Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha Ave * Hilo, HI 96720-2833 * (808) 935-0926 * http://www.tsunami.org/ *
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is a non-profit run organization spreading the awareness and preparedness for the natural disaster of the tsunami. They believe through education and awareness no one ever should die again in Hawaii from a tsunami. They also act as a preservation museum for the social and cultural history of Hawaii as well as a memorial for those who lost their lives in tsunamis. In the shadow of the volcanoes, they feel that not many concern themselves about tsunamis which is a real threat for Hawaii as tsunamis have killed more people in Hawaii than all other natural disasters combined. They claim that from 1900-1964 there was a tsunami every five years exceeding 1 meter run-up. April 1st, 1946 and May 23, 1960 were devastating periods for Hilo by tsunamis. They feel all of Hawaii is not prepared for the disasters to come. Over the last 30 years there has been major population growth without the effect of tsunamis. The luck can only last so long. People have forgotten how devastating this natural catastrophe can be. By passing on stories, documentation, histories, photos, and evidence of these tragedies, they can teach the people to be prepared. They work in collaboration with the International Tsunami Information Center, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and the University of Hawaii, as well as State and County Civil Defense Agencies. The museum houses exhibits to interpret the phenomena, the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, history of tsunamis in the Pacific Basin, tsunamis of the future, myths & legends, and public safety measures for this type of disaster. They are open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. General admission is $8.00 as of the writing of this piece.
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