Tsunamis are Hawai‘i’s most deadly natural hazard. They have killed more people on Hawai‘i Island than earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and floods combined.
Two types of tsunamis strike our coast:
- Pacific-wide tsunamis: Created by large earthquakes, they travel to Hawai‘i from distant areas like Asia, South America or Alaska.
- Locally-generated tsunamis: Produced by geologic activity in the islands.
How are Tsunamis Monitored?
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) monitors earthquakes and measures tsunami waves at sea. PTWC can provide several hours of warning time for a tsunami from a distant source. When a Tsunami Warning is issued, coastal sirens will sound. (Sirens are tested on the 1st work day of every month at 11:45am.)
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
- Take note: Signs are posted around Hawai‘i Island indicating when you are entering or leaving a tsunami evacuation zone.
- When you hear the sirens:
- Turn on your radio or television for more information. (*see map)
- If you are in a tsunami evacuation zone, evacuate immediately to higher ground.
- When a tsunami is generated locally:
- There may not be time for the sirens to sound before waves begin coming ashore.
- Your only warning may be to feel the ground shake from an earthquake or seeing the sea suddenly withdraw or begin to surge inland.
- If you feel a strong Earthquake, move to high ground immediately.
Do not return to coastal areas until you hear from County authorities.
- Dangerous tsunami waves may continue to come ashore for several hours.
- No matter where a tsunami originates, the waves will wrap around an island. All sides of our island are at risk.
Remember, if you are in a low-lying coastal area, you are at risk from tsunamis.
‘Iliki ke kai i ka ‘ope ‘ope la, lilo; i lilo no he hawawā.
The sea snatches the bundle and it is gone; it goes when one isn’t watchful.