year. It is easy to get hooked on watching Hawaii's humpbacks."

Scientific studies have shown that the Hawaii humpback-whale population is increasing at an annual rate of about 7 percent, the news release said. Over time, the sanctuary will use the data from whale counts to corroborate those findings.

The Hawaiian Islands provide a breeding habitat for about two-thirds of the North Pacific stock of humpback whales.

Two more sanctuary Ocean Counts are set for Feb. 28 and March 28. For information, see Web site http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.