Landmark· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Pacific Tsunami Museum
19° 43.5′ N · 155° 5.2′ W
A museum in the 1930 First Hawaiian Bank building on Hilo's bayfront telling the story of the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that wrecked downtown - the best explanation of why sailors leave Hilo Bay on any tsunami warning.
Practical
130 Kamehameha Avenue at Kalakaua Street. Wikipedia reports that in November 2024 the board laid off staff and suspended operations, though former employees volunteered to keep it open - confirm it is open before you go (the museum's own website did not respond in October 2026). Exhibits include video of the 1960 destruction shown beside the window overlooking the same spot.
Best for
Understanding Hilo's tsunami history