Hawaii tsunami warning updates: Evacuation underway in Honolulu as sirens sound; waves may arrive soon
Hawaii officials ordered immediate evacuations along major coastal areas of Oʻahu, including parts of Honolulu. Hilo Airport has suspended commercial operations
Evacuations are currently underway across parts of Hawaii after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting a tsunami warning for the islands.
Oʻahu coastline evacuated
Officials ordered immediate evacuations along major coastal areas of Oʻahu, including parts of Honolulu.
"Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves are expected," Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management said on social media.
Sirens sound, residents urged to seek higher grounds
Tsunami warning sirens are reportedly blaring across Honolulu, according to the Associated Press. Residents have been instructed to evacuate to higher ground or move to at least the fourth floor of a building 10 stories or taller.
Also Read: Tsunami warning live updates: California tsunami landfall likely at 12.15 am Pacific Daylight Time
Photos and videos show ongoing evacuation
Images circulating on social media show residents leaving low-lying areas, particularly in and around Honolulu, as the warning takes effect.
Also Read: Tsunami warnings: How high could the waves be in Russia, Japan, Hawaii, and California?
Coast Guard orders all vessels to leave port
The U.S. Coast Guard has directed all vessels across the Hawaiian Islands to leave port immediately, per a statement posted on X by Hawaii’s Department of Transportation.
Island-specific updates
Kauaʻi: Officials urge the public to avoid Hanalei to allow smooth evacuation; Wailua Bridge remains open.
Oʻahu: Likelike Highway (townbound) has reopened; Kolekole Pass is open to help evacuate the Leeward Coast. Nanakuli Contraflow has been shut down.
Maui: State Highways crews are staging vehicles and equipment in preparation.
Molokaʻi: Kalaupapa Airport staff are preparing to evacuate to the lighthouse.
Big Island: Hilo Airport has suspended commercial operations to support evacuations from Keaukaha.
Also Read: Tsunami threat after Russia quake: Full list of countries and islands at risk
Official forecast: When could waves arrive?
According to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, “Based on all available data, a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter. An investigation is underway to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaii.”
“If tsunami waves impact Hawaii, the estimated earliest arrival of the first tsunami wave is: 7:17 p.m. HST, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Further messages will be issued hourly or sooner as conditions warrant until the threat to Hawaii has passed.”
