Hawaii airports are open again and slowly returning to normal after a major shutdown caused by tsunami precautions. On July 29, 2025, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia, triggered a tsunami warning that led to travel halts, evacuations, and over 100 flights being affected across the Hawaiian Islands.
All major Hawaii airports—including Honolulu International (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA), and Lihue (LIH)—are now operational. Flight operations stopped statewide on July 29, with all flights in and out of Hawaii on hold that evening. Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines resumed flights late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. However, travelers may still face delays and cancellations, so it’s important to check flight status before heading to the airport.
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Tsunami Precautions and Travel Impact
The tsunami warning was issued just before 3 p.m. HST on July 29, with the first waves expected around 7:10–7:17 p.m. HST. At Kahului Harbor, water levels dropped by 15 feet, and at Midway, waves reached a peak-to-trough height of 6 feet. Over 100 flights were impacted, which is less than 10% of all flights from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, according to FlightAware.
Hawaiian Airlines responded by waiving all change fees and fare differences for affected travelers through July 30. Alaska Airlines also offered flexible waivers, but their call center wait times reached up to three hours during the crisis. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these flexible policies helped many travelers adjust their plans without extra costs.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
Statewide evacuations were ordered for all beaches and low-lying areas, with sirens and emergency alerts sounding across every island. Hotels moved guests away from coastal zones, and public shelters opened in several locations. Public transit and port operations stopped, and commercial ports are now reopening after safety checks. Oprah Winfrey’s private road on Maui was opened to help with inland evacuations, managed by law enforcement.
Cruise and Maritime Effects
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America left Hilo harbor early, leaving some passengers and crew ashore. The ship is now resuming its trip with adjusted port calls. Oceania Regatta also left Kailua-Kona early for safety, with ten guests still ashore. The cruise line is working with authorities to reunite them with the ship.
Practical Steps for Travelers
- Check your flight status with your airline before going to the airport.
- Use flexible waivers if your travel was affected on July 29 or 30. Contact your airline for rebooking or refunds.
- Monitor local news and official advisories for updates on Hawaii airports, ports, and public transit.
- Follow safety instructions from local authorities during future alerts.
For official updates and travel guidance, visit the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency website.
As Hawaii recovers, ongoing safety checks may cause further delays, especially at shoreline parks and facilities. Airlines and cruise lines are expected to keep flexible policies until all operations return to normal. Travelers should remain alert, check for updates, and follow official advice to stay safe.
Learn Today
Tsunami Warning → An alert issued to notify of a potential or imminent tsunami following seismic activity.
Evacuation → The organized removal of people from dangerous areas for safety during emergencies.
Flexible Waivers → Policies allowing travelers to change or cancel flights without fees during disruptions.
Magnitude → A measure of the energy released by an earthquake, rated on a logarithmic scale.
Port Operations → Activities involved in managing ships, cargo, and passengers at harbor facilities.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hawaii airports reopened after a massive 8.8 earthquake near Russia triggered tsunami warnings. Over 100 flights were disrupted. Airlines offered flexible rebooking to ease travel stress. Evacuations and safety checks continue, requiring travelers to monitor updates and stay cautious during ongoing recovery efforts throughout the islands.
— By VisaVerge.com
