The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management (DEM),
NOAA International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC), and Hawai‘i State Public Library (HSPL) are partnering to identify preserve, and archive historic tsunami images. These photos and their stories are an important but perishable part of our tsunami history and heritage.
There are many tsunami images held within the collections within NOAA's Historical Tsunami database (Historical Tsunami Photos - Hawaii (view by Album (individual events) or Collection (event or island), email tsunamiphotos@noaa.gov ), as well as to request full-size images) at the Bishop Museum, Hawaii State Archives, and Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo, Hawaii.
1957 Aleutian Islands tsunami, Waimea Bay, O'ahu
If you would like to contribute images and stories of historical interest to the O‘ahu Historical Tsunami Photos Project, please them to a participating library. DEM and ITIC staff will scan and catalogue the images.
Liliha Public Library Thursday, April, 27, 2017 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
‘Āina Haina Public Library Friday, May 12, 2017 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wai‘anae Public Library Thursday, May 25, 2017 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wahiawā Public Library Friday, May 26, 2017 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Kahuku Public School and Library Tuesday, June 20, 2017 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Hawai‘i State Public Library System is an important information resource for communities, and this effort will serve to collect and make available these critical pieces of Hawai‘i history through the library system so they’re not lost. Each of the participating libraries will also have additional tsunami public education materials available, and the collected photos and information will be available through the library system.
Or, you may also contribute them online, please click
Submit Historical Tsunami Photo online
1946 Aleutian Islands tsunami, Kawailoa, Ala Wai Canal, O'ahu, Hawai'i State Archives
For more information,
Preserving O‘ahu Historical Tsunami Photos Project, flyer (PDF)
Media Coverage - Press Conference , April 26, 2017
Press Release, City & County of Honolulu (PDF)
KHON-TV online, Family photos of tsunami damage, impacts wanted for Oahu archive
Honolulu DEM Facebook, photos, https://www.facebook.com/OahuDEM/posts/1342469609167438
ITIC Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.ITIC.gov