Just in time for Tsunami Awareness Month, the Pacific Tsunami Museum has reopened after being shuttered for two years because of the pandemic.
“We are thrilled to be open again and able to continue our mission of promoting tsunami education and awareness,” said President/CEO Marlene Murray.
During the period the museum was closed, staff continued to work on projects including the brand-new Tsunamis in Japan Exhibit and Local Tsunamis Exhibit.
Also added was a Natural Hazards Exhibit, which features information on hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and volcanic activity. Hawaii experiences all these hazards, and the Pacific Tsunami Museum is a one-stop place to come and learn about the risks and how to prepare for them.
Another new addition is the Killer Tsunami Waves Wall, created by talented local artist Kristie Kosmides.
“We were thrilled that Kristie agreed to paint this for us, and it has quickly become a popular exhibit,” Murray said.
Guests who enter through the Kalakaua Street entrance are greeted by the colorful wall painting, which depicts the most destructive tsunamis to impact Hawaii in recent years.
In November 2021, the museum was bestowed the international Hamaguchi Award by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Government of Japan in recognition of its outstanding achievement and contribution to tsunami/coastal disaster resilience technology.
“We were honored to receive this prestigious award and appreciate being recognized for the important work that we do,” said Murray.
Since reopening, the museum has enjoyed a steady stream of visitors, mostly from the U.S. mainland, but Murray hopes that more kamaaina will visit.
“Even if you’ve been here before, there are new exhibits and a lot of new information,” she said. “And as we commemorate the anniversary of the April 1, 1946, tsunami, which claimed the lives of 159 people in Hawaii, we are reminded of the devastation that can occur. Now is the time to learn the warning signs and how to prepare for the next one.”
To recognize the contribution to the community made by our first responders, the museum will be offering free visits for fire, police and rescue personnel and their families on Saturdays throughout April.
The Pacific Tsunami Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is located at 130 Kamehameha Ave. For more information, go to www.tsunami.org or call (808) 935-0926.
