What are my risks?
History of tsunamis in Hawaii
County
Although Hilo has experienced more damaging tsunamis
than other Hawaiian coastal cities during recorded history, there
is no scientific data to support the fallacy that Hilo is more
susceptible to tsunami inundation.
Since 1812, 25 tsunami have adversely impacted the
Big Island. Three were generated by seismic displacements along
Kilauea's southeastern flanks, such as the 1975 Halape earthquake.
This tsunami's waves were 25-50 feet, devastated the area within
minutes, and sadly brought an end to the lives of two people camped
at Halape. There was no warning and no time to respond.
Twenty-two of the tsunami which damaged the big
island traveled thousands of miles across the Pacific - such as
from Alaska, Chile, Japan, and Tonga.
One of the most devastating of these distant tsunamis
occurred on April 1, 1946. Runup heights of >9 ft were measured
on all sides of the islands and the maximum of 55 feet was reported
near Upolu Point. In Hilo, the wave rushed up 26 feet and inundated
the low-lying ocean front causing extensive damage, which would
be relived by the 1957 and 1960 tsunamis.
Am I at risk?
If you live in a low-lying coastal area, you are
at risk. All low-lying coastal areas can be struck by tsunami.
To see Hawaii County’s Tsunami Evacuation Maps,
go to the front section of your phone book or click
here.
For more information, contact Hawaii Civil Defense
Agency (808)935-0031.
Source: Fletcher, Charles, Eric Grossman, Bruce Richmond. Atlas
of Natural Hazards in the Hawaiian Coastal Zone. 2000.