Tsunamis in Hawaii: Facts, Risks, and How to Prepare

There are many coastal areas around the world that need to be aware of the potential dangers of living near the ocean. One of the most well-known natural disasters that can occur on the coast is the rather infamous tsunami. Tsunamis happen all the time, even if they aren’t serious enough to make the news. However, in some places it is more common.

Today, we’ll look at Hawaii, whether the archipelago is vulnerable to these deadly waves, or not a cause for concern, and other important information. Let’s get started!

Does Hawaii Get Tsunamis?

Hawaii is generally considered a tsunami prone area because it is primarily located in the Pacific Basin. The Pacific Basin is the region of the Pacific Ocean that includes many continental margins and islands, including Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Chile, and others.

The area is more likely to be hit by a tsunami because of its proximity to plate activity. There are many reasons why tsunamis occur, but they are all related to the release of large amounts of energy in bodies of water.

The high crustal activity in the Pacific (hence the large number of volcanoes surrounding the Ring of Fire) makes the geological cause of the tsunami much more likely. When one tectonic plate collides with another, or scrapes and slides against something, that explosive energy can propagate through the water, creating giant waves.

Another possible cause of tsunamis is large amounts of material falling into the water. This is also the case for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Both are likely to occur in the Pacific Basin, which is the world’s tsunami hotspot. Hawaii is in the middle of a basin and has experienced tsunamis many times. There have been more than 160 tsunamis in Hawaii since records began in 1812.

What are The Worst Tsunamis In Hawaiin History

Here is a list of some of the worst tsunamis in Hawaii’s history:

April 1, 1946

An 8.6-magnitude earthquake in the Aleutian Islands off the coast of Alaska triggered a 16-foot tsunami that killed 158 people and caused $150 million in damage. This was the first tsunami recorded by a seismograph anywhere in the Pacific. The quake occurred 13,000 feet below sea level and was visible four and a half hours later from Hawaii, about 3,400 miles south of the epicenter.

May 23, 1960

A magnitude 9.5 earthquake caused by violent plate movement off the coast of Chile triggered a tsunami 35 feet high that traveled at more than 600 miles per hour. In Hawaii, the wave killed 61 people and caused $75 million in damage, but ultimately killed thousands in Chile.

After analyzing the resulting devastation, researchers found that the 20-ton rocks that made up the Hawaiian breakwater moved more than 500 feet when the water hit it. It was one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded.

March 11, 2011

A magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Japan triggered a massive tsunami that killed more than 15,000 people in Japan and reached Hawaii about six hours later. Although he suffered minor injuries, the damage amounted to an estimated $30 million. It is also known for causing the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, and the disaster is still being handed down. Hawaii did not suffer as much damage as Japan, but there was considerable property damage.

How to Prepare for a Tsunami in Hawaii

There is always the risk of natural disasters wherever you live, but for those who live in coastal areas like Hawaii, it’s important to plan in case something does happen. There are some important points for those living in Hawaii to keep in mind.

• Know the dangers and evacuation routes. If you live near the coast, find out if your area is a tsunami risk and where to go if a tsunami hits.
• Build an emergency kit with essential items such as water, food, flashlights, radios and first aid kits. Keep it portable and accessible.
• Make a family contingency plan. Discuss what to do and where to meet in the event of a tsunami. Practice your plan regularly.
• Please heed the warning. For the latest information on tsunami activity, listen to your local government or NOAA weather radio. If you have an early warning system that offers text messages and phone calls, sign up to maximize your chances of receiving an early warning.