Question 1

What should I do if I'm at a Hawaii beach when a tsunami warning is issued?

Accepted Answer

If a tsunami warning is issued while you're at a Hawaii beach: (1) Leave the beach immediately — don't wait to see the wave. (2) Move inland and uphill to high ground (at least 100 feet elevation or 1 mile inland). (3) Follow evacuation route signs — blue signs with white wave arrows. (4) Do NOT return to the beach until authorities give an all-clear. (5) If you can't reach high ground, go to the highest floor of a sturdy reinforced concrete building. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a local earthquake.

Question 2

What are the natural warning signs of a tsunami in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Natural warning signs of a tsunami include: (1) A strong or long earthquake — if shaking is severe enough to make standing difficult, move immediately. (2) The ocean receding rapidly from the shoreline (drawback) — this is a major warning sign, move inland NOW. (3) A loud roaring sound like a train or jet engine from the ocean. (4) An unusual rise in sea level. If you observe any of these signs at a Hawaii beach, evacuate to high ground immediately — don't wait for official warnings.

Question 3

How often do tsunamis hit Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Hawaii experiences tsunami threats and evacuations regularly — historically about once per decade for major events. Hawaii has been hit by destructive tsunamis multiple times, including 1946 (Hilo, 159 deaths), 1960 (Hilo, 61 deaths from Chilean earthquake tsunami), and 2011 (Japan earthquake caused $30M damage to Hawaii). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), based in Ewa Beach, O'ahu, monitors seismic activity 24/7.

Question 4

What do the tsunami sirens sound like in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Hawaii's tsunami sirens sound on the first business day of each month at 11:45am as a test. In an actual emergency, sirens sound with a steady tone for 60 seconds, pause, then repeat. If you hear sirens outside the scheduled test day and time, it's a real emergency — evacuate immediately. Do not call 911 to ask if it's real — assume it is and move to high ground.

Question 5

Where are tsunami evacuation zones in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Tsunami evacuation zones are marked with blue and white tsunami evacuation route signs throughout Hawaii's coastal areas. Coastal areas within about a mile of shore and at low elevation are typically in tsunami inundation zones. Maps are available at HawaiiTsunamiEvacuationZones.com and from each county's civil defense office. Most beach hotels provide evacuation route information to guests. Know your route before you need it.