Tsunami Hits U.S. Shores, Grounds Flights in Hawaii and Beyond

Tsunami waves, as of Wednesday, July 30, 2025, have begun to strike parts of the United States, with Hawaii experiencing the first impacts.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), water levels rose significantly.

It has reportedly surpassed four feet in Haleiwa, located on the northern coast of Oahu.

The unusual surge prompted immediate safety precautions, leading to disruption in air travel and emergency evacuations across several regions.

Flight Disruptions in Hawaii

Flight operations in Hawaii were among the hardest hit.

FlightRadar24 reported that travel to Honolulu was significantly disrupted, with numerous flight delays, cancellations, and rerouted planes.

Flights departing from cities such as Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco, and San Diego, headed for Hawaiian destinations, were forced to return to their departure points late Tuesday night.

Kona International Airport took immediate measures by halting all commercial flights.

Local authorities confirmed that Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines suspended all incoming and outgoing flights at both Kona (KOA) and Hilo airports.

These steps were taken in coordination with tsunami evacuation efforts to prioritize public safety.

While the airport buildings remained physically accessible, the grounding of commercial flights adhered to state emergency protocols.

Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui also temporarily shut down commercial operations to support the evacuation process.

Although the airport itself remained open for emergency services, no regular passenger flights were operating.

During the temporary closure, around 200 people sought refuge inside the terminal.

At a press briefing, Hawaii Governor Josh Green shared his concerns, stating, “Everything has been OK so far.

“We haven’t seen a big wave.

“But when that water receded in Haleiwa and we saw some boats laying on dry rock and sand, that gave us pause.

“That doesn’t happen for no reason.”

His remarks underscored the seriousness of the event, referencing the receding water on Oahu’s shore, a known signal of an impending tsunami wave.

Flight Services Begin to Resume

Despite the ongoing caution, some airlines began resuming limited operations.

Hawaiian Airlines confirmed the safe restart of flight services as the situation stabilized.

Alaska Airlines announced plans to resume flights on the morning of Wednesday, July 30.

In a statement to CNN, Alex Da Silva, Regional Communications Director for Hawaiian Airlines, said, “Hawaiian Airlines is safely resuming flight operations this evening as airports reopen.

“Alaska Airlines will resume operations tomorrow.

“Guests with travel to, from or within the Hawaiian Islands should continue to check the status of their trips.”

California Airports Affected

The tsunami alert also had ripple effects in California, particularly at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

At least eight Hawaii-bound flights from LAX were either canceled or rerouted back to Los Angeles.

These actions were taken to avoid increasing the population on Hawaii’s islands during a critical time and to help minimize airport activity while emergency protocols were in place.

Airports Focus on Safety and Evacuation

Across Hawaii, the primary focus shifted from commercial air travel to safety and emergency response.

While physical access to airports such as Kahului remained possible, all regular operations were suspended.

Emergency shelters were activated in terminal buildings for stranded travelers and local residents who needed temporary refuge.

With signs of recovery beginning to emerge, airlines are cautiously reintroducing service, but with a strong emphasis on traveler awareness and ongoing safety monitoring.

Officials continue to advise travelers to stay updated on flight statuses and follow all local emergency guidelines.

As the situation evolves, residents and travelers alike are urged to remain vigilant, heed official advisories, and prioritize safety over convenience.

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