If you’re visiting Waikīkī or anywhere in Hawaiʻi during a tsunami alert, knowing what each warning means — and what steps to take — can help keep you safe and calm. This guide breaks down the types of tsunami alerts, how to check if you’re in an evacuation zone and what actions to take if a tsunami is expected.
Table of Contents
1. Understand the Alert Levels
There are three main levels of tsunami alerts in Hawaiʻi:
- Tsunami Watch: A potential tsunami may occur. This is the time to stay informed and prepare for a possible evacuation.
- Tsunami Warning: A tsunami is imminent or already occurring. Evacuate immediately if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone.
- Extreme Tsunami Warning: A very large, destructive tsunami is expected. More extensive evacuations are required.
2. Check if You’re in a Tsunami Evacuation Zone
The first thing to do during any tsunami alert in Hawai’i is to determine whether you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone.
Use one of these official tools:
Zones are color-coded:
- Red Zone: Evacuate during a Tsunami Warning or Extreme Tsunami Warning.
- Yellow Zone: Evacuate during an Extreme Tsunami Warning.
- Green Zone: Safe area – no evacuation required.
3. How to Evacuate Safely During a Tsunami Alert
Evacuating to Higher Ground: What to Do First
If you’re in a red or yellow evacuation zone, head to a green zone as early as possible using any available mode of transportation — walking, biking, driving, rideshare or public transit.
Most tsunami threats to Hawaiʻi originate from distant locations, typically providing several hours of advance notice. Check the estimated first wave arrival time and allow yourself plenty of time to reach higher ground before that.
INSIDE TIP: Explore your O’ahu options with our transportation guide, it covers everything from buses and shuttles to bike shares, to help you get around the island easily.
Vertical Evacuation (If You Can’t Leave the Area)
If you’re near a sturdy high-rise building (10 stories or taller) and cannot safely reach a green zone in time, head to the fourth floor or higher. While not the preferred option, vertical evacuation can provide lifesaving elevation when ground evacuation isn’t possible.
4. How to Evacuate Waikīkī Without a Car
If you’re staying in Waikīkī and don’t have access to a vehicle, you can still reach a safe (green) zone on foot. Here’s how:
- East Waikīkī: Walk inland via Kapahulu Avenue or Monsarrat Avenue.
- West Waikīkī: Head up Kalākaua Avenue or McCully Street toward higher ground.
These routes typically take 20 to 40 minutes on foot, depending on your location. Be sure to leave early and walk calmly.
5. Go to a Tsunami Assembly Area (If Driving)
Designated Tsunami Assembly Areas are marked spots where you can park and wait out the threat. These are not emergency shelters but safe holding areas.
- Check the latest locations here: Tsunami Assembly Areas Map
If damage occurs, formal emergency shelters may be opened and announced after the tsunami threat passes.
6. Stay Off the Roads if You’re Already Safe
If you’re not in an evacuation zone:
- Stay put: Don’t drive around — this keeps roads clear for evacuees and emergency services.
- Avoid the coastlines: Stay away from the beaches until authorities announce it’s safe.
7. Monitor Local Updates
Tsunami situations can evolve quickly. Stay tuned to official sources for real-time alerts and evacuation orders:
- Get the City and County of Honolulu’s new notification system! Sign up at hnlalert.gov. Learn more about HNL Alert and get resources to share here.
- Local News:
- For Waikīkī-specific updates, follow us on Facebook
8. Final Tips
- Follow hotel staff instructions — Waikīkī hotels are well-trained in emergency protocols.
- Pack a small emergency bag with essentials (water, snacks, ID, phone, medication) during a Watch.
- Avoid rumors and misinformation. Trust only official channels.
- Check your zone before your trip so you’re prepared in advance.
INSIDE TIP: Bookmark this page or save the resources in your phone. It’s rare to experience tsunami alerts in Hawaiʻi — but having a plan in place can make all the difference.
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