Tsunami Across Pacific Leads to Cancelled Flights in Hawaii

On July 29, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s far east coast, triggering tsunami waves across the Pacific, including in Hawaii, Japan, Alaska, and California.

• Japan: Evacuations occurred in coastal areas, especially around Fukushima and Hokkaido. One death was reported in Mie Prefecture during evacuation efforts. Waves up to 1.3 m were recorded at Hokkaido.
• Hawaii: Authorities across Oahu and the Big Island issued emergency evacuations, which caused traffic congestion in Honolulu.
• The US: Crescent City, California, faced waves as high as 3.6 feet. Advisories were extended to the Oregon border and parts of British Columbia.

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines halted all flights to and from the Hawaiian Islands. Kahului (Maui) and Hilo (Big Island) airports canceled all departing flights until at least July 31.

As wave threats diminished, tsunami alerts in Japan and Hawaii were downgraded to advisories, and evacuation orders were lifted. Authorities still urge residents to remain cautious near coastlines.

Cover photo by Braden Jarvis on Unsplash