The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has notified us that a Tsunami has been generated
and may impact Hawaiian coastlines. If details about the event and wave arrival time are
not attached to this handout, contact the front desk for the information.
What is a Tsunami?
Tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves, are a series of waves created by an underwater disturbance such as
an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite. A tsunami can move hundreds of miles per hour in the
open ocean and smash into land with waves only inches high to waves as high as 100 feet or more.
From the area where the tsunami originates, waves travel outward in all directions. Once the wave approaches
the shore, it builds in height. The topography of the coastline and the ocean floor will influence the size of the
wave. There may be more than one wave and the succeeding one may be larger than the one before. That is why
a small tsunami at one beach can be a giant wave a few miles away.
All tsunamis are potentially dangerous, even though they may not damage every coastline they strike. A
tsunami can strike anywhere along most of the U.S. coastline. The most destructive tsunamis have occurred
along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Areas are at greater risk if they are less than 25 feet above sea level and within a mile of the shoreline.
Drowning is the most common cause of death associated with a tsunami.
What Do You Do?
1. The best protection following a tsunami warning is to evacuate from coastal areas or move to the 4th or higher
floor level. The map below depicts the Tsunami Flood Zone (shaded area) for Waikiki. Decide if you plan to
leave the area or evacuate to a higher floor before the wave arrival time.
2. A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not assume that one wave means that the danger is over. The next wave may
be larger than the first one. Therefore, whether you decide to stay in the building or leave the area, you will
likely be there for as much as five hours after the initial wave arrival time.
3. If a destructive Tsunami is generated the water being pushed inland by the tsunami could bring massive
amounts of debris as it pushes inland, including vehicles and small buildings. If you decide to stay in the
building you may have to stay in that building for a long time until debris can be cleared; likewise, if you leave
the area you may not be able to return to your hotel for a long time. Be prepared with food, water, medications,
and other supplies you can not do without for an extended period of time.
4. Is your hotel safe to stay in during a Tsunami? Your hotel is constructed of reinforced concrete and inspected
by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Civil Engineers and they have determined the building
to be a safe option for a vertical evacuation. The DEM recommends that any vertical evacuation be done from
the 4th floor or higher.
What to expect
1. Sirens: Civil Defense sirens will sound three hours before the wave arrival time and every hour afterwards. The
last siren will sound a half hour before wave arrival time.
2. Roadblocks: The police will set up roadblocks about two hours from wave arrival time and prevent entry into
Waikiki. People leaving Waikiki should not expect to be able to return at least five hours after wave arrival time.
3. Transportation: Designated City buses will change from normal routing, operate as evacuation shuttles, and
pick up evacuees and provide transport to pre-designated tsunami refuge areas. Flag the buses down along their
adjusted routes and they will take you, without charge, to within walking distance of one of the refuge areas. Use
the shuttle buses to assist in your evacuation, but do not rely solely on their availability as accidents or
unexpected delays could occur. If wave arrival time is approaching and no bus is in sight, move outside the
evacuation zones immediately. Also be aware that a tsunami evacuation is likely to cause disruptions to all City
bus schedules.
3. Restaurants: Most restaurants will remain open as long as possible but will close early enough to allow for
securing the establishment and allowing employees time to evacuate. Restaurant employees cannot return at
least five hours after wave arrival time and reopening depends on damage and electrical power conditions.
4. Airport: The airport runway is on the coast and will temporarily shut down before wave arrival time. The
airport will announce departure and arrival information throughout the event. Check directly with your carrier.
5. Elevators will be secured on a higher floor about a half hour before wave arrival time and remain locked until
the All Clear is announced (possibly five hours after wave arrival time)
Ways to Prepare
Information:
Stay tuned to local television and/or radio that will provide constant updates on the situation relevant specifically
to Hawaii. Check the front desk for additional information such as a list of public areas designated for people to
sit and wait for the threat to pass. Expect regular Public Address messages from the hotel regardless of the time
of day.
Useful Internet links… Honolulu’s Department of Emergency Management: http://www1.honolulu.gov/dem/
FEMA: http://www.ready.gov/ and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center: http://ptwc.weather.gov/
Tsunami Refuge Areas
The Department of Emergency Management has established Tsunami refuge locations. These locations are
available as Refuge Areas for residents and visitors in the evacuation zones. Residents and visitors must bring
all supplies with them such as non-perishable foods, water, extra clothing and other necessary supplies. These
refuge areas are not shelters. Refuge areas provide a safe place outside of the evacuation zone for people to
gather and access a restroom.
Supplies to consider:
When alerted of possible Tsunami, keep your cell phone fully charged.
‰ Bottled water for each person (1 – 2 gallons per day for both drinking and sanitation)
‰ Ready to eat food (energy bars, nuts, candy, crackers, peanut butter etc)
Prepare an emergency bag… duffle bag or back pack with:
‰ Set of clean clothes, Long sleeve shirt, long pants, sport shoes, socks, cap, hooded jacket or poncho.
‰ Toiletries (toothbrush, tooth past, body soap, shampoo, tissue, wash cloth)
‰ Medication
‰ Flashlight with extra set of batteries
‰ Radio with extra set of batteries
‰ Money/cash (small bills and coins)
‰ ID/Passport other important papers
‰ Blankets
‰ Paper & Pen
‰ Small light weight games, books, deck of cards
‰ Sunscreen
‰ Mini First Aid Kit
… Band aids
… Alcohol wipes
… Ibupropohin/Tylenol
… Small bottle of antiseptic
… Bug repellent
After a Tsunami
Stay tuned to a battery-operated radio for the latest emergency information.
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Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return.
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Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and people.
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Protect yourself - not your possessions