Since 1812, there have been more than 160 confirmed tsunamis. Nine tsunamis caused 293 deaths and damage totaling over USD $625 million (2022 dollars), with 86% of the fatalities on Hawai'i island (60% in Hilo). 245 of the 293 deaths were from distant tsunami sources.
Since 1946, more than 220 people have died in Hawaii, including six on Oahu, due to tsunamis. Knowing if you're in an evacuation zone, recognizing the natural warning signs, and understanding how you will be alerted can make the difference between life and death. View our multilingual tsunami resources.
According to the International Tsunami Information Center, the last tsunami that caused significant damage in Hawai'i was the 2011 Great East Japan tsunami, which was observed statewide causing $30 million in damage.
Because of our state's position in the center of the so-called “Ring of Fire,” as well as because of our islands' own local volcanic and seismic activity, Hawaii is vulnerable to tsunami.
In a period of 157 years, a damaging or destructive tsunami struck the Hawaiian Islands on the average of once in every twelve years. Since 1960 no major destructive tsunami has struck the islands from distant earthquakes.
Use t hem to guide you to a safe area. If no maps or signs are available, go to an area 100 feet above sea level or two miles inland, away from the coast. If you cannot get this far, go as high as possible. Every foot inland or upwards can make a difference.
Tsunami damage on April 1, 1946, in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. For Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi, we're marking the anniversary of the deadliest tsunami to strike the islands in modern times. On April 1, 1946, an 8.6 magnitude earthquake off the Aleutian Islands triggered a massive wave that killed nearly 160 people.
Hawaii's crime rate in 2022 is at 2.5 incidents per 1,000 people. That's lower than the 2.6 incidents the state reported in 2021. Hawaii boasts lower violent crime than the national rate of 4.0 incidents per 1,000 people. Common crimes in Hawaii include petty thefts and drug-related crimes.
Tsunamis probably reach Hawaiian shores on an average of more than one a year.
Located around the 2,500 foot elevation, not only is Waimea safe from Tsunamis, but also offers cooler weather, and lush green scenery…not to mention a community that is not dependent on tourism for it's economy. You can email me at [email protected] or via phone at (808) 370-3848.
Compared to the rest of the country, Hawaii has a low risk of natural disasters. Excluding COVID-19, there have been 36 disaster declarations in Hawaii since 2000. Of these, 17 were Major Disaster Declarations. Because the state is not densely populated, none of these disasters caused more than $1 billion in damages.
Scientists estimate that almost three quarter of the world tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean, where the megathrusts (subduction zones) are so common (Aleutian Islands, Alaska, Chile, Philippines, Japan etc).
On 26 December 2004, at 07:58:53 local time (UTC+7), a major earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1–9.3 Mw struck with an epicentre off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
The island of Oʻahu is highly susceptible to tsunami and coastal flooding as these events have occurred many times in the past. Coastal areas where University facilities and vessels are located may be affected.
But, keep your wits about you and you should be just fine. The sidewalks will usually be full of people all the way down there until you get very close to your hotel. It is safe unless you are our after midnight, then it is like walking around in any major city. Almost anywhere in Waikiki, you will be just fine.
Mexico vs Hawaii – The final verdict
Choice between Hawaii and Mexico is really tough. There are pros and cons for both. When it comes to safety, Hawaii is a better choice.
Yes, Hawaii is known for its high cost of living due to factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation. What salary do you need to survive in Hawaii? To survive in Hawaii, a single person may need a salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, while a family may require $80,000 to $100,000.
Thousands of earthquakes occur every year in the State of Hawaii. They are caused by eruptive processes within the active volcanoes or by deep structural adjustments due to the weight of the islands on Earth's underlying crust. Thousands of earthquakes occur every year in the State of Hawaii.
Hurricane Iniki (/iːˈniːkiː/ ee-NEE-kee; Hawaiian: ʻiniki meaning "strong and piercing wind") was the most powerful hurricane to strike Hawaiʻi in recorded history. Forming on September 5, 1992, during the strong 1990–1995 El Niño, Iniki was one of eleven Central Pacific tropical cyclones during that season.
Remain at least 100 feet away from inland waterways and marinas connected to the ocean because of wave surges and possible flooding. For all Tsunami Warnings, evacuate out of the red zone. In the unlikely case of an "Extreme Tsunami Warning" (applicable in Hawai'i only), evacuate out of the red and yellow zones.
Natural tsunami warnings include strong or long earthquakes, a loud roar (like a train or an airplane) from the ocean, and unusual ocean behavior. The ocean could look like a fast-rising flood or a wall of water. Or, it could drain away suddenly, showing the ocean floor, reefs and fish like a very low, low tide.
Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. A tsunami with potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to people in or very near the water is expected or occurring. Get updates about the tsunami from NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television or your mobile device.
And NO, YOU CAN'T OUTRUN A TSUNAMI.
It's just not possible. It doesn't really matter how fast the wave is coming in, the point is that once you get a sign of a possible tsunami, you really shouldn't be near the wave in the first place. Know the warning signals. Don't ignore them or underestimate the speed of the wave.