HONOLULU – Hawaii experienced a significant tsunami warning on July 29, 2025, following an 8.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia. The initial warning prompted immediate concerns across the Hawaiian islands, leading to directives for evacuation from tsunami inundation zones. The tweet from "Resist the Mainstream" succinctly captured the initial alarm, stating, "> BREAKING: Hawaii's under a TSUNAMI warning."
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), based in Hawaii, is the primary authority responsible for issuing tsunami alerts for the state. Upon detection of the powerful seismic event, the PTWC swiftly issued a Tsunami Warning, activating emergency protocols across all counties. Local officials, including those in Hawaii County and Maui County, began opening emergency shelters and advising residents and visitors to move to higher ground.
As the hours progressed and the tsunami's impact was assessed, the threat level diminished. By 10 p.m. on July 29, Dr. Chip McCreery, a tsunami expert with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), indicated that Hawaii had passed the peak of the potential impact. Emergency officials subsequently downgraded the Tsunami Warning to an advisory level around 10:40 p.m.
Tsunami advisories indicate that strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water are imminent or occurring, but widespread inundation is not expected. This downgrade allowed for a gradual return to normalcy, though coastal areas remained under caution. The rapid response from emergency services and the public's adherence to safety guidelines were crucial in managing the event.
Hawaii's robust tsunami warning system, developed after devastating tsunamis in its history, relies on real-time seismic data and deep-ocean assessment and reporting of tsunamis (DART) buoys. This infrastructure enables the PTWC to issue timely and accurate alerts, providing critical time for residents to evacuate and prepare. The incident underscored the continuous need for preparedness and public awareness regarding natural hazards in the Pacific region.