Tsunami Chaos in Maui: Mass Evacuations After 8.7 Earthquake Sparks Statewide Alert

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Panic and urgency gripped Maui County yesterday evening as a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue an immediate tsunami warning for the entire state of Hawaii.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) responded by initiating a full-scale emergency operation just after 3:00 p.m., ordering mass evacuations from all coastal evacuation zones. Sirens wailed through neighborhoods, while emergency alerts, Civil Air Patrol flyovers, and door-to-door notifications urged residents and tourists to seek higher ground or follow their hotel evacuation protocols without delay.

By 5:30 p.m., shelters were activated across the island—including Lahaina Civic Center, Molokai High School, Hana High School, and Kihei Community Center—welcoming evacuees along with leashed or crated pets. County parks outside tsunami zones remained accessible, and alternative evacuation routes, including Oprah Winfrey’s private road, were temporarily opened to ease traffic toward Upcountry.

To protect critical infrastructure, the Department of Water Supply began shutting valves in multiple communities, causing low or no water pressure across Wailuku, Kahului, Wailea, Lahaina, and Molokai. Residents were urged to store water immediately. Simultaneously, the wastewater division halted operations at key pump stations in Lahaina, Central Maui, and Kihei to prevent contamination of the water system.

Traffic congestion quickly built up along Maui Veterans Highway, with emergency officials urging motorists to use Cane Haul Road or alternate inland routes. The County Department of Transportation confirmed that all Maui Bus services ceased operations by 6:30 p.m., depending on the route.

As tsunami waves were projected to reach Hawaii as early as 7:17 p.m., authorities shut down coastal parks and facilities including Kepaniwai Park. Firefighters, police, and MEMA teams were deployed throughout the island to assist with evacuations and maintain order.

MEMA remains at full activation, with its call center open to field inquiries. Officials strongly advise the public to rely only on verified sources such as the NWS, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and MEMA alerts for real-time updates. Residents can also download the Genasys Protect App for localized warnings and evacuation guidance.

Though no major damage has yet been reported, the situation remains fluid. Emergency officials continue to monitor wave activity, while the public is urged to stay off beaches, avoid coastal roads, and remain in safe zones until an official all-clear is issued.