All flights in and out of Hawaii were suspended Tuesday night after tsunami warnings followed a massive earthquake off Russia’s Pacific coast. The shutdown affected major airports across the islands, including Honolulu, Kona, Maui, and Kauai, with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Delta, United, and American Airlines canceling or delaying flights. The disruption left travelers stranded and forced some planes already in the air to turn back or divert.
By late Tuesday into early Wednesday, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines began resuming flights as airports reopened, but over 100 flights across Hawaii remained canceled or delayed. Inter-island and transpacific routes restarted in phases, and travelers were urged to check their flight status due to ongoing issues. Flexible travel waivers were quickly put in place, allowing affected passengers to rebook or cancel without extra fees.
Hawaiian Airlines issued a travel waiver for flights to and from Oahu, Kona, Kauai, and Maui scheduled between July 29–30, 2025. Passengers can rebook for travel by August 3, 2025, or keep the ticket value for future use, valid for one year. Alaska Airlines also suspended Hawaii-bound flights and offered flexible waivers, letting customers change or cancel flights without penalty. Other airlines, including Southwest, Delta, United, and American, provided similar options, though details vary by carrier.
During the tsunami warnings, emergency sirens sounded across Hawaii, and officials urged residents and visitors to leave low-lying areas and move to higher ground. The Hawaii Department of Transportation worked with airlines and federal agencies to manage airport closures and reopenings. Cruise ships like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America and Oceania’s Regatta left ports early, and some passengers were briefly stranded ashore until it was safe to return.
According to FlightAware, the suspension affected less than 10% of all flights from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on July 29, 2025. Still, the impact was felt statewide, with over 100 flights canceled or delayed. The tsunami warning was the first for Hawaii since October 2012, highlighting the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Governor Josh Green confirmed the statewide flight suspension and led emergency response efforts. The National Weather Service and U.S. Tsunami Warning System provided regular updates and evacuation guidance. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the event showed how quickly Hawaii’s air and sea travel can be disrupted and the importance of strong emergency plans.
For travelers affected by the Hawaii tsunami warnings, here’s what to do:
– Check your flight status on your airline’s website or by calling customer service.
– Rebook or cancel using the airline’s online portal or hotline. Hawaiian Airlines customers can call 1-800-367-5320 or use their live chat.
– Stay updated with official alerts from tsunami.gov.
– If you booked through a third party, contact your travel agency for help.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation continues to review emergency procedures, aiming to improve responses for future events. For the latest updates, visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.
Learn Today
Tsunami Warning → An alert issued to warn of a potential or actual large ocean wave caused by an earthquake.
Travel Waiver → Permission allowing passengers to change or cancel flights without extra fees during disruptions.
Transpacific Routes → Flight paths that cross the Pacific Ocean connecting North America with Asia or Oceania.
Daniel K. Inouye Airport → Honolulu’s main international airport, key gateway for domestic and international flights in Hawaii.
Emergency Sirens → Alarms used to alert residents about imminent natural disasters needing urgent evacuation or action.
This Article in a Nutshell
Tsunami warnings triggered a full Hawaii airport shutdown on July 29, 2025. Airlines canceled over 100 flights with waivers allowing flexible rebooking through August 3. Emergency sirens sounded across islands, urging evacuations. Flights gradually resumed but disruptions showcased Hawaii’s vulnerability to natural disasters and emphasized emergency preparedness.
— By VisaVerge.com
